Mentha suaveolens, also known as Apple Mint, is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial with rounded, softly hairy, apple-scented leaves and dense spikes of white or pinkish flowers in late summer and early fall. Native to southern and western Europe, Apple Mint is widely used in cooking and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years in many parts of the world.

Apple Mint Culinary Uses

Apple Mint is widely used in culinary applications for its fresh, sweet, and slightly fruity flavor. It pairs particularly well with fruit, vegetables, and meats, making it a popular choice for use in savory and sweet dishes alike. Some popular culinary uses of apple mint include:

In teas and beverages: Apple mint is often used to flavor teas, iced teas, and other beverages.

In sauces and marinades: Apple mint can be used to add flavor to sauces, marinades, and other culinary preparations.

In desserts: Apple mint can be used to flavor ice creams, sorbets, and other desserts.

In salads: Apple mint can be used to add flavor to salads, particularly those with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavor profile.

As a garnish: Apple mint can be used as a fresh garnish for cocktails, desserts, and other dishes.

Apple Mint Medicinal Uses

Mentha suaveolens (apple mint) has several medicinal uses, primarily due to its fragrant compounds and natural properties. Some of the medicinal uses of apple mint include:

Digestive aid: Apple mint is often used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as indigestion, nausea, and bloating.

Headache relief: Apple mint can be used as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines, as its scent has been shown to have a soothing effect on the head and neck.

Aromatherapy: Apple mint has a fresh, slightly fruity aroma that can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and uplift mood.

Natural insect repellent: Apple mint has been shown to repel insects, making it a popular natural alternative to chemical insecticides.

It's important to note that while apple mint may have potential medicinal benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. If you're considering using apple mint for medicinal purposes, it's best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider first.

Growing Apple Mint

• Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 36-60 in. wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in poor, moist soils in full sun or partial shade. Apple Mint, however, adapts to a wide range of soils except for dry ones.
• This aromatic herb can be used as a garden specimen, ground cover, in herbs and kitchen gardens, and in vegetable gardens.
• It is a vigorous grower that will spread all over the place and could become invasive. You can plant it in raised beds, pots, or containers to keep it within bounds.
• You can also grow the plants indoors for fresh leaves throughout the winter.
• Apple Mint is extremely easy to grow and relatively low maintenance.
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep the leaves clean.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, caterpillars, powdery mildew, or mint rust.
• Mint is deer and rabbit resistant and toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. Fresh or dried leaves of Mints repel mice and rats.
• Mint may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Cut back after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or root tip cuttings in spring.

Companion Planting

Mint is an excellent companion plant.

1. Mint repels Pests: Mint has a strong scent that can deter pests such as aphids, black flies, cabbage moths, cabbage worms, cabbage maggots, flea beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies, and ants.

2. Mint improves Growth: Mint is said to improve the growth of other plants by improving soil quality and releasing beneficial compounds into the soil.

3. Mint attracts Beneficial Insects: Mint flowers are a source of nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which help pollinate nearby plants or prey on garden pests.

Do not plant Mint in the ground near your vegetables in order to prevent it from taking over your vegetable crops. Use Mint foliage as mulch or keep it in pots.

Find here the list of best and worst companion plants for Mints

Harvesting and Storing Mint

Mint is best harvested just before the plant starts to flower when the essential oils and flavor are at their peak. Here are some tips for harvesting mint:

1. Pruning: Harvest only the young leaves, as they are more flavorful than the mature ones. Cut the stem tips of the plant back to about 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) from the ground using sharp scissors or pruning shears.

2. Timing: Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

3. Frequency: Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy and productive.

4. Drying: To dry mint, tie the stems together in bunches and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, crumble them into a jar and store them in a cool, dark place.

5. Freezing: Another option is to freeze mint leaves by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and putting them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer.