I’m happy to post this info about Seely Mints, a family-owned herb farm with a rich heritage in mint farming. I know how wonderful certain mint varieties can taste. An herbalist friend gave me some “Blue Balsam” plants years ago, and I have loved the unique “double-mint” (spearmint-peppermint blend) ever since. The pic above shows my mojito recipe–it’s available at https://kitchenlane.com/2013/05/the-secert-to-memorable-mojitos-good.html
Founded in 1943, Seely Mints is rooted in three generations of agricultural tradition, with Mike Seely now at the helm. For over seven decades, the Seely family has been cultivating heirloom Black Mitcham peppermint and spearmint on their Oregon farm using sustainable, regenerative farming practices that prioritize both flavor and environmental stewardship.
What makes Seely Mints stand apart from the competition is its commitment to quality. “How you raise mint—your soil, climate, and harvest timing—impacts the quality of the oil,” said Mike Seely, the third-generation mint farmer who took over the family farm in 1997. “I still raise it the same way my parents and grandparents did. The smooth, creamy quality of our oil is something no one else can replicate. It’s like wine and chocolate—terroir matters.”
At a time when many U.S. mint farmers are disappearing due to industry challenges, Seely Mints has remained a beacon of quality and sustainability. In the late 1990s, the U.S. mint industry faced a steep decline, with synthetic menthol and cheap foreign oils flooding the market. While many other growers left the industry, Mike Seely doubled down on his commitment to high-quality, American-grown mint.
The Seely family has practiced regenerative mint farming before it was a buzzword—using sustainable techniques like distilling mint hay and returning it to the soil after harvest. They also promote biodiversity by protecting natural habitats for wildlife, such as the killdeer birds that help keep harmful pests away from the crops. “It’s all part of respecting nature and the land,” said Mike Seely.
In 2007, after a disastrous price drop that saw 44% of mint growers leave the market, Seely turned to the Portland Farmer’s Market to help make ends meet. It was there that his mint patties were born—a product that would eventually grow into a beloved national brand. After impressing Whole Foods Market’s local forager, Denise Breyley, Seely Mints became a nationwide presence within two years, providing clean ingredients like Belgian dark chocolate, Louisiana cane sugar, and real peppermint oil.
Seely Mints’ success story has been nothing short of extraordinary, with Oprah’s Favorite Things, The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and The Discovery Channel all taking notice. From small regional sales to national distribution, Seely Mints has captured the hearts of consumers looking for the highest-quality, all-natural peppermint products.
“We’ve never compromised on quality,” Mike shared. “When customers try Seely Mints for the first time, they come back again and again. It’s not just about flavor—it’s about knowing where the mint comes from and how it’s grown. It’s about transparency and trust.”
As Seely Mints continues to expand its national presence in stores like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and more, the company remains deeply rooted in its family farm legacy. The Seely family’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable, and ethically grown mint continues to set them apart in a market that increasingly values clean, real ingredients and ethical sourcing.
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