Apple Mint has a very mild, subtle apple fragrance, which doesn’t survive drying or cooking, but it has no apple taste. Some feel that the name was referring more to how the shape of the leaves resembled leaves of apple trees, but that with the power of psychological suggestion, people have started tasting apple as well. Some cynics even feel that this mint has less taste period than other mints.
The plant is a hardy perennial mint with reddish stems that can grow up to 3 feet (1 metre) tall. It doesn’t grow true to seed; it is best propagated by runners.
It has crinkled, light greyish-green leaves with serrated edges that are hairy on top and fuzzy underneath. The leaves will be 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long.
It blossoms with pale purple flowers.
It is best if clipped regularly to keep shorter to promote young leaf growth.
It needs the tricky combination of both sun and moist soil. It is not that invasive, because it tends to keep close to its water source, unless there is moist soil everywhere.
Cooking Tips
Strip leaves off, discard stems.
History Notes
Developed by the English breeder E.A. Bowles.