Which Mint to Use?
I have been trying to find out about mint. So many recipes, especially ones for the summer and in Mediterranian cooking, call for it, but don't specify peppermint or spearmint! The flavors are s-o-o-o different, I can't imagine they are interchangeable. I am thinking that peppermint is used primarily in desserts and spearmint in savory cooking? Anyone, please help me - Thanks a bunch!
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9 Comments:
I recently researched that for a customer at our garden center, and you are right...the mint used in Mediterranean and eastern cooking is typically spearment. They were interested in making taboulleh....
Cary at 12:49PM on 07/17/08
Yes, I have seen it in taboulleh - I believe spearmint is the one used in Mint Julips - but maybe you can use peppermint in that as well? Maybe not - might clash with the bourbon, yes?
2kitties at 1:50PM on 07/17/08
I believe I have both in my garden. Unless they've copulated when I wasn't looking, I can barely tell the difference in drinks and recipes. Actually, if together, they would cross pollinate. Peppermint has a stronger flavor. Spearmint is used more in cooking. I favor both.
PerkyMac at 2:03PM on 07/17/08
spearmint.
veggieout at 2:17PM on 07/17/08
i use spearmint for an after-dinner mint tea... for mojitos, mint juleps and to garnish desserts.
I rearely use peppermint. I even prefer spearmint in my toothpaste and my chewing gum.
MadelynRodriguez at 5:38PM on 07/17/08
They're definately different flavors, but I'd say that whatever you prefer is the correct one. To me, spearmint is sweeter, but it may just be the variety I have in my garden. I've also got one that's supposed to be chocolate mint. It doesn't reallly taste like chocolate to me, but it's not quite the same as either the spearmint or peppermint.
dbcurrie at 11:45PM on 07/17/08
Spearmint for sure, but if you happen across applemint, give that a try as well.
renzata at 12:24AM on 07/18/08
I would agree that Spearmint is used mostly in Mediterranean cooking and Peppermint used for sweeter foods. I am growing chocolate mint and it works nicely in a fruit salad or with honeydew melon and works great as a garnish with any chocolate dessert.
Catharine56 at 1:33AM on 07/18/08
Well, thank you all! I have never heard of chocolate mint - but I will be looking for it to be sure. If that can work in both savory and sweet, I'll be giving that a try. Thanks again.
2kitties at 2:25PM on 07/18/08