Wintergreen belongs to the Ericaceae family, a trait is shares with the blueberry plant. It is also a term once used to
refer to plants that retain their green color during the winter months, which
has been replaced by the word “evergreen.”
Also known as Eastern Teaberry,
wintergreen leaf provides the fresh, minty flavoring for mouthwash, toothpaste,
chewing gum and hard candies.
Wintergreen leaf is also very popular in tea blends, a
practice that started with early Americans when true tea from Camellia sinensis
was often difficult to obtain.
