Cultivation

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) grows worldwide in temperate climates. It is grown only in a few countries on a large scale. Global production (in 2005, approximately 107.000 tonnes) is concentrated almost exclusively in Morocco. Other producers include Argentina, Spain and Georgia.

Utilisation

Among the mint plants, peppermint displays the highest concentration of menthol. The leaves of the peppermint are used fresh or dried as:

• tea, beverages
• seasoning in many dishes including soups and meat dishes
• flavour extract in sweets such as chocolate, ice cream and sweets

Gene technology: aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Weed management

• Herbicide tolerance

Quality traits

Altered composition of the components, such as:

• oils: peppermint oil is composed of a variety of compounds. The main component is the alcohol menthol.

Field trials with GM peppermint