Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) cultivation and use | Piparmētru (Mentha piperita L.) audzēšana un izmantošana
2014
Dizgalve, A., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Inst. of Agrobiotechnology | Kampuss, K., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Inst. of Agrobiotechnology | Sausserde, R., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia). Inst. of Agrobiotechnology
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is a fast spreading perennial and winter hardy plant. Peppermint blooms from July till September. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid between the water mint (Mentha aquatica) and the spearmint (Mentha spicata) characterized by a menthol flavour. Peppermint essential oil production started in the U.S.A. in 1816. Growing of peppermint in Latvia started in the 18th century. Peppermint plants have about 12 % flavonoids which have a positive effect on health; flavonoids are known as natural antibiotics with anti-tumour properties. There are more than 20 species of mint and hundreds of hybridized varieties. They vary in shape and colour with a range of flavours and scents. All Mentha species contain different contents of volatile essential oils, contained in resinous dots on the leaves and stems, which remain also in dried leaves. Mint does not require high amount of fertilizers if planted in rich, well-drained soils. Too much fertilizing can prevent the plant from producing essential oils, which makes the leaves flavourful. Iron and zinc contribute to the accumulation of essential oils and increase the quality of the harvest. The present article focuses on the diversity and use of mint, and its cultivation trends.
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