General: A curled leaf variety of spearmint traditionally used in cooking or added to bath water. Best grown in pots or restrained. Curly mint will grow in almost any soil type and, like most mints, it likes to spread out.

Culinary Uses: Like other mint varieties curly mint can be used for teas, garnish, or cooked dishes/desserts. The tall herb with its attractive frilly leaves and strong stalk makes a nice swizzle stick for mojitos or other drinks. The spearmint flavor pairs well with meat and fish as well as vegetables, like peas. Curly mint is often used in middle eastern cuisine and can be frozen in ice cube trays to preserve or to use to add flavor to water.

Medicinal Uses: Like all spearmints curly mint is high in vitamin A and this variety also contains vitamin C and B complex. Curly mint is also high in iron and manganese. The leaves can be steeped in hot water for teas or the oils can be extracted to use as a remedy for headaches, heartburn, and indigestion.

Ornamental Uses: Curly mint is a tall variety with thick upright stalks and tightly clustered, fluted leaves. The bright green leaves are pointed with curled edges. This mint has a sweeter flavor with a scent that is reminiscent of spearmint.