1,369 Wild Mint Leaf Food The leaves has peppermint-scented, they are used as a flavouring in salads, chutneys and cooked foods. An essential oil obtained from the leaves and flowering tops is used as a food flavouring in sweets etc. A peppermint-like taste. The leaves contain about 0.57% essential oil. It is sometimes used as a substitute for peppermint oil in confectionery. 8,441