Tag: Gaultheria

Over 90% of commercially produced wintergreen oil comes from a different plant species than peppermint, which is a member of the mint family. Despite their similar scents, these two plants have vastly different botanical origins and chemical compositions that set them apart in both flavor and application.

Over 150 species exist in the *Gaultheria* genus, and not all produce edible berries. So, are Gaultheria berries edible? The answer is nuanced, depending entirely on the specific species, making correct identification an essential safety measure.