Beyond Fresh Breath: Mint Trivia and Fun Facts
Peppermint and spearmint have been grown in the United States for generations, but in 2010 the nation produced a whopping 8.6 million pounds of the breath-fresheners. Here are some more fun facts about mint:
Peppermint
- The top 5 peppermint-producing states are Oregon, Washington and Idaho with more than 1 million pounds each, followed by Indiana, California and Wisconsin. (2010)
- The four varieties of peppermint are Black Mitcham, the original selection from the wild, and three variations: Todd’s Mitcham, Murray Mitcham and Robert’s Mitcham.
- Peppermint is one of the oldest and best tasting home remedies for indigestion.
- In 2010, the United States harvested 71,300 acres of pepperrmint.
Spearmint
- The top 5 spearmint-producing states is Washington with more than 1 million pounds, followed by Oregon, Indiana, Idaho and Michigan. (2010)
- Native spearmint is used to flavor toothpaste and dental hygiene products, whereas Scotch spearmint has a milder, more pleasant taste and is used in chewing gum and candies.
- In 2010, the United States harvested 18,600 acres of spearmint.
More Minty Fresh Facts
- Mint is grown for the oils it produces in specialized glands on the leaves and stems. This oil is recovered by distilling the harvested plants using steam.
- The Romans believed eating mint would increase intelligence. The scent of mint was also supposed to stop a person from losing his temper, and royal ambassadors carried mint sprigs in their pockets.
- Mint is shallow-rooted and requires loose-textured soils for good root penetration and growth. It requires 60 inches of rainfall for optimum growth and fertility.
Sources: National Agricultural Statistics Service, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service
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[…] Peppermint can be found on a farm and in the woods! It escaped cultivation and today can be found in wet climates of Europe and North America. In 2010, the US harvested 71,300 acres of peppermint! Mint has been around for a long time and the Romans believed it increased intelligence. The scent was also supposed to stop people from losing their temper so kings and diplomats would carry sprigs in their pockets. While we don’t carry it in our pockets anymore (although maybe we should?), it is known to soothe a stomach ache, sore throat, and many other alignments. (Source). […]
[…] Peppermint can be found on a farm and in the woods! It escaped cultivation and today can be found in wet climates of Europe and North America. In 2010, the US harvested 71,300 acres of peppermint! Mint has been around for a long time and the Romans believed it increased intelligence. The scent was also supposed to stop people from losing their temper so kings and diplomats would carry sprigs in their pockets. While we don’t carry it in our pockets anymore (although maybe we should?), it is known to soothe a stomach ache, sore throat, and many other alignments. (Source). […]
[…] – peppermint and spearmint are grown in mass quantities. In 2010 the United States produced 8.6 million pounds. Top producers are Oregon, Washington and Idaho. I have driven along acres and acres of mint fields […]
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[…] Peppermint can be found on a farm and in the woods! It escaped cultivation and today can be found in wet climates of Europe and North America. In 2010, the US harvested 71,300 acres of peppermint! Mint has been around for a long time and the Romans believed it increased intelligence. The scent was also supposed to stop people from losing their temper so kings and diplomats would carry sprigs in their pockets. While we don’t carry it in our pockets anymore (although maybe we should?), it is known to soothe a stomach ache, sore throat, and many other alignments. (Source). […]
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