From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
See MiNT, for the Atari operating system.
See Mint (coin) for a facility, often government controlled, that manufactures coins.
Mint is a perennial herb that is used to flavor food, candy, teas, breath fresheners, antiseptic mouth rinses, and toothpaste. The underlying minty scent is due to menthol. Mint is a vigorous, spreading plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions. There are hundreds of varieties but only 15 are common. Seven of theses varities are Australian, the others are Eurasian.
Some common varieties include
- Spearmint Mentha spicata
- Curly mint Mentha spicata 'Crispa'
- Peppermint Mentha x piperita
- Chocolate mint Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate Mint'
- Bergamot mint Menta citrata, syn. M. odorata (smells like Bergamot Orange)
Pennyroyal resembles mint, but has a much stronger odor and flavor and also potentially harmful medicinal effects.
Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb viewed as a cure for stomach and chest pains. Mint was brought over the North America by early settlers and became commonly used as a flavouring.
Classification: Mints are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae.
See also: Altoids
