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The genus name, Mentha, is derived from Minthe. In Greek mythology, Minthe was a nymph taken by Pluto as a lover. Filled with jealousy, Pluto’s wife Persephone turned Minthe into a mint plant. The species name spicata is Latin for “like a spire.” This references the terminal spikes of the flowers. Spearmint has been valued since ancient times and is native to the Mediterranean. The Romans brought it to what is now England. Spearmint is mentioned all over medieval herb lists and in the ninth century, many convent gardens featured the herb. Numerous prominent medieval writers mention spearmint, including Chaucer, and many medieval writings praise spearmint as a powerful digestive aid.
Spearmint grows up to three feet high and has tall, erect stems without branches, with many smooth, bright green leaves with unevenly toothed edges. The oils in the spearmint leaves make a valuable medicinal herb but are considered milder than peppermint. Because of this, it is considered to have a better culinary use than peppermint. Spearmint is the perfect balance of healthy mint properties with a smooth, balanced deliciousness.
