Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’ (Pineapple Mint)

Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’, also known as Pineapple Mint, is a strong-growing perennial prized for its variegated foliage of rounded, softly hairy leaves, releasing a fresh, bright, and slightly sweet taste that is reminiscent of apples. Tiny mauve flowers are borne in dense spikes in late summer. Pineapple Mint is commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications.

Pineapple Mint Culinary Uses

Pineapple mint is a versatile herb that can be used to add a fresh, sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. It pairs particularly well with fruit, vegetables, and meats, making it a popular choice for use in savory and sweet dishes alike. 

In teas and beverages: ‘Variegata’ is often used to flavor teas, iced teas, and other beverages.

In sauces and marinades: ‘Variegata’ can be used to add flavor to sauces, marinades, and other culinary preparations.

In desserts: ‘Variegata’ can be used to flavor ice creams, sorbets, and other desserts.

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

As a garnish: ‘Variegata’ can be used as a fresh garnish for cocktails, desserts, and other dishes.

Pineapple Mint Medicinal Uses

Like other Apple Mints, ‘Variegata’ has several medicinal uses, including:

Digestive aid: ‘Variegata’ can be used as a natural remedy for digestive issues, such as indigestion, nausea, and bloating.

Headache relief: ‘Variegata’ 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: ‘Variegata’ has a fresh, slightly fruity aroma that can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and uplift mood.

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

It’s important to note that while ‘Variegata’ has many of the same medicinal properties as the species Mentha suaveolens, it may have slightly different effects due to its variegated foliage. If you’re considering using ‘Variegata’ for medicinal purposes, it’s best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider first.

Growing Pineapple Mint

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 36-60 in. wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in poor, moist soils in full sun or partial shade. Pineapple 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.
• Pineapple 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.