Exploring 14 mint varieties and their uses

Many people are familiar with the common spearmint and peppermint, but the world of mint is incredibly diverse. Did you know there are over 7,000 species, each with their own unique characteristics? Some are natural, while others are hybrids that have been bred for specific tastes. In this blog, we explore 14 popular mint varieties and ways to include them in your culinary adventures!

1. Curled Spearmint (Mentha spicata ‘Crispa’)

curled spearmint plant

Spearmint is perhaps the most widely used type of mint, known for its sweet, mild flavour, along with pinkish, light purple flowers. Curled spearmint is a distinctive variant of this popular variety, easily recognised by its deeply crinkled, ruffled leaves, offering a more decorative, textured appearance. It’s also easy to grow in gardens or pots, making it a favourite amongst home gardeners.

Uses:

  • Fresh mint tea
  • Mojitos and other cocktails
  • Salads and dressings

2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and watermint, with a stronger, more intense flavour. It contains higher levels of menthol, which gives it a cooling sensation. It also has darker green leaves with purple stems and purple flowers.

Uses:

  • Peppermint tea
  • Baked goods like brownies and cookies
  • Ice cubes for summer fruit drinks

3. Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Chocolate’)

As the name suggests, chocolate mint has a delightful chocolatey aroma that perfectly pairs with its minty, slightly citrusy flavour. This variety has an appearance similar to peppermint, but with slightly shiny leaves and lavender blue flowers.

Uses:

  • Chocolate desserts
  • Ice creams
  • Garnishing and decoration

4. Banana Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Banana’)

banana mint plant

Banana mint provides a sweet aroma reminiscent of ripe bananas, though its scent and flavour are both milder than that of other mints. This variety has smooth and small leaves that stand out due to their bright, light green colour. It also produces sweet, lilac flowers.

Uses:

  • Fruit salads
  • Smoothies
  • Infused syrups

5. Lime Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Lime’)

Lime mint is a refreshing variety that combines the coolness of mint with a zesty lime aroma. This hardy, spreading perennial has a slightly more compact growth habit with smaller, bronze-green leaves. It features a distinctive lime scent and flavour, making it the perfect addition to any herb collection.

Uses:

  • Fresh lemonades
  • Garnish for sea bass
  • Sorbets

6. Orange Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Orange’)

orange mint plant

Orange mint, also known as Eau de Cologne mint or bergamot mint, offers a strong, delightful citrusy aroma that pairs well with its minty flavour. It has tinted, oval-shaped leaves and mauve flowers. This vigorous variety is a favourite of bees and butterflies, attracting pollinators with its vibrant scent and blooms.

Uses:

  • Cocktails and mocktails
  • Fresh salads
  • Desserts like tarts

7. Strawberry Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Strawberry’)

strawberry mint plant

Strawberry mint is a charming variety that features a sweet, fruity aroma that smells surprisingly similar to fresh strawberries. This scent comes from the unique combination of compounds in the plant, such as menthol and other aromatic oils, which mimic the wonderful fragrance of strawberries.

Uses:

  • Infused waters and syrups
  • Fruit salads
  • Desserts like strawberry shortcake

8. Ginger Mint (Mentha × gracilis)

Ginger mint offers a mildly spicy undertone that tastes somewhat of ginger. Its foliage is especially eye-catching, with light green leaves streaked in creamy yellow and accented by reddish stems. The plant’s colourful, patterned appearance makes it a lively addition to both edible and ornamental gardens.

Uses:

  • Herbal teas
  • Smoothies
  • Butter spreads

9. Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa)

moroccan mint plant

Moroccan mint is a bold, vibrant variety prized for its intensely sweet flavour and refreshing aroma. Its bright green leaves feature pointed, sharply defined edges. Traditionally used in Moroccan mint tea, these leaves are brewed with green tea and sugar, and the resulting infusion is served as a symbol of hospitality.

Uses:

  • Traditional Moroccan tea
  • Tabbouleh
  • Ice creams

10. Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens)

pineapple mint plant

Pineapple mint is a striking variety known for its sweet, tangy scent and distinctive look. Its soft, rounded leaves are a pale green with creamy white edges, giving the plant a fresh, tropical appearance.

Uses:

  • Fruit teas
  • Smoothies and drinks
  • Garnish for yoghurt

11. Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Apple’)

apple mint plant

Apple mint offers a delightful blend of the classic mint flavour and a subtle apple-like sweetness. It has soft, rounded leaves that are typically pale green with a silvery sheen, as well as pinkish, white flowers. This mint stands out for its fun, fuzzy texture.

Uses:

  • Floral teas
  • Jellies and jams
  • Garnish for apple crumble

12. Berries & Cream Mint (Mentha x piperita ‘Berry’)

berries and cream mint plant

Berries and cream mint is a wonderfully unique variety that combines the familiar cool mint taste with a sweet berry essence. The leaves are a dark, glossy green with a purple tint, and the flowers are a creamy purple shade. This amazing scent profile is a result of the plant’s blend of natural volatile oils, making it produce a hint of vanilla when you crush the leaves.

Uses:

  • Sweet iced beverages
  • Fruit-based cheesecake
  • Ice cream or yoghurt topping

13. Blackcurrant Mint (Mentha × piperita ‘Blackcurrant’)

blackcurrant mint plant

Blackcurrant mint is a fruity and aromatic mint variety with a distinctive scent reminiscent of blackcurrants, making it a fun and unusual addition to your herb garden. Interestingly, this variety contains subtle anthocyanins, the same pigments found in blackcurrants, which give its leaves a slight purplish tint and fruity aroma.

Uses:

  • Infusing into iced teas and cold drinks
  • Desserts and fruit salads
  • Homemade syrups or jellies

14. Garden Mint (Mentha spicata)

garden mint plant

Garden mint is one of the most commonly grown mints in the UK, often found in herb beds and kitchen gardens, though it is typically known by its other name, spearmint! It also has various other names, such as common mint, lamb mint, and green mint. It has broad green leaves with a refreshing, classic minty aroma and flavour. Hardy and vigorous, it’s a go-to for beginners.

Uses:

  • Traditional mint sauce
  • Steeping for herbal teas
  • Flavouring for vegetables like peas and new potatoes

Keep the conversation going!

Which mint interests you the most? Have a favourite variety that’s not on our list? Share your thoughts with us on our social media!