Horti Tops® Spearmint

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

The Culinary Mint

Spearmint is the preferred mint for cooking. Unlike peppermint, which can be harsh and medicinal, spearmint offers a sweet, subtle mintiness that enhances rather than overwhelms. This is the mint for mojitos, mint sauce, Middle Eastern cuisine, and most culinary applications.

Essential Mint Preparations

Classic Mint Sauce: Finely chop fresh mint, combine with sugar, splash of boiling water to dissolve, then add white wine vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes. Essential with roast lamb.

Mint Tea: Pour boiling water over a generous handful of fresh mint leaves. Steep 5 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Served sweet and hot, this is Morocco’s national drink.

Mojito: Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar. Add rum and soda water. The mint should be gently pressed to release oils, not pulverized into bits.

Raita: Mix yogurt with chopped mint, cucumber, and cumin. This cooling Indian condiment is essential with spicy curries.

Tabbouleh: Fresh mint is essential alongside parsley in authentic tabbouleh.

Mint in Savory Dishes

Do not limit mint to drinks and desserts. It is magnificent with:

Fresh peas – a classic English combination. Lamb – mint sauce is just the beginning. Watermelon and feta salad. Vietnamese spring rolls. Greek salads. Thai larb. The fresh, cooling quality of mint balances rich or spicy foods beautifully.

Controlling the Spread

Warning: Mint spreads aggressively through underground runners. Plant it in a container sunk into the ground, or in pots, or in an area where spreading is acceptable. Otherwise, it will take over your garden.

This vigor has benefits – mint is nearly impossible to kill. Harvest frequently and heavily. Cut back hard if it gets leggy. It will always bounce back.

Digestive Benefits

Mint has been used for digestive complaints for thousands of years. The menthol relaxes stomach muscles and promotes bile flow. Peppermint is stronger medicinally, but spearmint is gentler and often preferred for children and those sensitive to strong flavors.

Growing Spearmint