Region of Origin
Commodity:
Mint
Description & Origin
Mint is an aromatic, perennial herb with rounded or arrow-like leaves that have a serrated edge. Native to Eurasia, North America, southern Africa, and Australia, species of wild and cultivated mint can be found growing widely all over the world. It has been prized as a flavor, perfume, and medicine for centuries, likely pre-dating Ancient Egyptians, who were the first to document their use of min...
Other Names
Menta (Spanish/Italian/Greek), Menthe (French), Pudina (Hindi/Bengali), Húng Lui/Húng Dũi (Vietnamese)
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Mint contains vitamins A and C, as well as manganese. Mint also has a rich history in traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries to address gastrointestinal disorders of all kinds. Mint tea has been used to stimulate digestion and as a diuretic across many cultures. Studies have shown that mint essential oils and extracts have antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiviral, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties.
Our Varieties
Mint Peppermint
Description
Peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint. It is much higher in menthol, the organic compound responsible for mint’s cooling taste, than other varieties of mint. It is cultivated primarily for its essential oil and menthol extract, but is also occasionally used as a culinary herb or dried herb for tea. Peppermint looks much like spearmint, but can be distinguished by its strong minty aroma and taste.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Peppermint is the ideal choice when a sharp, strong mint taste is desired in syrups, desserts, juices, or cocktails.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Mint Spearmint
AKA: Yerba Buena (Mexico), Lamb Mint
Description
Spearmint is the most prominent variety of mint for culinary use in the world. Its leaves are vivid green and ovular with serrated edges and a pointed leaf tip. The leaves of spearmint have an intense smell when used fresh. Spearmint has a fresh, cooling flavor balanced with a grassy sweetness.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Spearmint is an excellent all-around mint due to its balance of menthol flavor and sweetness. Most commercially grown mints are cultivars of spearmint. Mint tea and dried mint are usually produced using spearmint.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Mint can be used in an incredibly diverse range of applications, both savory and sweet. Its menthol flavor adds a refreshing cooling element to any dish. Mint can also be dried for use in savory dishes or teas, although it loses its fresh, green flavor.
Flavor Pairings
Corn, Lima Beans, English Peas, Snap Peas, Lettuce, Cucumber, Carrot, Radish, Tomato, Melon, Mango, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Cilantro, Basil, Vietnamese Coriander, Ginger, Red Chile, Olive, Curry Powder, Pistachio, Peanut, Hazelnut, Fish Sauce, Butter, Pecorino, Yogurt, Labneh, Feta, Ricotta, Farro, Lentil, Rice, Lamb, Chicken, Salmon, Anchovy, Bacon
How to Store & Use in the Kitchen
Store mint in a sealed container lined with a damp towel. Like all leafy herbs, mint should be used ASAP.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Use mint stems to flavor ice creams, sorbets, syrups, or other sauces.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL TEMP STORAGE:
32°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
No
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes-High
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mint is very sensitive to ethylene. Exposure can cause yellowing and leaf drop. Keep away from all ethylene producing products.
Quality Assessment
The herb should be vivid in color and aromatic with leaves that are firmly attached to their stems. Avoid mint with brown, black, or limp leaves.
Important Handling Tips
Mint bruises easily, handle with care. Note that while herb appearance may remain marketable, flavor declines when product is held.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh herbs may last 2-3 weeks.