Buying a spearmint plant ( Mentha spicata ) is one of the most rewarding entries into herb gardening because of its extreme hardiness and high yield. Unlike peppermint, which is high in menthol and can be sharp, spearmint has a sweeter, milder flavor profile that is ideal for culinary use. 1. Choosing Your Variety
Mint the Best Spearmint (Mentha spicata 'Mint the Best') Plant
While many stores simply label pots as "Spearmint," several specific cultivars offer distinct advantages: buy spearmint plant
You can find spearmint plants through several channels, each with its own pros and cons:
: A common commercial variety known for its compact growth and exceptionally high oil content, making it very fragrant. Buying a spearmint plant ( Mentha spicata )
: These are fun specialty varieties that carry a distinct fruity undertone while retaining the base spearmint profile. 2. Where to Buy
: A specific variety from Cuba ( Mentha x villosa ) that is milder and more "muddled" in flavor, specifically bred for cocktails. Choosing Your Variety Mint the Best Spearmint (Mentha
: Widely considered the "gold standard" for culinary use. It is a vigorous heirloom variety with large, ruffled leaves and a classic, sweet flavor that lacks the bitterness found in some wild varieties.