However, peppermint contains up to 40 percent menthol, which gives it a much stronger, more intense flavor. Furthermore, spearmint occurs naturally while peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint. First, let’s take a look at peppermint. by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) Health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to control hypertension & reduce high blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, & improve liver health. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate, almost sweet flavor that comes from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than menthol (0.5 percent). Spearmint flowers can be pink or white, while peppermint is often pink and slightly darker than their spearmint counterpart. Kid social media influencers are promoting junk food and sugar-filled beverages in their YouTube videos, and they are garnering more than a billion views,…, We know that music, particularly musical training can improve the functioning of the brain. It gets its flavor from the chemical ingredient carvone, which is much subtler than the aforementioned menthol and doesn’t evoke the same cooling sensation. Peppermint is often used in candies, gums, muscle rubs, foot powder, mouthwash and toothpaste. Mint is an herb which has been used for thousands of years. Consult a medical practitioner for health problems. Spearmint, on the other hand, has a lower menthol composition, giving out a fresh and sweet flavor. Spearmint vs Peppermint. Therefore, as Taste of Home explains, peppermint is especially pungent and … Although spearmint contains menthol, it has smaller amounts than peppermint tea. Always use scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Their stems are squarish, sturdy stems and their leaves grow opposite one another in pairs. Looking at peppermint and spearmint with your eyes and smelling them with your nose is not going to reveal which is which. Peppermint belongs to the Piperita species and is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. The most striking difference is the amount of menthol – an organic compound found in all Menthas responsible for the bulk of mint’s sweet, sometimes spicy, flavor Peppermint is high in menthol (25-50%) and menthone (12-44%) giving its characteristic cooling feel on the skin. Read on to find out how they compare with each other. Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, … Spearmint vs. Peppermint. The main difference between all such types gets explained in the following ways. This juice also helps in soothing acidity. ), and spearmint has more of an herby taste. Peppermint ranks high in terms of the menthol flavor and aroma. Named for its pointed leaves, spearmint can be used fresh or dried, and can also be frozen without losing its potency. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. Of the two, spearmint has the least concentration of menthol at 0.05 percent. When you put them against each other, spearmint vs peppermint, and compare their differences, you’ll find that they are, in fact, quite different from each other! Spearmint contains vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients.Its aroma is very similar to that of peppermint. Spearmint, also part of the Mentha genus, is part of the Spicata species and is not a hybrid. Spearmint and peppermint are used for many of the same purposes, but they aren’t the same plant. Mint leaves are green and appear in pairs opposite each other. Average rating 4.0 out of 5.0 based on 95 user(s). There are many herbs with savory and aromatic properties. It's not a hard and fast rule, as I love spearmint gelato. Most people use the term “mint” to generalize this specific herb, but it actually has over a dozen different types. Spearmint blossoms range in color from pale blue to lilac or white. Mint comes from the Mentha genus. The leaves of peppermint appear toothed and sharp-looking, whereas spearmint leaves are oblong, rounded and lanced. Spearmint is subtle and sweet and about as mint... Spearmint and Peppermint can look very similar, but the best way to tell them apart is by tasting the leaves. This herb is popular for its health and medicinal uses as it can treat indigestion, the common cold, and calm inflammations. The hybrid herb has a smooth stem, fibrous roots, dark green leaves and purple-coloured flowers. The oil of the plant is considered to be an excellent rub for tired or strained muscles. It is scientifically known as Mentha. Copying is allowed with active link to TheyDiffer.com. Peppermint. Mint leaves are green and appear in pairs opposite each other. Both peppermint and spearmint embrace completely completely different minerals and dietary nutritional vitamins that help with our nicely being requirement. Mint is also well known for its hygienic benefits. Both are used in cooking, have medicinal purposes, and make for great essential oils and tea. First, you will have to discard the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass stalks by peeling them away with your fingers. There are many differences between spearmint and peppermint plants, from the leaves, flowers and flavor of the two herb plants to their most popular uses. The leaves of peppermint appear toothed and sharp-looking, whereas spearmint leaves are oblong, rounded and lanced. Please read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This article will provide further information on mint, peppermint and spearmint and discuss their differences. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. As part of aromatherapy, the scent is un… Q: When a recipe calls for “mint,” should I use spearmint or peppermint? Peppermint vs. Spearmint. Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Peppermint is scientifically known as Mentha piperita, while spearmint is scientifically known as Mentha spicata. We know mint as the refreshing and delicious flavor of many of the things we eat every day, from breath mints to mint chocolate chip ice cream. But the precise reasons behind this are less known. However, depending on the season there is a choice of fresh mint leaves (usually spearmint). Because of the two mints, it has high menthol content, and is widely used in both medicinal and commercial purposes. When you ask for "Mint Tea" at most restaurants or cafes, you usually are served peppermint tea (dried tea bag) in a pot. Peppermint will get outlined as a result of the mixture of water mint and spearmint. When on the extract aisle of the grocery store, there's a difference as well. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. 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