Spearmint
Spearmint
Spearmint (pronunciation: /ˈspɪərmɪnt/), also known as Mentha spicata, is a species of mint native to Europe and Asia. It is used widely in food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries for its aromatic and flavoring properties.
Etymology
The term "spearmint" comes from the plant's pointed leaf tips which resemble a "spear". The scientific name, Mentha spicata, is derived from the Latin words "mentha" meaning mint, and "spicata" meaning spiked, referring to the plant's inflorescence.
Description
Spearmint is a herbaceous, rhizomatous, perennial plant growing 30–100 cm tall, with variably hairless to hairy stems and foliage, and a wide-spreading fleshy underground rhizome. The leaves are 5–9 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. Spearmint produces flowers in slender spikes, each flower pink or white, 2.5–3 mm long, and broad.
Uses
Spearmint is used for its aromatic oil, referred to as oil of spearmint. The most abundant compound in spearmint oil is R-(–)-carvone, which gives spearmint its distinctive smell. Spearmint oil also contains significant amounts of limonene, dihydrocarvone, and 1,8-cineol. Unlike peppermint oil, oil of spearmint contains minimal amounts of menthol and menthone. It is used as a flavoring for toothpaste and confectionery, and is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spearmint
- Wikipedia's article - Spearmint
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