Spearmint

About this tea

Spearmint (Mentha spicata), the 'garden mint' of ancient Rome, offers gentler refreshment than its peppermint cousin. Its name derives from spear-shaped leaves that Romans wove into crowns. This mint spread through monastery gardens across medieval Europe, becoming the favored culinary mint. Unlike peppermint's intensity, spearmint's lower menthol content (0.5% vs 40%) creates approachable sweetness, making it the mint of choice for juleps, Middle Eastern tea, and chewing gum.

Spearmint thrives enthusiastically - too enthusiastically for many gardeners who find it invasive. The leaves are harvested just before flowering when essential oils peak. The primary compound, carvone, provides characteristic sweet mint flavor without peppermint's cooling burn. Morocco produces exceptional spearmint, sun-dried for their famous mint tea. Quality dried spearmint retains bright green color and sweet aroma.

The flavor profile is sweet and refreshing: gentle mint flavor with natural sweetness, lacking peppermint's intensity. There's a smooth, almost creamy quality with subtle fruity notes. The cooling sensation is mild and pleasant rather than aggressive. Fresh spearmint adds green, herbaceous notes while dried concentrates the sweet mintiness. The pale green liquor looks inviting and releases sweet mint aroma.

Brewing recommendations: Use 1-2 teaspoons (3g) dried or 2 tablespoons fresh leaves per 250ml cup. Water at 95°C (203°F) preserves delicate oils better than boiling. Steep 6 minutes. Fresh leaves can be muddled first. Traditionally served sweet - Moroccan style uses lots of sugar. Excellent hot or iced. Combines beautifully with green tea.

Gentle enough for children and those who find peppermint too strong. Traditionally used for digestive issues, nausea, and hiccups. May help with hormonal acne and excess hair growth in women due to anti-androgen effects. Perfect after meals or as afternoon refreshment. Pairs wonderfully with Middle Eastern foods, chocolate, and fresh fruit. Safe during pregnancy for morning sickness. The sweet flavor makes it popular in herbal blends.