Can you eat mint leaves with white spots?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 24, 2026
.
Regarding this, is it safe to eat mint leaves with white spots?
The white spots and loss of chlorophyll on your herbs and flowers were a common occurrence this season. They are caused by sucking insects. The herbs are fine to eat or dry in that they are harmless, but their potency could be affected, so they may not taste as strong as they would otherwise.
Subsequently, question is, can you eat basil leaves with white spots? Some cultivars of basil, such as “Pesto Perpetuo” basil (Ocimum x citriodorum) have natural variegation, or spots of white on the otherwise green leaves. If the white areas all start to discolor or disfiguration of the leaf accompanies them, it is likely not variegation, but a disease or insect problem.
Subsequently, one may also ask, what are the white spots on my mint leaves?
Looks like either spidermites or white flies, both are problematic for mints and other herbs. Check the undersides of the leaves to find the critters. You can use a gentle soap on a rag to gently wipe off the leaves and clean off the pests. Looks like thrip or other leaf miner damage to me.
Can I eat mint leaves with brown spots?
If the brown or black spots are on the underside with a corresponding yellow splotch on the top of the leaves, suspect rust, a fungal infection. Caused by Puccinia menthae, mint rust mainly infects peppermint and spearmint. Destroy infected mint plants.
Related Question Answers