Yakima Chewing Gum Mint

Description

Peppermint and spearmint plants have long been prized for their oils, essential for flavouring candies, chewing gums, cough drops, and toothpaste. Originally, these aromatic plants were cultivated in small plantings of 10 acres or less, harvested by hand, and distilled crudely. However, in modern times, Washingtons mint industry has evolved into large, mechanized farms that yield exceptional quality oils at a remarkable cost efficiency and Yakima Chewing Gum mint is the variety that is the product of this history. Located predominantly in Adams, Grant, and Yakima counties, these farms have propelled Washington to the forefront of mint production. As of 2017, the state boasted production figures of 2,100,000 pounds of spearmint oil and 1,440,000 pounds of peppermint oil annually, making it the leading spearmint-oil producer in the US. Among these thriving regions, Yakima County stands out as a hub of mint cultivation, contributing significantly to the states impressive output.