Spearmint
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- For the band, see Spearmint (band).
{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Spearmint | image = Koeh-096.jpg | image_width = 200px | image_caption = Mentha spicata var. crispata | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Lamiales | familia = Lamiaceae | genus = Mentha | species = M. spicata | binomial = Mentha spicata | binomial_authority = Crantz }}
Spearmint (Mentha spicata, syn M. viridis) is a species of mint native to central and southern Europe, where it grows in wet soils.
It is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 30-100 cm tall. It takes its name from its crinkled oblong-lanceolate leaves, which resemble the shape of the blade of a spear, 5-9 cm long and 1.5-3 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced in slender spikes, each flower pink or white, 2.5-3 mm long and broad.
Hybrids involving Spearmint include Peppermint (Mentha × piperita, hybrid with Watermint M. aquatica), Gingermint (Mentha × gracilis, syn M. cardiaca, hybrid with Cornmint Mentha arvensis), and Large apple mint (Mentha × villosa, hybrid with Apple mint Mentha suaveolens).
Cultivation and uses
Spearmint is grown for its aromatic and carminative oil, referred to as oil of spearmint. It grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters due to its invasive spreading roots. The plant prefers partial shade, but can flourish in full sun to mostly shade. Loamy soils with plenty of organic material are best suited to spearmint. When growing spearmint for culinary purposes, fertilize with a well balanced fertilizer, organic composts, or manure. To harvest for culinary purposes, simply cut the branches, leaving a minimum of a third of the branch, which will encourage the plant to re-grow. Some cultures wrap the spearmint in long strips of bacon to add flavor. Spearmint leaves can be used whole, chopped, or dried. Image:Mentha spicata 02.jpg
The cultivar Mentha spicata 'Nana', the Nana mint of Morocco, which possesses a clear, pungent, but mild aroma and is an essential ingredient of Touareg Tea.
Spearmint is widely used as a flavouring for toothpaste. In herbalism, spearmint is steeped as tea for treatment of stomach ache.
See also
da:Grøn Mynte de:Grüne Minze es:Mentha spicata he:נענע sv:Grönmynta