Mint is actually a blanket term for a number of different aromatic herbs within the genus Mentha. “Mint” could be referring to water mint, Corsican field mint, Japanese field mint, candy mint, apple mint, orange mint, chocolate mint, or any number of the almost countless hybrids and cultivars of the different mint species. They grow in a number of different environments around the globe, as well as indoors. It is believed that mint is native to the eastern Mediterranean, but there are so many different varieties it’s hard to know with full certainty. We certainly know it was abundant in that area. The word mint itself comes from Greek mythology and is associated with the nymph Minth, pointing to mint’s ancient origins and significance. Among the genus Mentha, there are two main species of mint plants that stick out: spearmint and peppermint. Spearmint and peppermint flavors stand out in different ways that can make a big impact in how they are used. Spearmint is very widely cultivated because of its hardiness and its wide array of culinary uses. Peppermint flavor tends to be a bit more striking, and it is primary cultivated to be processed into peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is then used as a flavoring or further processed into menthol.