How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways (2024)

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By Sarah

5 from 3 ratings

Apr 20, 2021, Updated Apr 15, 2024

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Learn all the tips and tricks for how to freeze mint to build a freezer stash of this incredible herb. Freezing mint is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.

How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways (2)

Mint is an easy and fantastic crop to grow in a home garden. As long as you keep it contained in its own planter, you’ll have access to this fresh herb for 4-6 months every year.

And by freezing mint whole or in ice, you can use this versatile ingredient all year long.

And if you find yourself with too much mint and not enough freezer space, try your hand at drying mint, making mint syrup or Homemade Peppermint Extract. It is a shelf-stable and tasty option for preserving.

Can You Freeze Mint Leaves?

Yes! You can flash freeze mint leaves whole on a baking tray. You’ll then transfer them to freeze-proof storage and later you’ll be able to use them in any quantity that you need.

Later you can throw a handful of frozen mint to infuse the cream to make Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, or to top this Green Pea Salad with Feta and Mint.

How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways (3)

Freezing Mint in Ice

Choosing to freeze mint in ice makes it simple to add to drinks or savory dishes in a flash. You can freeze the leaves whole or chopped, making speedy work of Mojito Mocktails, Cucumber Mint Water, or Watermelon Popsicles.

Freezing Mint in Oil

If you make a lot of savory dishes with mint (like Sous Vide Rack of Lamb), freezing chopped mint with a touch of a neutral-tasting oil (like avocado oil) makes a lot of sense. I do find that using oil to freeze mint will limit its use later, but you know your kitchen best. I am however a huge fan of freezing chopped garlic in oil.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

  • Frozen mint will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.
  • Freeze chopped mint in quantities that you often use. Freeze in 1-2 tablespoon portions to eliminate the need to later defrost a big chunk when you only need a bit.
  • If you’re chopping a large quantity for freezing, use the pulse function in a food processor to make quick work of it.

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How to Freeze Mint

By: Sarah Cook – Sustainable Cooks

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Freezing: 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways (4)

Freezing mint is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.

Ingredients

  • mint {as much as needed}

Instructions

How to Freeze Whole Mint Leaves

  • Rinse mint and gently pat dry.

    mint

  • Remove mint leaves from stem.

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spread individual leaves onto the parchment. Freeze for 2 hours.

  • Gently remove frozen mint and transfer to a freezer-safe container (like a small mason jar).

How to Freeze Whole Mint Leaves in Water

  • Gently rinse mint.

  • Remove mint leaves from stem and place as many as you'd like in each ice cube tray.

  • Fill ice cube tray with water until the leaves are just covered. Freeze until cubes are solid {~2-3 hours}.

  • Remove from tray and store in a freezer-safe container.

How to Freeze Chopped Mint in Water

  • Gently rinse mint.

  • Remove mint leaves from stem and chop to desired size. Pro tip: if you're chopping a lot of mint at once, use the pulse function on a food processor.

  • Transfer chopped mint to a bowl, and add water a teaspoon at a time until it creates a "paste".

  • Spoon mint paste into mini muffin tins lined with muffin papers or ice cube trays, filling them three-fourths full.

  • Freeze for 2-3 hours, and then remove the muffin liners from the pan and freeze each "puck" in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

How to Freeze Mint in Oil

  • Gently rinse mint.

  • Remove mint leaves from stem and chop to desired size. Pro tip: if you're chopping a lot of mint at once, use the pulse function on a food processor.

  • Transfer chopped mint to a bowl, and add a neutral-tasting oil a teaspoon at a time until it creates a "paste".

  • Spoon mint paste into mini muffin tins lined with muffin papers or ice cube trays, filling them three-fourths full.

  • Freeze for 2-3 hours, and then remove the muffin liners from the pan and freeze each "puck" in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

Frozen mint will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.

My favorite neutral oil for freezing is avocado.

Additional Info

Course: How To

Cuisine: Fusion, How To

Tried this recipe?Mention @sustainablecooks or tag #sustainablecooks!

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About Sarah

Helping you serve up budget-friendly sustainable recipes with a side of balanced living.
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You May Also Like:

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Homemade Mint Extract Recipe

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Cucumber Mint Water

Drying Mint

Mint Syrup

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you. Have you tried this mint in salads, yogurt, etc. Having concerns about the taste & consistency. Use mostly with tabouli or laban / cucumbers.

    Reply

    1. Jeff, I have not. Mint wilts and can often turn black when thawed. From a taste perspective it would be fine. From a visual perspective, I think it would not be ideal. I would try a small amount and see if it fits your needs.

      Reply

How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways (2024)

FAQs

How to Freeze Mint 4 Ways? ›

It all starts before the first beverage is poured, by freezing herbs in ice cube trays for a refreshing summer beverage. It's easy when you keep your herbs growing in pots on the patio so you can easily grab a fresh garnish. Rosemary, mint or basil are great options for herbal ice.

What is the best way to freeze fresh mint? ›

How to Freeze Fresh Mint
  1. Rinse mint and pat dry.
  2. Chop the leaves.
  3. Distribute the chopped mint among the compartments of an ice cube tray.
  4. Fill the tray with water.
  5. Place in the freezer overnight.
  6. Remove the cubes and place in a container or zip-top bags.
  7. Store in the freezer.
Aug 20, 2020

Can you freeze mint in ice cube trays? ›

It all starts before the first beverage is poured, by freezing herbs in ice cube trays for a refreshing summer beverage. It's easy when you keep your herbs growing in pots on the patio so you can easily grab a fresh garnish. Rosemary, mint or basil are great options for herbal ice.

What can I do with lots of fresh mint? ›

There are so many ways you can use it to freshen up your cooking.
  1. 1Feta and mint dip. ...
  2. 2Creamy lime ice blocks with Mojito ice. ...
  3. 3Cucumber and mint raita. ...
  4. 4Mint and dukkah labne. ...
  5. 5Apple, spinach and mint juice. ...
  6. 6Orange mint iced tea. ...
  7. 7Peas with mint & garlic butter. ...
  8. 8White chocolate mojito cheesecakes.

How to freeze herbs properly? ›

Remove stems and loosely fill a freezer bag with the leaves. Tightly compress the leaves into the bottom of the bag, seal and roll the bag around the bundled herbs. Secure with rubber bands or twine and place in the freezer. Rolled herbs can then be sliced as needed for use in recipes.

Can you freeze mint without water? ›

To freeze mint leaves, place them in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Place a single layer and squeeze the air out of the bag, then seal it. Label with the name and date and remember to use them within 6 months.

Can mint leaves be frozen for future use? ›

You can freeze mint for long-term storage! To freeze mint leaves, coarsely chop the mint leaves and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the ice cube tray with water and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, place the ice cubes in a freezer-safe plastic zip-top bag and store in the freezer.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh mint? ›

Freezing mint leaves is the better option if you are looking to preserve the herb's aroma. To freshen up your summer drinks and co*cktails, try chopping up your mint leaves and freezing them in ice cubes. If instead you are looking for whole leaves to garnish your food, dried mint is the way to go.

What to use frozen mint for? ›

Frozen mint recipes (310)
  1. Frozen Mint Margarita. Mint leaves•Tequila•lime's worth Lime juice•Ice•Carbonated water. ...
  2. Tomato Salad with Corn, Feta, and Mint. ...
  3. Frozen Piña Colada. ...
  4. 3 Traffic Light Soups - GREEN - Pea and Mint. ...
  5. Asian Inspired Salmon With Ginger Mint Pea Puree. ...
  6. Mint Rice. ...
  7. Peach-Berry Frozen Dessert. ...
  8. Mint & feta peas.

What does fresh mint repel? ›

Mint deters white cabbage moths, ants, rodents, flea beetles, fleas, and aphids.

Is it worth freezing mint? ›

When possible, preserve fresh, locally-grown mint for the best quality and nutritional value. Know when fresh mint is available in your state with this seasonal food guide.

How to freeze fresh mint in the freezer? ›

Remove the mint leaves from the stems and place the leaves in an ice cube tray. Pour water over the tray, then place the tray in the freezer. Once the cubes are frozen, you can use as needed, either by thawing or by adding the frozen mint ice cubes to the dish or co*cktail you're preparing.

What is the best way to preserve fresh mint leaves? ›

The best way to store mint is in the fridge where it will stay nice and cool. This is the case for many herbs! If your mint is in it's full form, leaves and stems in-tact, you can store it upright in a glass or plastic container. Add 1/2 an inch of water at the bottom the container to so the cut stems are able to soak.

Can you freeze fresh mint without water? ›

To freeze mint leaves, place them in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Place a single layer and squeeze the air out of the bag, then seal it. Label with the name and date and remember to use them within 6 months.

Can I freeze herbs without water? ›

How to Freeze Herbs in Oil. For my money, covering chopped herbs in a neutral oil and freezing them solid is the best method to keep your fresh herbs tasting fresh for a long time. To do it, place chopped herbs in an ice cube tray, then top up the wells with a bit of neutral oil like canola or light olive oil.

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