Buying a spearmint plant ( Mentha spicata ) is one of the most rewarding entries into herb gardening because of its extreme hardiness and high yield. Unlike peppermint, which is high in menthol and can be sharp, spearmint has a sweeter, milder flavor profile that is ideal for culinary use. 1. Choosing Your Variety
Mint the Best Spearmint (Mentha spicata 'Mint the Best') Plant
: A specific variety from Cuba ( Mentha x villosa ) that is milder and more "muddled" in flavor, specifically bred for cocktails.
You can find spearmint plants through several channels, each with its own pros and cons:
: Widely considered the "gold standard" for culinary use. It is a vigorous heirloom variety with large, ruffled leaves and a classic, sweet flavor that lacks the bitterness found in some wild varieties.
