Looking back on the 2021 version of this perpetual pandemic reveals its own distinctive trials and challenges.
It’s like the universe is testing our mettle, our toughness of spirit as we conform to inconvenient regulations and troublesome requirements while negotiating the latest mandates: to mask or not mask, to school or not school, to crowd sporting arenas or FaceTime virtual birthdays. During this year, I have tried to be stoical about the situation.
I thought to train myself to endure hardship without complaining. “With some self-discipline,” I thought, “this can be bearable. They say things might be better soon. I can handle it. I’ll just keep my head down. Keep calm and carry on.”
But then, with Christmas nearly upon us, I turned to the media and heard the latest word from On High. Breaking news: Only a few days out from Dec. 25, and we are advised that the United States is in the midst of by a peppermint shortage. A nationwide scarcity of the main ingredient in candy canes and other delights. At that moment, my fortress of inner strength began to crumble.
I searched for more information. Dr. Google had an answer of sorts. I should have guessed. The peppermint problem is caused by — wait for it — supply chain issues and the pandemic. Two, handy go-to explanations for anything out of the ordinary these days.
But some questions remained. The U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows over the last decade, peppermint production has declined 25%. It seems the herb was becoming harder to procure even before the pandemic. It is not clear why U.S. peppermint crops have been declining. Maybe global warming has something to do with it; maybe not enough peppermint harvesters.
It’s not like the country leads the way in peppermint production. According to United Nations data, Morocco accounts for 92% of the world’s peppermint while Argentina exports 8%. Now, I’ve never been a math whiz, but it seems to me that those two countries account for pretty much 100% of the world’s peppermint. It seems clear the United States is simply not a global peppermint player.
During this holiday season, it is understandable that a shortage of peppermint among candy makers and sellers would be in the news. Over 1.76 billion candy canes are produced each year, with most sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I never really thought about it, but it’s true: Who eats candy canes in the middle of summer?
This is not to say this peppermint shortage is nothing to worry about. The lack of peppermint has potential effects that go beyond a particular hook-shaped holiday confection. Peppermint tea is something some of us enjoy all year, even in summer. Peppermint patties and peppermint ice cream are also year-round treats. Peppermint is an ingredient in toothpaste and chewing gum. Peppermint oil is used as an insect pest repellent. Gingerbread houses are constructed with peppermint. And during the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, some might imbibe an alcoholic drink or two made with peppermint schnapps.
No one is yet calling it a “crisis,” but considering our modern propensity to frame every problem in such dire terms, I would not be surprised to learn that a government task force has been formed to take action to combat a looming Peppermint Crisis, a Peppermint Czar appointed. If that happens, I will try to be stoical about it. I will do my best to keep calm and carry on.
