Tag: Square stems

The Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family, includes over 7,000 species of aromatic plants found around the globe. This diverse group is home to many well-known culinary and medicinal herbs, with basil, rosemary, and lavender being just a few notable examples. A key question for many gardeners and herbalists is, "Which herb is a member of the mint family?"—and the answer is more expansive than most people think.

Over 25 species of mint exist, but not all are safe for consumption, with some toxic relatives lurking in the same family. Learning how to identify edible mint using simple but critical checks is essential for any forager or home gardener. The best method involves a simple, three-point inspection focusing on the stem, leaf arrangement, and aroma.