Spearmint Leaf C/S (USA)

Spearmint is the mint most often used in the kitchen. Recipes that call for generic mint typically mean spearmint. The herb has a bright, refreshing fragrance and, compared to many other mints, a sweet and delicate flavor.

As a culinary herb, spearmint complements meats well — lamb with mint is a classic — and flavors many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. Spearmint is also popular infused in drinks, including herbal and black tea blends.

Medicinally, mint was mentioned in the world’s oldest surviving medical text, and spearmint (Mentha spicata) was likely that mint. Spearmint has a long history of use as a digestive aid, antiseptic and tonic, although peppermint is now more widely used in herbal medicine. Spearmint’s primarily active component is carbine. The herb contains significantly less menthol than peppermint, which gives it a more delicate flavor without the intense cooling sensation.