Difference Between a Spearmint Plant & a Peppermint Plant
There are many differences between spearmint and peppermint plants, from the leaves, flowers and flavor of the two herb plants to their most popular uses. Each dates back 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and India, where they were valued for the effects of their oils, though those substances were used for different purposes.
Species
While both plants are in the mentha genus, they are of different species. Peppermint is from the piperita species, while spearmint is from the spicata species.
Leaves
Leaves from both plants tend to be about twice as long as they are wide and have jagged edges. However, where peppermint has its leaves growing from stems, spearmint leaves grow almost directly on the branch.
Flower
The blooms of these herbs also differ, as peppermint usually has a purple bloom while spearmint generally has a pink or blue bloom.
Uses
The two plants also have different uses. Spearmint is often used as a mosquito repellent, and peppermint is used as a mild antiseptic and decongestant.
Flavor
Spearmint's flavor comes from carvone, which gives it a sweet taste. Peppermint's flavor comes from menthol, which imbues it with its distinctive cooling sensation.
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Ever since Kelly Taylor understood what writing was about, she's enjoyed the process of it. Taylor has a high-school diploma and she took college courses along with obtaining two technical certificates. She has experience writing about gardening, spirituality, travel, science, and history through instructional websites and other publishing platforms.
