Mint, About the Different Varieties of Mint

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Mint brings to mind the cool, refreshing, and familiar flavor of peppermint candies and spearmint gum. The scent is reminiscent of freshness and cleanliness which is why its flavor is commonly used in breathmints and even toothpaste. Mint is also widely used as an insect repelant and mice deterrent. In addition, a sprig or two tucked into a bouquet adds a special quality to the fragrance of flowers.

In the kitchen, try mint in teas and punches, desserts with chocolate, fruit salads, with new potatoes, and fresh peas. When using mint, remember that a little goes a long way; the flavor can easily overpower a good recipe. For a lovely garnish, candy mint leaves by brushing them with egg white frothed with water, then dust with powdered sugar and lay on waxed paper to crystalize.

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To harvest, pick leaves from stems just before the plant begins to flower.

In the garden, mint is fast-spreading and can be quite invasive. It is best to plant in confined beds or in pots. Because of its rapid growth, it works well for slopes and embankments that are hard to mow. Most varieties grow from 1 to 3 feet tall, with small flower spikes in shades from white to lavendar. It likes a sunny location with some afternoon shade and moist, well-drained, alkaline soil.

It is estimated that there are over 600 varieties of mint in the world today. Pantry Garden Herbs currently carries 15 varieties from the familiar 'Peppermint' and 'Spearmint' to the fruit flavored types of 'Apple','Orange', and 'Pineapple', along with the exotic 'Chocolate' and 'Ginger' flavors. There is even a mint for cats who derive a feeling of euphoria from the scent of Catnip or 'Catmint'. Listed below are each of our varieties and their particular attributes:

Apple Mint - Tall sturdy stems with large, fuzzy, grey-green leaves that smell slightly of apple, bears white flowers in summer.

Chocolate Mint - This herb has dark, rich foliage. It tolerates hot, dry conditions and is not as invasive as most mints. A nice desert mint!

Corsican Mint - This is a very dense, low, creeping variety that is great planted between stepping stones or in pots. It has an incredible Creme de Menthe fragrance.

Curly Mint  - A taller mint that sports bright green leaves that are attractively curled. The taste and smell are similar to spearmint. Curly Mint tends to be an aggressive grower.

Ginger Mint - Is an ornamental and aromatic mint, with lightly varigated leaves and a delicate hint of ginger. Performs best with protection from hot, afternoon sun.

Mint Julep - Is named after the famous beverage with Kentucky bourbon. Because of its excellent flavor, Mint Julep is one of the best mints for tea and sweet recipes.

Orange Mint - Smells of citrus and is spicier than most mints. Requires little care.

Peppermint - The most famous of all mints, it requires little care and makes excellent teas and candy.

Pineapple Mint - This one has varigated foliage and a light pineapple scent. Use with lamb, fruit salads, and teas. Works well in mixed pots with other herbs.

Spearmint - One of the most intensely fresh mints, milder than peppermint, it is used in sauces, jellies, and teas.

Variegated Peppermint - Beautiful, creamy variegation, tightly compact, highly fragrant and flavorful - what more could you want in this lovely peppermint variety. It's hardy and easy to grow, and not too fussy about soil either.

Catnip - Cats love this euphoria-inducing herb. Makes a great filling for cat toys.

Catmint - Smaller ornamental form of catnip with lavendar-blue flowers. Excellent ground cover and for rock gardens. Blooms profusely.

Pennyroyal - This member of the mint family is a low, creeping, dense variety which makes a durable groundcover. It is the most powerful insect repellent of the mint family. Place in your pet's bedding to repel fleas and ticks.

'Walker's Low' Catmint - Striking blue flowers are abundantly massed atop fragrant grey-green foliage. Makes a beautiful, dense mound. A magnet for butterfies and hummingbirds.

USDA Hardiness Zone Hardy Perennial (zone 4)

Characteristics & Attributes for Mentha