After-dinner mints

After-dinner mints are small tablets or candies made with extracts from mint plants, primarily from Mentha piperita (peppermint), designed to freshen breath after meals. Their characteristic fresh and slightly sweet flavor helps neutralize strong odors that may remain after eating, facilitating a clean and pleasant sensation in the mouth.

This ingredient has its roots in ancient culinary and medicinal traditions, where mint was valued for both its aroma and its digestive properties. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, mint has spread throughout the world and is very popular in gastronomy and in products for improving postprandial digestion.

Among its main properties, its refreshing and digestive effect stands out, which can help relieve mild stomach discomfort and facilitate digestion after heavy or spicy meals. Furthermore, thanks to its ability to stimulate the salivary glands, it contributes to saliva production, which helps combat dry mouth and improve breath.

In different Hispanic American countries, after-dinner mints are known by various names, such as mentitas, caramelos de menta, pastillas refrescantes, or dulces de menta. These terms may vary by region, but they all refer to similar products used for the same purpose: to provide freshness and oral well-being after a meal.