Peppermint Leaf Cut n Sifted Mentha piperita 1OZ bag

Introduction

Peppermint is also known as Mentha Piperita,White Peppermint, American Peppermint, Northern Mint, Lamb Mint, Brandy Peppermint and black Peppermint.  Peppermint contains an essential oil that is unique to other mints for its quality and flavor. Other artificial mint compounds do not  duplicate its aroma or medicinal effects on the body. Peppermint is a very popular herb for teas, candies, and chewing gums. Cultivation and oil production started in the US in the 1790's, and was a major export business by the mid 1800's. The U.S. is still the world's leading producer of peppermint oil, making an average of 4,117 tons of peppermint oil per year. Although the traditional use is a tea to improve digestion, most clinical trials have studied the oil in enteric-coated capsules used internally to treat irritable bowel syndrome and externally to treat tension headache. Some companies in Japan are said to pipe peppermint oil into their Air Conditioning systems in hopes of invigorating their workers, and enhancing productivity.

 
         

Constituents

The essential oil of peppermint (up to 2.5% in the dried leaf) is mostly made up from menthol (ca. 50%), menthone (10 to 30%), menthyl esters (up to 10%) and several monoterpene derivatives (pulegone, piperitone, menthofurane). Traces of jasmone (0.1%) give the oil its characteristically "minty" scent. The aromatic chemicals in the mint are concentrated when the plant is grown in areas with long, warm, bright summer days.

Parts Used

Dried or fresh leaf, and essential oil.

Typical Preparations

Tea is the most common use of this ingredient. Typically added into a blend for its unique flavor and digestive aiding effects. The oil is used as flavoring in toothpaste, dental creams, mouthwash, cough candies, chewing gum, and baked goods.