An Introduction
A hybrid cross between the watermint and the spearmint, peppermint is an aromatic plant, belonging to the genus Mentha and the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Europe but today, it is cultivated worldwide and also occurs in the wild, especially in the damp and temperate regions of the globe. 75% of the peppermint produced in the world is from the USA. The peppermint plant occurs in wet habitats, especially in streams, wet lowlands, lakes, brook sides, wastelands and ditches. The oil present in the peppermint lends it a distinct odor. The oil of the peppermint, used for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes, is derived through the process of steam distillation. The peppermint has a pungent taste and a cooling sensation. Menthol and menthone are two vital components of the peppermint.
Peppermint is grown commercially, mainly, for its oil, extracts, tablets or tea. Peppermint is composed of an ester and an alcohol. The particular odor of the peppermint is attributed to the ester, menthyl acetate. The alcohol, menthol present lends it a cooling sensation.
Plant Description
This perennial peppermint plant can grow to a height of over 90 centimeters and has a squarish dark green or purplish stem. It spreads through its creeping rootstocks. The leaves are arranged away from the main stems and are smooth and sharp toothed. It has smooth stems and possesses bare and fibrous roots. The flowers are tiny and light purple and blossom in the summer months of June and August. These occur in thick clusters. Its narrow leaves are fragrant, dark green with well defined serrated edges and dotted with minuscule oil glands. This sterile plant has hairy stems with spikes and it produces no seeds. This herbaceous plant propagates though its underground rhizomes.