Daijia village in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, is home to China's largest spearmint plantation, measuring 6,500 mu (433.33 hectares).

Spearmint is most commonly grown as a culinary herb and can also be used as medicine. With leaves having a strong fragrance and taste, the plant is also a used additive in cleaning products.

Daijia village has been growing spearmint plants for more than a decade. The spearmint essential oil produced in the village has been exported to Europe and the United States. Many famous cosmetic companies around the world use the essential oils as raw materials.

"Although the price fluctuates every year, the price of each kilogram of essential oil has been stable at 230 yuan ($33.91) or more", a local official said. The annual output value of the spearmint plantation in the village totals more than 20 million yuan.

Farmers harvest spearmint in Daijia village in Jinan, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Shandong Business Daily]