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Herbal (tisane) · Mentha × piperita

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

7.8/10 editor's score

A hybrid of watermint and spearmint, rich in menthol. Oregon and Washington grow most of America's peppermint, mostly for its oil.

Caffeine-freeCoolingAfter dinner
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried peppermint leaves, top-down

What you need

1.5 g dried mint leavesPeppermint
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale green-gold
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

A hybrid of watermint and spearmint, rich in menthol.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSummerCut in summer.
Pairs withDark chocolate, After dinner, LambLess good with delicate teas
Grown asIrrigated valleysPacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Peppermint

What sources say about the taste

Sources note peppermint as a plant source of menthol and menthone 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Pacific NorthwestOregon and WashingtonUNITED STATES
Plant
Hybrid of watermint and spearmint 1
Top producer
Morocco, 78% of world output in 2023 1
In the US
Mostly Oregon and Washington 1
Spreads
By runners; usually sterile 1

More from Pacific Northwest and United States.

History and culture

Linnaeus treated peppermint as a species; it is now agreed to be a hybrid 1.

In the US, the leaves are mostly processed for oil for chewing gum and toothpaste 1.

Editor's score

7.8/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.5Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 9.0Value: 9.5Beginner-friendliness: 9.5Versatility: 7.5Flavour 6.5Heritage 7.0Availability 9.0Value 9.5Beginners 9.5Versatility 7.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Peppermint0 mg

Peppermint is caffeine-free. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Northern summer harvest. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Mentha × piperita, a sterile hybrid spread by runners 1.

How it is made
01Cutting

Cut in summer.

02Drying

Dried.

03Crumbling

Cut or crumbled.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry mint leavesCrumbled dark green leaf.
LiquorPale green-gold.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Dark chocolate
  • After dinner
  • Lamb

Best avoided

  • Delicate teas

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Whole leaf beats dust.

Buying tips

  1. Bags are often fannings.
  2. Pair with green tea for a Moroccan-style blend.
FAQ
Is this the Moroccan mint tea?

Moroccan mint tea usually uses spearmint with green tea. Peppermint is a different mint.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from United StatesPacific NorthwestCaffeine-freeCoolingAfter dinner

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Peppermint". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.