Mint

About Mint

One of the most aggressive plants in any garden - it spreads via underground runners and can take over entire beds in a single season. Always grow it in containers unless you want it everywhere. Over 600 species and hybrids. Peppermint is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint, discovered in England around 1700. It contains menthol, which tricks cold receptors in the mouth into feeling cool. Mint oil is used in everything from toothpaste to chocolate. It was so valued in ancient Greece that it was used to scent arms. Spearmint and peppermint have different flavor compounds.