Peppermint Oil (Mentha × piperita) in the U.S.

Peppermint is one of my favorite herbs and essential oils. Having grown up in Egypt, mint was a crucial part of our Mediterranean dishes. A fresh mint leaf in tea creates a heavenly drink for us, and freshly chopped mint leaves are vital in salads and marinades. The famous Egyptian lemon-mint cold drink has also gained popularity among my neighbors in the USA.

Peppermint’s Early Arrival

Peppermint was first introduced to the U.S. in Massachusetts in the early 1800s. Since then, it has grown to become a major crop, with the United States producing 70% of the world’s peppermint and spearmint. Most cultivation occurs in the Pacific Northwest, where ideal conditions support high-quality oil production

Where It Grows and How

• Oregon leads the nation, producing nearly 35% of U.S. peppermint.

• In 2017, 60,400 acres of land were dedicated to peppermint, yielding roughly 4.228 million pounds of peppermint oil.

• Planting occurs in late fall or spring using specialty mechanical planters.

• Harvesting takes place from late June to mid-August.

• Mint fields are typically maintained for 3–5 years before rotation with another crop.(Source: College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University)

Peppermint Oil: Small but Mighty

• 1 acre of mint = ~70 pounds of oil. That tiny bottle you see on the shelf is incredibly concentrated!

• 1 drum of peppermint oil can flavor:

  • ~5 million sticks of gum

  • ~400,000 tubes of toothpaste

Challenges in Peppermint Farming

• Maintaining high-quality oil is essential.

• Weeds harvested along with the mint can lower oil quality significantly.

Peppermint’s Market and Popularity

• The global market for peppermint oil was forecasted to reach USD $671 million by 2022, largely due to its aromatherapy and wellness applications.

• Peppermint continues to be a favorite in essential oils, flavorings, and natural remedies.

Popular Peppermint Varieties in the U.S.

Peppermint - Yakima

Yakima is the largest region for peppermint & spearmint oils in North America .

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: dry, sweet, and light.

Menthofuran 0.75% - Menthone 25.24% - Menthol 39.47%

Grown in: Yakima, Grant, Adams, Uamtilla (OR)

Peppermint - Willamette

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: Sweet, floral, fruity, and clean

Menthofuran 1.97% - Menthone 23.26 % - Menthol 39.95%

Grown in: Marion - Linn, Lane (OR)

Peppermint - Madras

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: Minty, smoky, and hay

Menthofuran 1.51% - Menthone 20.32% - Menthol 43.95%

Grown in: Wasco, Jefferson, Crook (OR)

Peppermint - La Grande

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: Woody, green, and fresh

Menthofuran 2.20% - Menthone 18.73% - Menthol 42.71%

Grown in: Union, Baker (OR)

Valley region located at the base of the blue mountain .

Peppermint - Idaho

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: Herbal, sweet, and floral

Menthofuran 3.15% - Menthone 22.08% - Menthol 39.93%

Grown in: Adams, Gem canyin, Ada, Elmore, Owyhee, Twin falls (ID)

Peppermint - Midwest

Peppermint oil's characteristics in this region are: Earthy,sweet,heavy,mud

Menthofuran 1.71% - Menthone 24.32% - menthol 37.78%

Indiana - Michigan - Milwaukee

This mint is growing in Muck soil and has distinct characteristics.

Mint oil Adulteration

Essential oil adulteration is a huge concern when it comes to Aromatherapy

Synthetic adulteration is very common by adding synthetic menthol , that's why C 14 testing is essential , as a tool to screen “natural” peppermint oil for petrochemical-derived components. That's why buying from trusted distillers is a key factor in the supply chain.

References :

-Landing JE (1969) American essence : a history of the peppermint and spearmint industry in the United States. Kalamazoo Public Museum:244 pp.

-Oregon state university https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/coarec

-Perfumer and flavorist Authentication of Natural Peppermint Oil Feb 2019 edition

-https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/resources2.aspx?title=Crop%20Production&category1=Crops&category2=Mint

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#Aromatherapy #peppermint #ebrersconsulting #facts