The herb
Spearmint, not peppermint.
In Greek kitchens, 'mint' almost always means spearmint — diosmos, Mentha spicata. It is sweeter and softer than peppermint (Mentha × piperita, menta in Greek), with less menthol and a green, gently sweet aroma that works with meat, cheese and yogurt.
Dried spearmint is the version most Greek cooks reach for: it keeps all year and blends into minced meat, fillings and sauces without the wateriness of fresh leaves.
VEVI sources spearmint from certified growers in the Kozani highlands and packs it in Athens under FSSC 22000.
- PlantMentha spicata
- Greek nameΔυόσμος (diosmos)
- OriginGreece · Kozani highlands
- FlavourCool, sweet, green
- FormatsPET jar 70 g · sachet 40 g
- Food safetyFSSC 22000 · ISO 22000
Formats
Jar for the shelf, sachet for refills.
In the kitchen
How to cook with dried spearmint.
Rub dried spearmint between your fingers to wake it up, and mix it into the dish rather than scattering it on top.
- Into minced meat
A teaspoon per 500 g of mince for keftedes, burgers and stuffed vegetables.
- Into fillings
With feta or myzithra in cheese pies, and with rice in dolmades and gemista.
- Into yogurt
Stir into Greek yogurt with garlic, olive oil and lemon for a quick sauce.
- As a tea
A teaspoon per cup, steeped for 5 minutes, hot or iced.
At the Greek table
Three dishes that need spearmint.
Greek meatballs: mince, grated onion, bread, egg, oregano and a generous spoon of dried spearmint.
Courgette fritters with feta, dill and spearmint — a summer meze classic.
Cretan kalitsounia and village pies with soft cheese and spearmint.
Tradition & wellbeing
Cool, after the meal.
In Greek tradition a spearmint infusion is drunk after meals, for a cool feeling and comfortable digestion — and in summer it is served iced with lemon.
Spearmint's scent comes from carvone, not from menthol as in peppermint. That is why it tastes sweeter and less icy.
- Main aroma compoundCarvone
- In traditionAfter meals; iced in summer
- CaffeineNone
Herbal teas are foods, not medicines. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, ask your doctor first.
Storage & quality
Keep it cool, dry and closed.
Spearmint's aroma is volatile, so keep it in a closed jar in a cool, dark, dry cupboard, away from the hob.
Once a sachet is open, move the spearmint to a clean, dry jar with a tight lid. As a rule of thumb it keeps its best aroma for about a year after opening — check the best-before date on the pack.
What good spearmint looks like
- Green colour, not grey or brown.
- A clear, sweet mint smell when you rub a pinch.
- Leaf pieces rather than powder.
- A clear origin on the label.
In the shops
Where to find it
In Greece, VEVI is sold in supermarket chains including Galaxias, Masoutis and My market; the formats on shelf vary by store.
Trade
For retailers, HORECA & importers
Jars and sachets for supermarket chains, delis, HORECA and importers, and private label packed to FSSC 22000.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is spearmint tea good for digestion?
In Greek tradition spearmint tea is drunk after meals for a cool feeling and comfortable digestion. It has no caffeine. It is a food, not a medicine.
What is the difference between spearmint and peppermint?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata, diosmos) is sweeter and milder; peppermint (Mentha × piperita, menta) has more menthol and a sharper, cooling bite. Greek recipes that say 'mint' almost always mean spearmint.
Where does VEVI spearmint come from?
From certified growers in the Kozani highlands, packed by VEVI in Athens under FSSC 22000.
How much dried spearmint replaces fresh?
About one teaspoon of dried for one tablespoon of fresh chopped leaves.
Can I make tea with dried spearmint?
Yes — a teaspoon per cup, steeped for five minutes. It is also good iced with lemon.
Do you supply spearmint wholesale?
Yes — jars and sachets for retailers, HORECA and importers, plus private label. Send a wholesale enquiry.