Peppermint belongs to the large mint family, of which there are many different species. If you want to plant pure peppermint varieties in the garden, you often have to search for a long time, because in stores the plant is simply sold as peppermint (Mentha x peperita).
What different types of peppermint are there?
Some well-known peppermint varieties are English mint (Mentha x peperita), Black Mitchum and White Peppermint. They vary in leaf color and aroma, with English Mint being particularly aromatic, Black Mitchum having dark leaves and fresh aroma, and White Peppermint being the mildest variety.
The country of origin of peppermint is England
Peppermint is a cultivated plant that was probably created by chance when different types of mint were crossed. It first became known in England. That's why peppermint varieties almost always have English names.
You can tell whether you are looking at a real peppermint variety by the botanical name (Mentha x peperita)
Well-known peppermint varieties
- English Mint
- Black Mitchum
- White Peppermint
The leaves of peppermint do not always have to be green. There are species with white or very dark leaves. The individual varieties also differ in their aroma.
English Mint
English mint is probably the most well-known type of peppermint. It is particularly aromatic and gives many dishes the typical slightly spicy aroma. This variety is part of the popular English mint sauce.
Black Mitchum
This type of peppermint is considered the oldest type of peppermint. It was discovered by chance in the English town of Mitchum. Its leaves are very dark because it contains a lot of anthocyanin pigments. Their aroma is very fresh. Black Mitchum is used as a flavoring for the popular “After Eight” chocolate bars.
White Peppermint
Their leaves are very light because they contain only a few anthocyanin pigments. The White Peppermint is the mildest peppermint variety in terms of taste.
Further developments of peppermint
A number of other types of peppermint have emerged through breeding and crossing with other plants. Known are:
- Lemon peppermint (additional: f. citrata)
- Bergamot peppermint (additional: var citrata “bergamot”)
- Orange peppermint (additional: var citrata “Orangina”)
Other countries – other types of mint
In almost every country there are different varieties of mint such as Moroccan mint, Corsican mint, Turkish mint or Italian mint. Not all of them are as spicy and aromatic as English mint.
If you're feeling adventurous, try growing other varieties of mint. You can plant pineapple mint, strawberry mint, even chocolate mint in the garden.
Tips & Tricks
Peppermint contains a lot of essential oils. If consumed too often, they can attack the stomach walls. Sensitive people should therefore only use peppermint sparingly.
