Sprigy Herbs
Peppermint or spearmint?
Peppermint brings a pronounced cooling flavour. Spearmint tastes sweeter. Which would you put in your cup?
What makes peppermint feel so cool?
Peppermint leaves contain more menthol than spearmint leaves. If you like a strong mint flavour that lingers after a sip, start with peppermint. Spearmint has a gentler sweetness. Try a few torn leaves over orange slices when you want to taste the fruit as well as the herb. Purdue Extension’s guide to mint.
Which mint is in the supermarket bunch?
Fresh herbs sold simply as “mint” are often spearmint. Check the label if you want a particular variety. For a side-by-side tasting, buy one clearly labelled bunch or single-ingredient tea of each kind. Purdue Extension.
Taste them side by side
Use equal amounts of each mint in separate cups, add the same amount of hot water and steep both for the same length of time. Let them cool enough to sip. Smell each cup first, then notice which flavour lingers. If you want to try a second kitchen experiment, compare whole mint leaves with torn leaves.