The differences in flavor and use are subtle, but they do exist. Peppermint extract is made from pure peppermint oil, while mint extract is derived from any number of, or combination of, culinary mint plants. The leaves of peppermint appear toothed and sharp-looking, whereas spearmint leaves are oblong, rounded and lanced. Many people talk about them interchangeably, but spearmint and peppermint are actually two distinct plants (via Reluctant Gourmet). Peppermint's flavour is similar to spearmint, but due to higher concentration of menthol, flavour of peppermint … As we already covered, both spearmint and peppermint are members of the same family and thus have rather similar properties as it relates to appearance, cultivation, flavor, and use. Each dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and India, where they were valued for the effects of their oils, though those substances were used for different purposes. The oil of the plant is considered to be an excellent rub for tired or strained muscles. Peppermint contains 40% menthol while spearmint contains less than 1% menthol. Nine times out of ten, recipes will guide us toward using an extract, like vanilla extract or peppermint extract, to add flavor to our baked goods.But then what are those tantalizing bottles of flavoring oils doing on the shelf? Like peppermint, it is used for its leaves and the oil derived from its leaves. Spearmint's blossoms, in dense cylinderlike spikes with separated whorls, look like spears. Spearmint has a much more mellow and sweet flavor. In drink, you likely to use peppermint but for food, spearmint is better. Find out how to grow the 10 best herbs for a home garden. The Real Difference Between Spearmint And Peppermint. Peppermint is scientifically known as Mentha piperita, while spearmint is scientifically known as Mentha spicata. When on the extract aisle of the grocery store, there's a difference as well. Let’s break this down: Mint is a type of aromatic herb that comes from a genus of plants known as Mentha in the family Lamiaceae. Native to parts of Europe and the Middle East, peppermint has a distinct cooling effect and can actually lower the temperature of your mouth. The herb’s most well-known use is in Wrigley’s Extra Spearmint Gum (you know the one! 79. Mint - any mint flavor or combination of mint flavors. Shutterstock. first, they are from different species.. Mentha x piperita vs Mentha Spicata. Scientifically known as Mentha spicata, spearmint is a member of the Mentha genus and is native to Europe and Asia, although it has been naturalized all over the world throughout the course of history. You might have noticed that peppermint typically only makes a prominent appearance in your grocery aisles during the holidays (bring on the peppermint bark, candy canes and peppermint patties! Moreover, Spearmint is Mentha spicata while peppermint is Mentha piperita. But it does have some notable healing effects, such as the ability to alleviate nausea and hiccups. To put it simply, peppermint belongs to the Mentha genus and the Piperita species.It's a cross between spearmint and water mint.Peppermint, which is a cooling ingredient, can actually change the temperature of the mouth and skin upon touch. Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, a mint variety that we don't see so much. Allrecipes is part of the Meredith Food Group. This means peppermint is going to have a more intense “minty” flavor that spearmint. Some of our all-time favorite recipes like Roast Rack of Lamb with Herb Sauce, Mint Julep and Grasshopper Pie include mint (or mint-flavored ingredients). Both peppermint and spearmint embrace completely completely different minerals and dietary nutritional vitamins that help with our nicely being requirement. (Its name is starting to seem a bit more fitting, huh?) Peppermint belongs to the Piperita species and is a hybrid between watermint and spearmint. The difference between the two comes from the chemical component levels in them most notably in the amount of menthol in peppermint being significantly higher than the amount in spearmint. It's frequently peppermint. Peppermint is from the piperita species, while spearmint is from the spicata species. Spearmint and peppermint are used for many of the same purposes, but they aren’t the same plant. Those different levels of menthol are what give peppermint and spearmint their different tastes. Peppermint and spearmint are the most popular, and are commonly used in cooking. Mint is a common household name and is a well-loved flavour of both young and the old. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has a delicate flavor and fragrance that is often described as sweet. As part of arom… Spearmint - comes from the spearmint plant. Related: 30 Peppermint Desserts to Make This Christmas Season. Beyond that, varieties can vary near infinitely based on subtle changes in chemical composition. Tamari Dundua/EyeEm/Getty Images. Both at a pleasing, minty flavor to a tea or a candy. Spearmint - comes from the spearmint plant. Peppermint vs. 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 a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, a mint variety that we don't see so much. However, peppermint contains up to 40 percent menthol, which gives it a much stronger, more intense flavor. Although confusing which type of mint (peppermint vs. spearmint) to use in your recipe won’t necessarily ruin your creation, there are differences between the two in terms of flavor and uses. Another popular mint is the hybrid peppermint. Both of the above are perennial herbs. Peppermint and spearmint are both in the Mentha genus, but peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). Peppermint is created by the blend of water-mint and spearmint leaves. Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken Kabobs, Couscous Tabbouleh with Fresh Mint & Feta, Tandoori-Style Chicken with Cucumber Melon Relish, Cranberry-Lime Semifreddo with Pound Cake, Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish, Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Pear Chutney, Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips, Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. What is the difference between mint, spearmint, and peppermint? Peppermint vs. Spearmint. Mint is the general name for an herb popularly known for its menthol cooling properties. Both have serrated leaves, produce pale pink or purple flowers, spread underground using stems called stolons, and contain menthol – the compound responsible for that fresh, cooling sensation. Peppermint and spearmint are the most popular. By Ben Fisher / June 9, 2020 12:13 pm EST. As nouns the difference between menthol and peppermint is that menthol is (chemistry) a cyclic monoterpene alcohol; the major component of the essential oil of peppermint; used in pharmaceutical preparations as an antitussive and antipruritic agent, as a nasal decongestant, and in menthol cigarettes while peppermint is a hybrid herb of the mint family formed by crossing watermint and spearmint … Source. Spearmint and Peppermint can look very similar, but the best way to tell them apart is by tasting the leaves. It is a cross between spearmint and watermint and is indigenous to Europe, although now, it is cultivated widely all over the world. 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