hortelãverdadeira

Hortelãverdadeira, scientifically known as Mentha spicata and commonly referred to as spearmint in many regions, is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses and is distinct from other mint varieties by its milder, sweet aroma and the higher proportion of carvone in its essential oil.

Description and characteristics: Hortelãverdadeira is a herbaceous plant that typically grows to about 30 to 90 centimeters in height. It has square, branched stems and opposite, simple leaves with serrated margins. The leaves are lanceolate to oval, bright green, and release a refreshing scent when crushed. Flowers are usually small, pale purple to lilac, and appear in dense spikes during the warmer months.

Habitat and cultivation: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, hortelãverdadeira is now cultivated worldwide. It prefers moist, fertile soil and partial shade but adapts to a range of conditions. The plant spreads vigorously via underground rhizomes and can become invasive in garden beds, so containment or growing in pots is common. It is commonly propagated by division or cuttings. Harvesting is best done in the morning before the day’s heat intensifies the aroma; leaves and shoots can be used fresh or dried.

Uses and chemistry: In the kitchen, hortelãverdadeira is used to flavor beverages, sauces, salads, meats, and desserts, and is a key component in many herbal teas. Its essential oil contains carvone as a major constituent, contributing to its characteristic minty sweetness, with a lower menthol content than peppermint varieties. Medicinally, it is traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve nausea, though severe doses should be avoided and people with allergies should exercise caution.

See also: Mint, Mentha genus, Peppermint, Culinary herbs.