Mint leaves

This perennial herb grows in most temperate parts of the world. The varieties which non-botanists call ‘mint’ belong to the genus mentha. Mentha species include apple mint, curly mint, pennyroyal, peppermint, pineapple mint, spearmint and water or bog mint.
Spearmint, or garden mint, is the most common kind and you may well find it growing in your garden. Peppermint is the second most common kind. Its leaves produce a pungent oil which is used to flavour confectionery, desserts and liqueurs such as crème de menthe.
The main visible difference between peppermint and spearmint is in the leaves. Spearmint leaves have a crinkly surface and seem to grow straight out of the plant’s main stem, while peppermint leaves have a smoother surface and individual stems. Which type of mint you choose to use in drinks is largely a matter of personal taste: some recommend mentha nemorosa for Mojitos.
Growing your own mint, be it spearmint, peppermint or otherwise is easy – but be sure to keep it in a container or it will overrun your garden. Either buy a plant or place a sprig in a glass of water. When it roots, pot it in a large, shallow tub with drainage holes. Place bricks under the tub to prevent the roots from growing through the holes.