Thanks Susan...I'll definately lookSusan W wrote:I had the same question a month or so ago. Scroll down to the thread MINT. In short, what I got as spearmint from one grower last year is Mentha spicata. I noticed same variety as Sweet Mint this season different grower.
Susan W wrote:I am so confused. Picked up more mint, both spearmint and sweet mint, same genus/sp, different growers. Slightly different leaf structure. I am thinking both work well in teas etc.
I just read on a website that said "The species derives its name from the resemblance of the tips of its leaves to pointed lances or spears. However, as spearmint has been extensively cultivated since ancient ages, the precise natural variety of this species is yet to be ascertained by botanists." ... so I am supposing their must be several varities...who knewSusan W wrote:I stopped at a garden center to check the herbs. There were 2 different spearmints! I mean different. One large coarse leaves, other bushier, smaller leaves. I got the one with smaller, and it looks like the clump can be divided easily (4" pot). Confused?
I love rubbing my herbs and testing the fragrance, it's funny you said that about the mint julep, I just bought some, but mine was from a USDA certified organic plant nursery. The thing is I thought it smelled really sweet, it so funny how the same plant can be so different depending on where it's grown, how it's grown, etc.DeborahL wrote:I love the mints too. I never noticed much difference between peppermint and chocolate mint, and would rather have peppermint.
The way I've found to buy the sweetest spearmint is to rub a leaf and test the fragrance. Some seem to be more mild than others.
One mint labeled, "Mint Julep" from Home Depot is a spearmint that is so strong it's not really sweet. Just minty and mouthwashy.