Peppermint vs. Cornmint

Is all peppermint essential oil the same?

Absolutely not!

They may look the same and even have similar aromas, but they are not the same. When looking for the most natural, single-species essential oil, you need to consider the COUNTRY your peppermint is grown in.

Since 1900, peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been commercially grown and distilled in the USA. It was traditionally grown in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana, but today is primarily grown in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and northern California. US-grown peppermint essential oil is the standard of premium quality.

The International Standards Organization ISO 856 Method and Standard classifies it as “USA type”. All other peppermint oils are classified as “Origins other than US”. Lotus Spring Essential Oils is proud to provide peppermint essential oil grown in the USA.

In the last 20 years, India has become the major grower and distiller of peppermint oils. India grows and distills over 85% of the world’s mint essential oil. Your peppermint essential oil is most likely grown in the Himalayan foothills of northern India. Should you be concerned? YES!

In India there are two species of mint grown, yet only one type of mint sold. India grows peppermint and cornmint, yet sells them collectively as “mint”. Cornmint is not peppermint! THIS is the concern!
In India major farmers prefer to grow cornmint (Mentha arvensis) instead of peppermint (Mentha piperita). It has to do with the price they can get per acre of crop produced. They get a higher price for their cornmint crop because it has a higher percentage of menthol (70-80%). Peppermint yields only 35-45% menthol and a lower price at harvest. Therefore, most farmers grow cornmint to gain more income. Menthol is important!

What is so important about the menthol content? India is the world’s largest producer (over 70%) of natural menthol crystals. The fresh cornmint and peppermint oils are taken to menthol factories where a significant portion of the natural menthol is stripped from the oils. The extracted menthol takes the form of crystals. These menthol crystals are used in chewing gums, cigarettes, perfumes, toothpastes, candies, and pharmaceuticals.

Now, consider the residual cornmint and peppermint oils at the menthol factories. There must be a market for the remaining cornmint and peppermint oil by-products. There is! In most cases the two residual oils are combined and sold as De-mentholised Mint Oil (DMO). The De-mentholised Mint Oil gets sold to the US and European markets where it is generally relabeled and sold as “peppermint oil” (with a significant portion of menthol taken out).

We choose peppermint from the northwestern USA where quality is a premium. We follow our Earth Natural process to verify the best Lotus Spring peppermint essential oil available. We care that our customers receive only the best quality essential oils in the world!