Why does my Peppermint have a different scent?
Why does my Peppermint have a different scent and taste than normal?
Dr. Mike Buch, September 2017
"We have recently received some comments about peppermint oil (lots 3017 and 30431) possessing an “atypical” aroma. Thorough analyses in both the QC lab and the R&D lab have led to the following conclusions:
1) "These peppermint lots show no evidence of contamination and fall completely within all YL specifications for peppermint oil.
2) "This peppermint oil is sourced from North America (previous lots were sourced from India), and we believe this new source to be of the highest quality available.
3) "Because this peppermint grows in a different environment, there is some natural variation from previous lots.
4) "GCMS data show that these lots contain slightly higher levels of menthofurane than previous lots, and although the menthofurane levels (≈6%) are within our specifications, these levels are responsible for the “different” aroma profile.
5) "Some people are more sensitive to the smell of menthofurane than others.
6) "It is important to note that menthofurane occurs naturally in peppermint oil and that this compound is a mark of fresh peppermint. The highest levels of menthofurane are actually found in the peppermint flowers.
7) "Moving forward, we will conduct comparative GCMS and organoleptic studies to establish a new specification for menthofurane which minimizes it’s impact on the overall aroma of the oil."
While growing peppermint in a different geographical location can produce a different taste and aroma, Young Living only gives us oils that pass the rigorous testing process to guarantee that every.single.component that should be present IS present and in the correct amounts. Every single batch of oils is tested in triplicate on a dozen or more lab instruments, at least one of which costs $1million - and this is just "business as usual" testing that we do. Other so called oil companies may do one test. So we know we have the real deal - IT WORKS. The variation in taste and aroma is always there, usually not detected by humans.
:That is the beautiful thing about our company - it is wonderful, natural plants, soil, cultivation, rain, harvesting, distilling - there are variations! What always always always is the same oil? Always the same taste and always the same smell? Essential Oils with synthetics. That's the only way to control it. If you are ever have the opportunity to smell oils from various marketing companies you may notice how lovely their peppermint smells..."lovely" like sickening sweet candy canes - not lovely like, earthy-real-deal-YL-peppermint.
Candy-cane-peppermint may smell the same because of the synthetic chemical added.
When it comes to humans, there is something called biochemical individuality. Your body receives the Peppermint from the new farm differently than I do. I may LOVE LOVE LOVE it, and you may turn up your nose! That's ok, we are in it for the purity, potency, and God's medicine. Give it a chance, see if your body feels differently about it after using it for awhile. If not, there are dozens and dozens of other oil options that you may prefer. If it is a breath freshener, maybe try mixing up a spray with the new peppermint, and stevia and water. Attach a sprayer to your old 5 or 15ml bottles with a few drops of oil - blend in spearmint for a different flavor.
In the end, while most people can detect the higher levels of menthofurane in a particular peppermint batch, and YL can adjust so that the plant is harvested when that component is less than 6%, this would not be unusual since YL tests plants to determine the optimal time to harvest. So in the end, this is not really a problem. Not having peppermint at all, now that's a problem) . We still have the most potent and pure oil in the world, and so even with a distinction of some batches, remember, this is what makes our oils genuine!
Contributed by Erin Chamerlik, Young Living Gold
Edits: Renee Yeo, Young Living Platinum