Essential oil from Mentha spicata L. (spearmint) cultivated in Italy

Abstract A new strain of Mentha spicata (2n = 48) was introduced from Michigan (U.S.A.) into the Piedmont Valley (Turin, Italy). It was found that the essential oil of this strain, which was obtained by steam distillation of plants in full bloom, possessed a typical spearmint aroma. Analysis of the oil was performed using a combination of capillary GC‐MS. From the results it could be seen that the oil, which was carvone‐rich, had a similar chemical composition to other carvone‐rich mints found growing spontaneously or cultivated in the Piedmont Valley, e.g. Wentha aquatica × viridis F. Schultz (1854) (sensu Fiori), Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds var. candicans Crantz and Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. var. crispa Ten. With the exception of M. longifolia var. candicans, the minor components of the other oils were qualitatively similar; however, they varied quantitatively both in amounts of oxygenated and non‐oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and in individual components.