Among different aromatic plants grown in Finland are various mints, of which peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) in particular is interesting for several reasons. Every year approximately 61 tons of different essential oils are imported to Finland. Of those 61 tons, 20 tons are peppermint oil.
Peppermint is a long-day plant requiring at least 15 h of daylight, and it is a relatively cold-tolerant species. In North Ostrobothnia the average day length is 18 h in May, 21 h in June, 20 h in July, and 17 h in August. Moreover, the content of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium in herbal plants has been found to be less in Finland than in Central Europe.
Most Finnish entrepreneurs involved in herbal production are farmers who grow herbs as an additional source of income.
