Where are the main mint-producing regions? A look at the latest growing-area distribution

Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows by rivers in mountain wilds and wetlands, with rhizomes spreading underground. It is an aromatic crop with special economic value, widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is found throughout China, with the largest yields mainly from Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. Now let us take a look at the growing-area distribution of mint!

The growing-area distribution of mint

Mint is widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and originated in China. Its main growing areas are Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Henan, Taiwan, China and other provinces. Countries where it is cultivated abroad include Brazil, Paraguay, India, Japan, Korea, Argentina, Thailand, Australia and others. China ranks first in the world in mint planting area and output, followed by India.

China's hometown of mint

Taihe County is located in the northwest of Anhui Province, under the administration of Fuyang City. It lies at the southern end of the Huanghuai Plain, between the cities of Fuyang and Bozhou. Its land is fertile, and its grain crops are mainly wheat, soybean, corn, sorghum, sweet potato and so on, while its cash crops are known for sesame, rapeseed, cotton, tobacco leaf, mint, Chinese medicinal materials and others, especially mint, which has long enjoyed the reputation that “Asia's mint is in China, and China's mint is in Taihe”.

The growing environment of mint

Mint has a strong ability to adapt to environmental conditions. It can grow in areas below 2100 m in altitude, growing in damp places by water, and can reach altitudes as high as 3500 m.

1. Temperature: Mint has a strong ability to adapt to temperature. Its rhizomes overwinter and can withstand low temperatures of -15°C. Its most suitable growing temperature is 25°C-30°C. When the temperature is below 15°C, growth is slow; when it is above 20°C, growth speeds up. At 20°C-30°C, as long as water and fertilizer are suitable, the higher the temperature, the faster it grows.

2. Light: Mint is a long-day crop and likes sunlight. Long sunshine can promote mint flowering and is also favorable for the accumulation of mint oil and menthol.

3. Soil: Mint is not very strict about soil requirements. Apart from overly sandy, overly clayey, excessively acidic or alkaline soils, and low-lying soils with poor drainage, it can generally be planted in ordinary soils, with sandy loam and alluvial soil being preferable. A soil pH of 6-7.5 is suitable.