March 24th, 2007 | admin

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is both a medicine and a condiment for confectionaries.

Peppermint appears as small bushy plants of 2-3 ft height. The plant is propagated mainly by planting underground runners in plant bed. Over a year or two the plant spreads to the area. The leaves and tips are cut and dried.

Propagation of peppermint is mainly by running roots, which produce erect, branched stems of 15-25 inches. The leaves have sharply toothed fringes.

Tiny, pale purple flowers circle the stem at nodes, above leaves giving it an appearance of thick spikes. The leaves and tops are collected immediately after it starts blooming.

The leaves provide an extract of pleasant flavor that is used in meat preparations, tea, and different drinks. It is also aromatic and used in mouthwash liquids, chewing gum, etc.

Mentha Piperita belongs to the family Laminaceae (mint family).