What Is Peppermint Extract?

Video Transcript

"Peppermint extract is an extract that is made from the volatile oils of the peppermint plant. It has a very distinctive minty flavor and aroma. It can be used in a wide variety of ways. Some people feel that peppermint extract is great for treating certain medical conditions. You can typically find peppermint extract in any market, in health food stores and also through an herbalist who may also offer peppermint extract for skin care. There are two ways to obtain peppermint extract. Traditionally the peppermint is steeped either fresh or dried peppermint is steeped in alcohol allowing the oils from the peppermint to seep out and flavor the alcohol. Another way is to dilute pure peppermint oil in alcohol. Now pure peppermint oil is a much more volatile and powerful form of peppermint extract and is usually made by distilling or pressing the peppermint. As a general rule peppermint oil is four times stronger than peppermint extract. Traditionally peppermint extract is used in holiday baking and can be added to things such as ice cream, candy, cakes, cookies and other baked goods. Some cooks like to use it in savory dishes as well spicy dishes tend to pair well with mint. In addition to food uses peppermint can also be found in skin care as it sooths the skin. You can also find it included in soaps and lotions as peppermint extract has this delightful aroma that people find pleasurable. Peppermint extract also has antibacterial properties and can sooth a sore throat or an upset stomach. Like other members of the mint family, peppermint's distinctive aroma is largely donated by menthol. Menthol is a substance that is often isolated as a flavoring and a medical ingredient. Although many of the benefits of peppermint appear to come from menthol, peppermint also has other compounds that may contribute as well. Menthol has been known to sooth, cool in inflamed skin, reduce itching and relieve low level pain and inflammation on the surface of the skin. If you want you can make peppermint at home simply by seeping the leaves in an alcohol like vodka or diluting pure peppermint oil and that is what peppermint extract is."