mynte

Mynte is the Danish and Norwegian common name for the herb mint, referring to species in the genus Mentha. Mint is a perennial, fragrant herb in the family Lamiaceae, characterized by square stems, opposite leaves, and dense clusters of small flowers. The most commonly cultivated species include spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita). Essential oils in the leaves—primarily menthol, carvone, and limonene—give the plant its characteristic cooling aroma and flavor. Mynte is widely grown in temperate regions for culinary use, teas, confectionery, and as a garnish. It is a vigorous, spreading plant that reproduces through runners (rhizomes) and can become invasive if not contained; many gardeners plant it in pots or confined borders. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; regular pruning encourages bushier growth and frequent harvesting. Common cultivation challenges include aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. In traditional and modern cuisine, mynte leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor beverages, sauces, salads, and meat dishes. The oil is also used in aromatherapy and in natural remedies, though care is advised due to skin and mucous membrane irritation in concentrated form. The term itself reflects linguistic variation for mint in Danish and Norwegian, aligning with similar terms in other Germanic languages. See also Mentha; culinary herbs; essential oil.