MENTHOL

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is a hybrid variety obtained by cross-breeding peppermint and spearmint. It is prized for its high menthol content, making it one of the most aromatic and spicy types of mint. The plant has an upright stem 30–60 cm tall, which branches, and leaves that are opposite, short-petioled, ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate. Flowers are small, bisexual, and can be white or pink with purple veins.

The taste of spearmint is characterized by a sharp, burning character with a menthol chill, while the aroma is strong, refreshing, and minty. When the leaves are crushed, an intense menthol scent is released, which intensifies during the summer period. The plant grows as a wild plant in Europe and North America but is also cultivated in greenhouses due to its resistance to low temperatures and diseases.

Spearmint is widely used in cooking, medicine, aromatherapy, and cosmetology. In the food industry, it is used to add freshness to dishes and beverages; in pharmaceuticals—as a component of soothing agents and antiseptic solutions; and in aromatherapy—for stress relief and improved concentration. Due to its rich menthol profile, this variety is also popular among producers of vaping liquids, where it provides a clean, cool taste without unwanted impurities.