There’s a mint for every purpose and taste, and these mint varieties prove it! This wonderfully versatile herb comes in a surprisingly wide range of flavors, from the classically cool peppermint to the slightly sweet apple mint. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the varieties of mint and the many ways you can use them in everyday life.
What Is Mint?
Mint (mentha) is a member of the fragrant Lamiaceae family, native to North America, Southern Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is related to other popular herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender.
People know this herb for its aromatic leaves, which have a strong, fresh, and cooling taste. It is used in food, medicine, and beauty products. It grows very quickly and may even become invasive if left uncontrolled. However, its versatility makes it a must-have herb in many kitchens and gardens, with different varieties offering unique flavors.
15 Different Types Of Mint
1. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
One of the most common types of mint, this perennial plant gets its name from the shape of its leaves, which make it look like a warrior’s spear. People use its sharp, slightly peppery flavor to add taste to teas, candies, gum, drinks, and even toothpaste.
2. Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)
Apple mint is also called “wooly mint” because of its hairy leaves and stems. This round-leafed mint variety has a fruity aroma with nuances of apples and is great for cocktails, teas, fruit salads, and sauces.
3. Pineapple Mint (Mentha suavolens ‘Variegata’)
Pineapple mint, a variety of apple mint, has variegated white-and-green leaves and a mild pineapple scent. You can use it to garnish dishes, flavor drinks, or grow as an ornamental plant.
4. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
Another common mint variety, peppermint, is known for its menthol-rich taste and spicy, tingling flavor. It’s a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, with square stems and dark green leaves. Both its leaves and flowers are used to add flavor to food and medicine.
5. Ginger Mint (Mentha gracilis)
With its bright green leaves, this mint variety is a cross between corn mint and spearmint. It gives off a ginger smell, and while it’s commonly used to add flavor to food, it can also be used as an insect and rat repellant.
6. Orange Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Citrata’)
Also known as “bergamot mint”, orange mint gets its name from the citrusy flavor and scent its crushed leaves give off. It’s popularly used to make herbal tea (like lemonade) and even perfumes, earning it another name, the “eau-de-cologne mint.”
7. Catmint (Nepeta cataria)
This variety of mint is similar to catnip in the sense that its scent is very attractive to cats. It’s a popular addition to gardens and rooms and can be used as a natural insect repellant.
8. Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)
This moisture-loving mint variety has oval, toothed leaves and lilac-pink flowers. It often grows in damp habitats and near running water and can be used to flavor food and drinks.
9. Banana Mint (Mentha arvensis ‘Banana’)
It's a variety of mint with small, bright green leaves and a distinctly banana scent and flavor. This makes a great addition to various smoothies and desserts like ice cream.
10. Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa ‘Moroccan’)
This mint variety is extremely popular in Morocco because of its strong flavor, which has sweet and slightly peppery notes. It’s excellent for making tea and mint sauce.
11. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Pennyroyal stands out from other mint varieties on this list, as people mostly use it as a natural insect repellent to ward off ants, flies, and mosquitoes. Its oil can be highly toxic to humans when consumed in large quantities, so always consult a healthcare professional before using it.
12. Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora)
Also known as “horsemint” or “Lemon bee balm,” this mint variety has delicate, fine leaves that give off a citrus, fruity-fresh aroma when crushed. You can use it to make lotions and insect repellents, add it to stews, or brew it into a soothing tea.
13. Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita f. citrata 'Chocolate’)
This variety still has a minty profile but carries the nuance of chocolate in flavor, fragrance, and appearance, particularly its dark brown stems and green leaves with burgundy veins. Typically available in the summer months, it’s widely used in making sweets and desserts.
14. Strawberry Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Strawberry’)
This type of mint grows more compactly, unlike other members of the mint family. It gets its name from the subtly fruity notes its small, slightly wrinkled leaves give off when touched or rubbed. It makes for a wonderful addition to drinks, desserts, and infused syrups.
15. Curly Mint (Mentha spicata ‘Crispa’)
With its bright green leaves and thick, upright stalks, curly mint is a variety of spearmint with a minty aroma and a slightly sweet flavor. It works best as a garnish or adds mild flavor to fresh salads.
Common Ways To Use Mint Varieties
Cooking
Mint and its varieties are a kitchen staple around the world. It’s perfect for enhancing the flavor and taste of dishes, particularly:
- Beverages like peppermint chai.
- Fresh salads and pickled condiments like Persian torshi.
- Dressings and sauces like mint yogurt chutney.
- Desserts like mint chocolate freezer fudge.
- Cordials and syrups like fresh mint syrup.
Medicine
Incorporating mint into your diet, rubbing it on your skin, or inhaling its aroma can be a good way to enjoy its health benefits, which may include:
- Improving irritable bowel syndrome.
- Relieving indigestion.
- Improving brain function.
- Getting rid of congestion.
- Masking bad breath.
Beauty And Aromatherapy
Mint’s refreshing aroma, cooling effect, and natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular addition to various skin care and hair care products.
Meanwhile, mint essential oils boost mood and relieve stress when used in aromatherapy.
Household Uses
Pots of mint plants can also be ornamental plants, pest repellents, and natural air fresheners.
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