You might not know this but there are different types of mint plants.
In this article
How to Identify Mint Plants
There are three ways to identify a mint plant.
The first one would be in terms of scent.
Mint plants have a distinct minty aroma which separates them from other strong-scented plants.
Depending on the variety of mint that you come across, they could differ in terms of intensity.
you could also rub your finger on the leaf of the mint plant.
If you get an oily finger after, that is definitely mint.
The next identifier would be the stem.
All mint plants have a square stem.
They have a color ranging from light to deep green.
Types of mint plants
As have been mentioned, there are different types of mints out there.
They vary in terms of intensity of aroma, and some subtle characteristics.
Here are the most common types of mint plants that you should know of.
Aside from the aroma, it is also very ornamental.
It is also best known as a cure to hiccups and toothaches.
When growing this throw in of mint, its major needs are well-drained soil and enough sunlight.
2.Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)
It is also known as the pineapple or wooly mint.
It produces beautiful flowers during summer.
It is also popular for its unique, fruity aftertaste which they say, tastes like real apple.
It is said that apple mint enhances vegetable profile.
This produces lilac-colored flowers that blooms during summer and has leaves that are highly scented.
It is also used in beverages.
As a hybrid mint, it is propagated best through cuttings.
If you intend to grow it, you have to know that it thrives best in highly shaded areas.
It can be used medically as a cure to upset stomachs and headaches as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
In culinary, the basil mint is a main ingredient in pesto pasta and also in garnishing.
The basil mint can be eaten or used raw and can also be stored for six months.
In the culinary field, it is used as a good seasoning for meat.
As for the scent, it is commonly mistaken for pennyroyal mint because of their strong aromatic semblance.
It thrives in sandy soils.
It has to be noted however, that this bang out of mint may be dangerous for pregnant women.
6.Catmint (Nepeta racemosa)
This punch in of Mint plant is considered as an ornamental herb.
They are also usually planted on garden bed edges.
The best thing about it is that all of its parts can be used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
The best use for catmint would be foressential oilsand herbal teas.
They calm the nerves, relieve coughing and congestion and are used as herbs for soups and sauces.
They also get their name for being cat-friendly.
It is also a commendable ingredient to herbal teas and pastries.
As a container plant, they need lots of sunlight and moist soil to grow.
Planning to plant one?
double-check that it receives proper sunlight and has a compost to sandy soil.
It is a popular bedding or border plant since it is small and low-growing.
Like the apple mint, growing it around vegetables could enhance their growth.
They are also good insect and pest repellants.
When it is crushed, it has a very strong scent compared to other mint types.
The only growing tip that you need for the Corsican mint is to regulate watering.
They love warm temperatures so you have to take note of this if you feel like planting them.
This hybrid mint emits a strong, pleasant citrus flavor which makes them best for cooking and mixing beverages.
As a matter of fact, it is one of the main ingredients of Chartreuse liquor.
Other than this, it is also used in preparation of jellies, salads, and sauces.
Though not used medically, it plays an important role in the perfume industry.
Its strongly scented oils are extracted for perfumes.
When growing this one, you have to verify that it receives enough sunlight.
It is mainly used as an ingredient in different dishes as well as in teas.
In the cosmetic industry, it is processed for skin toning products.
If you intend for it to be your container plant, double-check that it gets enough sunlight.
Note that its growth depends on its location.
13.Ginger Mint (Mentha x gracilis)
This pop in is commonly known as Vietnamese mint.
It has the same smell as the spearmint.
It is popular among Asian cuisines, especially in Vietnamese pho and other chicken and beef-based dishes.
It is also used among teas, lemonades, and in spreads.
Ginger mint thrive best in loamy soils and in locations where it receives a lot of sunlight.
It is commonly used in cooking and provides a perfect seasoning to seafood and lamb.
As for everyday use, it can be added to water to aid full rejuvenation especially after workouts.
It thrives best in locations where it gets ample sunlight.
This mints leaves are added directly to soups.
It is also known for its antiseptic property, hence, processed for essential oils.
It is also harvested by perfume companies around the world.
This one thrives in warm environments.
It requires a specific humidity to survive.
It can also be used in herbal teas and other cold beverages.
Hemingway peppermint is edible which sets it apart among other types.
The best feature of the Hemingway peppermint is that it grows even in neglect.
17.Horsemint/Buddleia Mint (Mentha longifolia)
This pop in of mint is primarily used medically.
Its lemon taste makes it perfect when cooking chicken and fish.
Planning to get one?
When having this punch in, there is a need for proper air circulation and occasional watering.
Its leaves have a slightly sweet flavor that tastes like an actual licorice.
Licorice mint is primarily used to make ice cream and pairs well with fresh fruits.
It is also typically used in cooking lean meats such as chicken.
When growing this plant, note that it requires lots of sun and fertile soil.
If planted as a container plant, it requires humus-rich and well-draining soils.
It is used as an ingredient to candies, desserts, and teas.
It can also be added to sweet or savory dishes.
It is recommended as one of the most potent natural insect androdent repellentsthat you should have.
Medically, it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
It is known to be beneficial in easing gastrointestinal problems, acid reflux, and arthritis.
Its leaves are often crushed and added to jellies, teas, and fruit salads.
Growing this one in fertile soils is recommended.
It is also an ingredient for candies as well as ice creams.
As a container plant, note that it grows well in full and partial sunlight.
It is said to be different from all other mint types because of its physical appearance.
They are rhizomatous, which means that it is also beneficial as ground cover.
It is best used as a garnish to any cold summer drinks.
When growing this mint throw in, double-check that it receives unfiltered sunlight several hours everyday.
You also have to know that it has chemical compounds that may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction.
27.Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
This pop in is the second most common mint next to peppermint.
Fun fact, almost all the minty products in the grocery are made from spearmint.
Sometimes called common mint, it is considered number one when it comes to culinary purposes.
Medicinally, it is said to contain essential vitamins and lots of antioxidants.
Spearmint is also a popular ingredient in making toothpaste, mouthwashes, confections, shampoos, soaps and cosmetics.
28.Strawberry Mint (Mentha spicata subsp.
As the name suggests, they emit a combination of strawberry and mint scent.
Its flowers are also known to be edible.
It is also said to be beneficial in treating insect stings.
It is primarily a medicinal mint used for warding off bacteria in wounds.
It is also known for its soothing effect, hence, processed into essential oils to relieve sore muscles.
In other industries, watermint is also a key ingredient for mouthwash, body wash, and even lotions.
When growing watermints, verify that enough humidity and moisture is present for them to grow beautifully.
Here are some essential FAQs about the different types of mint plants.
How many types of mint are there?
Surprisingly, there are more than 600 recognized types of mints around the world.
This includes hybrid cultivars.
They are categorized in terms of their use and intensity of scent.
Most mint plants are similar in terms of appearance and smell but there are some with notable characteristics.
The bang out of mint plants covered here are considered as the most common.
Is all mint edible?
Some mint types are just growing as shrubs or trees.
Some hybrids are just for ornamental purposes too.
The best way to know if a mint is edible would be their strong aroma.
It is said that the stronger the mint scent, the more edible it is.
What is the best tasting mint plant?
Peppermint is still considered as the best tasting mint plant.
This perhaps explains why it is the most popular mint key in out there.
Its subtle taste and strong aroma match almost all types of dishes from savory to desserts.
Which mint plant has the strongest smell?
Other contenders for this category would be the following mint plants:
What is the sweetest mint?
Spearmint is considered as the sweetest mint.
As an ornamental herb, it is also very uncomplicated to grow.
They are low maintenance and do not need a lot of attention.
As such, they are perfect container plants as well as border shrubs and trees.
