Spearmint and peppermint

Most fresh mint falls into one of two general categories, spearmint or peppermint, and there are many specific varieties of each. Most of the mint used in cooking (including the recipes in this column) is the type most commonly available in supermarkets, spearmint. Its flavor is relatively sweet, and while the size and shape of the leaves can vary, they are almost always a light, bright green. Peppermint has a deeper, spicier, more peppery (hence the name) flavor and smaller, darker green leaves. and stems. Peppermint can certainly be used in cooking, but it is even more common as a flavoring or scent in everything from candy to tea to toothpaste.