Peppermint varieties: our top 10

With its refreshing aroma, peppermint is one of the absolute classics in the herb bed. However, very few people know that there is more than one variant. We introduce you to the 10 best types of peppermint.

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is not just peppermint. There are small but subtle differences between the different peppermints. In the hobby garden, it is mainly the high-yielding, resilient ones that have grown over time Peppermint varieties from commercial cultivation prevailed, the self-harvested peppermint tea in the best Promise quality. The individual varieties differ primarily in their adaptation to the environmental conditions of different growing areas. On the other hand, new varieties with exceptional aromas bring variety. We have put together the best old and new peppermints for you.

Well-tried and robust peppermint varieties

• ‘Mitcham’: This variety is practically the archetype of the classic peppermint. The most famous of all peppermint varieties comes from England and is up to four feet tall. ‘Mitcham’ brings high yields and its dark green, smooth leaves taste wonderfully aromatic. Unfortunately, this English variety is quite susceptible to peppermint rust (Pucinella menthae) and should therefore be relocated to a different location every year.
• ‘Agnes’: The ‘Agnes’ variety is rich in menthol and yet has a very mild aroma. It is robust against powdery mildew and grows up to 80 cm high.
• ‘Eichenau‘: The‘ Eichenau ’variety is also described as‘ Bavarian mint ’. Their origins lie in the once well-known peppermint growing area of ​​Eichenau in Bavaria. There it evolved from the ‘Mitcham’ variety. It is characterized by its strong, sharp menthol taste and its strong aroma. Young shoots are light in color and form a nice contrast to the dark older shoots. The plant grows up to 70 cm high.
• ‘Multimentha’ / ’Thuringian peppermint’: The ‘Multimentha’ variety was used for commercial cultivation in the former GDR. Today it is particularly popular in South Tyrol. It is particularly cold-tolerant, vigorous and reaches heights of up to one meter. ‘Multimentha’ is particularly rich in menthol, which gives it an intense aroma.

New and extraordinary peppermint varieties

• ‘Nigra‘: The‘ Nigra ’variety is also only around 60 cm high and is characterized by its dark color. Their taste is mild.
• ‘Proserpina’: This variety of the classic dark color type is extremely vigorous and high-yielding. It reaches heights of up to one meter. The taste is pleasantly spicy.
• ‘Chocolate’ / ’Chocolate’: The smell and taste of the chocolate mint are reminiscent of mint chocolate or After Eight. The variety only grows to around 60 cm. Their mild, slightly sweet aroma goes perfectly with desserts of all kinds.

The subspecies Citrata

In addition to the well-known subspecies Mentha piperita var. piperita, to which all the varieties already mentioned belong, also represents Mentha piperita var. citrata an important subspecies of peppermint. The citrus scent that they give off is characteristic of varieties of this subspecies.

• ‘Eau de Cologne mint‘: Mint with the scent of cologne.
• ‘Orange mint‘: This variety stands out for its reddish leaves and its fruity aroma, reminiscent of oranges. It also tolerates sunny locations and is very vigorous. It can be used excellently for the production of refreshing lemonade, for tea, strawberry punch or to refine desserts.
• ‘Lime Mint‘: The refreshing aroma of this variety is reminiscent of the smell of lime peel. The variety grows to about 80 cm high.
• Green mint (Mentha spicata): Spearmint is not directly a variety of peppermint, but it is closely related to it. It is considered to be one of the ancestral species from which peppermint originated. It can be used excellently for yoghurt dips. It also works particularly well in African-inspired dishes such as tabbouleh.

Of course, not only peppermint is so rich in different varieties. the Variety of mint varieties we have summarized for you in our special article.