Mint facts for kids

Mint is a word that can mean a few different things! It can be a type of plant with a fresh smell, a sweet candy, or even a special factory where money is made. Let's explore these different meanings.

What is Mint?

The word "mint" can be a bit confusing because it has several meanings. It often refers to a group of plants known for their strong, fresh scent. But it can also mean a type of candy that tastes like these plants. And in a completely different way, "mint" is also the name for a place where coins and paper money are made.

Mint Plants: The Green Kind

When people talk about "mint," they often mean the plant. Mint plants are part of the Mentha family. They are famous for their strong, cool, and refreshing smell and taste. These plants grow all over the world and are easy to spot with their green leaves and sometimes small flowers.

Different Kinds of Mint

There are many different types of mint plants. Two of the most well-known are peppermint and spearmint. Peppermint has a very strong, cool taste, often used in candies and teas. Spearmint has a milder, sweeter flavor and is often found in chewing gum and some foods. Other types include chocolate mint, apple mint, and even orange mint, each with its own unique scent and taste.

How Mint Plants Grow

Mint plants are very good at growing and spreading. They often grow close to the ground and can spread quickly using underground stems called rhizomes. These stems send up new shoots, making new plants. This is why mint can sometimes take over a garden if it's not kept in check! They also produce small flowers that can create seeds, but spreading by rhizomes is more common.

Uses for Mint Plants

Mint plants are used in many ways. Their leaves are popular in cooking, especially in drinks like iced tea or mojitos, and in dishes from many cultures. Mint is also used to make essential oils, which are found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and some medicines. People also use mint for its fresh smell in soaps, candles, and air fresheners. It's even thought to help with upset stomachs or headaches.

Mint Candies: A Sweet Treat

Another common meaning of "mint" is a type of candy. These candies get their name because they are flavored with oil from mint plants, usually peppermint or spearmint. They give you a cool, refreshing feeling in your mouth.

How Mint Candy Gets its Flavor

Mint candies are made by mixing sugar and other ingredients with mint oil. This oil is extracted from the leaves of mint plants. The amount of oil used changes how strong the mint flavor is. Some mint candies are very strong, while others are mild and sweet. They come in many forms, like hard candies, soft chews, and even chocolate-covered mints. People often eat mint candies after meals to freshen their breath.

Mint Factories: Making Money!

Finally, a "mint" can be a factory where coins and sometimes paper money are made. These places are very important because they produce the currency we use every day. Every country has at least one mint to make its money.

What Happens at a Money Mint?

At a money mint, skilled workers and special machines turn plain metal into shiny new coins. First, large sheets of metal are cut into coin-sized blanks. Then, these blanks are heated and pressed under huge machines called presses. These presses stamp the designs onto both sides of the coin, including the year and the country's symbols. For paper money, a similar process happens with special paper and printing presses. The mint also checks each coin and bill to make sure it's perfect before it goes out to the public.

Why Mints are Important

Mints are vital for a country's economy. They ensure there's enough money for people to buy and sell things. They also help keep the money safe by adding special features to coins and bills that make them hard to copy. Mints often have a long history, with some having been around for hundreds of years, showing how important money has always been to societies.

Images for kids

• Mentha spicata 001.jpg

  A close-up of spearmint leaves.

• Peppermint plant.jpg

  A peppermint plant growing.

• Mint candy.jpg

  Different types of mint candies.

• US Mint Philadelphia.jpg

  The United States Mint building in Philadelphia.