Peppermint

Peppermint – From Ground To Plate

When the dark winter months come, the strong and iconic aromas of peppermint fill the air. From mouth watering desserts to traditional candies and beverages, peppermint is seen in many wintertime dishes and drinks. But where does this culinary mint come from, and how does it get from the field to a diner’s plate? The answer may surprise you.

Peppermint begins with a seed. The seeds originated in Europe and Asia, but currently most of the peppermint crop is grown in the United States. The seeds are planted in early spring and begin to emerge roughly five weeks later. In its early life, peppermint is composed of several stems, thin leaves, and a taproot. As the peppermint continues to grow and mature, its average height can reach up to three feet tall.

Peppermint is one of the tougher mints to cultivate, as it has high demands for soil and water. The ideal growing environment for peppermint is one of well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. If the soil is too sandy or not acidic enough, the peppermint will struggle to thrive. The soil also needs to be kept consistently moist as well to ensure the peppermint receives all the hydration it needs. Growers also need to watch out for signs of pests or disease that could harm the plant.

Typically, harvesting of peppermint occurs in mid-July until early September, when the leaves and stem are at their peak of essential oil content. The leaves and stem are cut by hand with a scythe and then beaten with a stick. This process of beating the plant releases essential oils in the leaves, making them easier to collect. The leaves are then bundled together and hung in a warm, dry area to further dry out the plant.

Once the peppermint is completely dry, it is ready for the distilling process. The essential oils found in peppermint are what give it its distinct flavor and aroma. To extract these oils, the leaves of the peppermint are crushed, macerated and left to steep in either clean water or high-proof alcohol. Next, the mixture is heated and evaporated to remove the oil from the liquid.

When the essential peppermint oil is extracted, it is placed in bottles for use. Although peppermint oil can be used for a variety of purposes, such as aromatherapy and medical treatments, it is primarily used as a flavoring agent for food and beverages. From adding a minty flavor to chocolates, candies, and baked goods to stirring it into hot drinks like tea and coffee, peppermint oil has a variety of uses in the culinary world.

Now that the essential oil is ready, the peppermint can make its way to the dinner plate. At this point, it should be noted that not all of the peppermint plant is edible. Both the stems and roots contain varying levels of concentration of menthol and toxins, and thus it’s recommended by experts not to consume them.

The most popular form of peppermint that is used in places is the extract, which is a combination of water, corn syrup, and the essential peppermint oil. This extract can be used in sweet recipes, like cakes and cookies, or savory recipes like soups and salads. It can also be added to beverages for a flavor boost.

Another popular way to use peppermint is in the form of candy. To make these sugary sweets, the oil is blended with fats, sugar, and coloring agents. The mixture is then melted down, cooled, and cut into the recognizable shape and size of a peppermint candy. After cooling, the candy can then be packaged and shipped to various stores and restaurants.

At this point, the peppermint is ready to be enjoyed fast and easy. From candy canes to peppermint-infused drinks and desserts, there are countless possibilities when it comes to using peppermint. From seed to plate, there is a delicate process that must take place for peppermint to reach the dinner table. The next time you reach for peppermint, take the time to appreciate the hard work that has gone into creating one of the winter season’s most beloved treats.