Herb
Mentha pulegium
D tier
Mentha pulegium is the botanical species of European pennyroyal—chemically distinct and potentially toxic, retained as a named variety entry but not a cooking mint. Do not plate or infuse for general dining. Historical curiosity and ethnobotany only in modern kitchens.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
DriedFreshGarnishInfusedSauceTeaTorn
Traits
Avoid CulinaryHistoricPennyroyal SpeciesPungentStrongToxic OilUnsafe
History
Linnaeus described Mentha pulegium.
Species remained common in folk medicine chests.
Medical literature documented pennyroyal oil poisonings.
Food safety guidance continued to discourage culinary use.