fair trade peppermint

The particular healing properties of the Mentha perpita peppermint species make it a key ingredient in various Weleda products such as toothpastes.  In order to yield the highest quality peppermint and make a sustainable difference, Weleda has formed a farming cooperative made up of about 30 families in the Peruvian village, Catalinayoc. 

Located 12,800 feet about sea level in the Andes Mountains, this village is one of the least developed in Peru due to ongoing conflicts and rural migration.  The soil, however, is exceptionally fertile, making it ideal for growing organic peppermint.  Immediately after the harvest, the farmers distill the leaves into valuable essential oil.  Over 400 pounds of peppermint are needed to yield 1 pint of essential oil.  Each year this farming cooperative produces close to half a ton of organic peppermint oil for Weleda.
 

cultivation location
Andes Mountains, Catalinayoc, Peru

time of harvest
April – June and October – November

cultivation quality
organic