The diverse types of mint have been delighting our palate for thousands of years. A precise determination of their country of origin is therefore difficult or impossible. If the definition of 'Northern Hemisphere' as an area of origin seems too global for you, get to know the current home countries of popular species and varieties below.
Where do the different types of mint come from?
The origin of mint extends across different species: peppermint (England, Germany, Spain, Balkan countries, Asia), Moroccan mint (Morocco), water mint (Europe, Macaronesia, Asia), Polei mint (Europe, North Africa, Russia, China) and spearmint (Europe, North Africa, Near East, Caucasus).
The stars of the mint genus are at home here
Looking at the optimal location for mint, it becomes obvious why the herb rarely thrives in Africa and Australia. Aroma princes, such as peppermint or Moroccan mint, only thrive in partially shaded locations with fresh, moist soil. They don't want to have to deal with blazing sun and sandy soil. The home countries of the most popular species and varieties therefore hold few surprises:
- Peppermint (Mentha ×?piperita): England, Germany, Spain, Balkan countries, Asia
- Moroccan mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa 'Nane'): Morocco
- Watermint (Mentha aquatica): Europe, Macaronesia, Asia
- Polei mint (Mentha pulegium): Europe, North Africa, Russia, China
- Spearmint – Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Europe, North Africa, Near East, Caucasus
- Round-leaved mint (Mentha suaveolens): Europe, Macaronesia, China, North Africa
Peppermint is a natural hybrid. This designation implies that two pure species were naturally crossed with each other. This botanical trait is called hybridization and, over the course of evolution, has resulted in nearly half of all mint hybrids not producing seeds. Peppermint, for example, can only be propagated by division or cuttings.
Mint rarities that thrive in Germany
Knowledgeable hobby gardeners and experienced breeders have succeeded in producing various mint varieties whose origins cannot be traced either geographically or botanically. Given the unique taste experience, this fact is of little concern. Meet the best mint rarities here:
- Strawberry Mint: a delicate variety whose scent is reminiscent of Black Forest cake
- Chocolate mint: when touched lightly, the leaves smell of peppermint chocolate
- Orange mint: an aromatic ingredient for fruity tea
The pineapple mint is particularly worth mentioning. This variety impresses with its white, variegated leaves, an ornament for every herbaceous bed and on the balcony.
Tips & Tricks
If you are looking for a type of mint with ground cover qualities, you will find it in Corsican mint. Its prostrate shoots form a decorative carpet of foliage and flowers in the partial shade of taller trees. In a large pot, this mint is wonderfully suitable as an underplant for upright summer flowers, allowing its tendrils to hang elegantly.
