Types of mint: 12 types of mint for tea & cooking

Mint (Mentha) belongs to the mint family and is one of the most well-known medicinal plants. Essential oils result in the fresh aroma typical of all types of mint. The medicinal herb is used as a tea for colds and sore throats. It is added to medicinal baths and relieves headaches. Mint is incorporated into refreshing beverages, desserts, and treats. We present 12 varieties for self-cultivation.

cultivation

Most mint varieties are perfect for growing in the garden. If you don't have a garden, you can also achieve good results on the balcony or on the windowsill. The plant needs loose, nutrient-rich soil and sufficient moisture. Choose a sunny to partially shaded location. Note that mint forms extensive roots and is profusely rampant both above and below ground. Root barriers and continuous pruning are recommended.

Mints are considered to be very robust plants. They are commonly attacked by aphids, flea beetles, mint bears, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and mint rust. Mints are hardy and can easily overwinter outdoors covered with brushwood. Mints in tubs need a sheltered location on the wall of the house or in the basement. We recommend a cover made of jute or bubble wrap for protection.

Popular varieties from A to E

pineapple mint(Mentha suaveolens variegata)

A very beautiful variety is the pineapple mint with its white-edged, slightly hairy leaves. Pineapple mint convinces with a fruity pineapple aroma and a milder menthol taste. It is often used for children's teas.

• Height: up to 70 centimeters
• Harvest: May until October
• Blossoms: light pink
• Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, cooling and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory
• Use as a herb: Tea, salads, desserts, bouquets

apple mint(Mentha rotundifolia)

Apple mint is one of the most popular fruit mints. It exudes a wonderful aroma. The variety has a low menthol content and is suitable for children's teas.

• Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: white
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves inflammation of the oral mucosa, calming, relaxing
• Use as a herb: Tea, soft drinks, desserts, syrups, liqueurs, vinegar, scented bouquets

basil mint(Mentha piperita x citrata basil)

The basil mint combines the spiciness of basil and a slightly peppery taste with a fresh mint aroma. This mixture is perfect for preparing pesto and Mediterranean dishes.

• Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: anti-inflammatory, calming, refreshing, cooling
• Use as a herb: Pesto, soups, salads, vegetable dishes

strawberry mint(Mentha Species)

Strawberry mint is one of the smallest mint varieties. But the dainty plant impresses with its wonderful strawberry aroma. It makes few demands on its location and grows outdoors as well as on the balcony or on the windowsill.

• Height: 30 to 50 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: light purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, coughs and hoarseness, reduces bad breath, has a relaxing effect on stomach and intestinal problems
• Use as a herb: Tea, desserts, liqueurs, soups, salads, cocktails

Popular varieties from L to P

lavender mint(Mentha Species)

Lavender mint does not overgrow like other mint varieties. She is petite and grows slowly. It gives off a pleasant, sweet fragrance and is ideal for making bouquets, potpourris and additives for relaxing baths.
Lavender mint is very important in Mediterranean cuisine.

• Height: 40 to 50 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: light purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relaxing, calming, relieves insomnia
• Use as a herb: Mediterranean vegetable dishes, scented bouquets, bath additives

Moroccan mint(Mentha spicata var. Crispa Morocco)

Moroccan mint comes from Morocco, where it is traditionally made into a tea and drunk with lots of sugar. It originated from the curly mint (Mentha spicata).

• Height: 40 to 60 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: light purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms and sore throat, antispasmodic, digestive
• Use as a herb: Tea, cocktails, lemonade, salads

Nana mint(Mentha spicata var. crispa Nane)

Nana mint comes from the Near East. It is also known as Turkish mint. It is used in oriental cuisine to flavor dishes. Nana mint is mainly drunk with black tea and lots of sugar. Nana mint is milder than peppermint and is considered better tolerated.

• Height: 60 to 80 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: pink
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, anti-inflammatory, calming, promotes digestion
• Use as a herb: Tea, cocktails, salads, yogurt, dips

orange mint(Mentha piperita citrata)

The orange mint impresses with its refreshing aroma of ripe oranges. The menthol content of the variety is low, so orange mint is excellent for children's teas.

• Height: 40 to 60 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: pink
• Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, cooling and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory
• Use as a herb: Tea, salads, desserts, mint vinegar, bouquets and potpourris

peppermint(Mentha x piperita)

Peppermint has been used for centuries. It was made from brook mint and wood mint. It is also known as English mint or garden mint.
Incidentally, peppermint is one of the most important herbs in British cuisine. Even meat dishes are served with aromatic peppermint sauces. Peppermint is also often used in Arabic cuisine to refine rice and bulgur dishes.

• Height: 50 to 65 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: white-purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, sore throat and headaches, digestive, antispasmodic
• Use as a herb: Tea, cocktails, ice cream, sweets, sauces, salads

Popular varieties from S to Z

chocolate mint(Mentha x piperita var. piperita chocolate)

Anyone expecting chocolate mint to taste like chocolate will be disappointed. The mint variety got its name from its use in English mint tablets. Nonetheless, chocolate mint is a wonderful culinary herb that adds a delicious flavor to desserts, with or without chocolate.

In contrast to most other mints, the plant prefers a semi-shady to shady location.

• Height: 30 to 60 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: violet blue
• Use as a medicinal herb: antispasmodic, calming, nerve-strengthening, cooling
• Use as a herb: Tea, cakes, desserts, ice cream, cocktails

water mint(Mentha aquatica)

Water mint is also known as brook mint. The swamp plant is widespread in large parts of Europe, in swampy areas, on stream banks and wet meadows. Water mint is one of the sacred herbs of the druids. It has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries.

• Height: 20 to 50 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: light purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves stomach and bile disorders, helps with insomnia, reduces headaches
• Use as a herb: tea, bath additives

lemon mint(Mentha gentilis var. citrate)

The lemon mint spoils with a wonderful citrus scent paired with a hint of menthol. Lemon mint is excellent for making fragrant bath oils.

• Height: 20 to 40 centimeters
• Harvest: May to September
• Blossoms: light purple
• Use as a medicinal herb: relieves cold symptoms, calming, nerve-strengthening, invigorating, anti-inflammatory
• Use as a herb: Smoothies, tea, desserts, liqueurs, soups, salads, aromatic oils

Learn more about growing herbs