Wondering how to store mint and keep it as fresh as possible? We’re here to help you out with a few simple and practical tips.
Mint is a delicate herb that needs to be stored properly to stay fresh. Today, we have some tips on how to store mint so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.
Store Mint in the Fridge
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. Place it into the fridge and enjoy your mint for 3-5 days. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Or, if you have loose mint leaves, wet a paper towel and then ring it out. Add the leaves to the damp towel and gently fold the sides over the leaves making a small packet. Transfer the packet to a plastic bag or plastic container and close it up. Place it into the fridge and enjoy your mint for 3-5 days.
Separate Mint From Other Strong-Smelling Foods
Mint is a very fragrant herb, so it's best not to store it near other strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. This will prevent the mint from taking on the other flavors.
Some of the foods that have the strongest smells (for better or for worse) include:
Cabbage: The smell of cabbage is notorious for its ability to permeate entire houses. If you're going to be storing mint near cabbage, be sure to put it in a well-sealed container.
Fish: Fish is another food with a very strong smell. If you must store mint near fish, be sure to wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge. This will help to keep the fish smell from seeping into the mint.
Cheese: Like fish, cheese can also have a strong smell. If you're going to be storing mint near cheese, be sure to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge. This will help to keep the cheese smell from seeping into the mint.
Other Cruciferous Veggies: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can also have a strong smell. If you're going to be storing mint near any of these veggies, be sure to put them in a well-sealed container.
Storing mint near these foods will cause it to absorb their flavors, so it's best to avoid it if you want to keep your mint tasting fresh.
Use Mint Within a Week
For the best flavor, use mint within a week of purchasing it or picking it. After that, the flavor will begin to fade.
You might be wondering if it's safe to eat mint that's been stored for more than a week. The answer, fortunately, is yes. You don't have to worry about ending up with a stomach ache from cooking with "expired" mint.
However, if the mint has been stored for more than a week, it will not taste as fresh as it could. You might notice a bit of a stale flavor and smell coming from the leaves rather than the distinctly refreshing aroma that you'd expect.
Freeze Mint for Long-Term Storage
You can always freeze if you need to store mint for longer than a week.
Simply wash and dry the mint leaves, then place them in a freezer bag. You can also chop up the mint leaves before freezing them, which will make them easier to use later on.
Some at-home cooks opt to freeze their mint inside an ice cube tray. This can be a simple, no-nonsense way to have small, ready-to-use portions of mint on hand, but it's not necessary. While your grandma might swear by this method, you can get by just fine with chopped mint in a freezer bag.
Dry Mint for Tea or Potpourri
Another option for long-term storage is drying the mint leaves. This is a wise choice if you plan on using the mint leaves for tea or potpourri. Hang the mint leaves upside down in a dark, dry place until they are completely dried out.
Making your own mint tea isn't as hard as it might seem, and drying your own mint leaves is the perfect way to get started. All you need are some fresh mint leaves, a pot of boiling water, and a bit of time to let the tea steep.
To make mint potpourri, simply combine dried mint leaves with other dried herbs, flowers, and spices. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want a stronger scent. Mix everything together, and then put it in your favorite bowl or jar to display.
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.
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.
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.
Rinse the mint under cool water and dry it with a towel.
Then, use another clean towel to pat the mint dry. Alternatively, place the mint in a salad spinner and give it a few spins to dry it off. Always clean herbs before you use or store them, as they can contain trace amounts of dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residue.
Make sure they are not cluttered, let them dry for 10-15 minutes until no water or extra moisture is left on the leaves. Take an airtight container and place two layers of tissue paper in it. Put half the mint leaves in it and spread it evenly. Cover it with the second layer of tissue paper.
Glass jars with screw tops are ideal, but airtight Tupperware containers are also fine. If you want to preserve your mint for even longer, try vacuum-packing them in small portions. If done correctly, mint will keep up to a year, although the taste will deteriorate over time.
Mint (Mentha spp.) can be saved for later use by drying or freezing, though it is best to use the dried leaves within a year and the frozen leaves within 6 months for the best flavor. Begin by rinsing and gently patting your herbs dry. Drying is done by hanging bundles of 4 - 6 stems each, in an airy, dry, dark place.
Use up extra mint by adding it into your morning smoothie or happy hour co*cktail, make a mint pesto to top grilled chicken, blend it into a creamy dip, or toss it into salads. If you have a bunch of mint to work with, look to these 35 mint recipes for a little inspiration.
Mint has a high moisture content and will rapidly wilt as the water evaporates from the cells of the stems and leaves. If properly stored, fresh herbs can last two to three weeks in the refrigerator and months in the freezer.
Store cilantro, parsley, dill, chives, and mint in the refrigerator. Basil is best kept on the counter but in indirect sunlight (you don't want your basil to get warm). With this bouquet method, your herbs will stay fresher for weeks instead of just days.
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.
After the water runs clean, fill the bowl again and add a few spritzes of fruit and vegetable wash or a splash of white vinegar. Swish the herbs around, then rinse the mixture 2 or 3 times again. Dry the herbs on a kitchen towel or spin them in the salad spinner.
If your mint is drying out faster than your social battery at a networking event, consider repotting it into a container that retains moisture better. Remember, mint plants enjoy consistent moisture, but they don't want to swim. Keep the soil damp, not wet, and your mint will thank you by flourishing.
Though hardier herbs can also be kept fresh with a glass of water, the best way to store them is to loosely wrap them in a damp paper towel and keep them in a tightly sealed container or reusable bag in the fridge to prevent oxygen from entering and the leaves from wilting.
Although slightly frost tolerant, the top of mint will eventually die back in winter except in zones 8 and south, but the root are quite hardy, surviving into zone 5 (some varieties even into zone 3). Lift and replant your mint every 3 to 4 years to keep your patch's flavor and scent strong.
Store the dried mint in a cool, dark area for up to 12 months for optional freshness. After that, it will begin to deteriorate in quality. Top Tip: in the immediate days after drying the mint, check on the leaves for any sign of moisture in the container. If there is then repeat the drying process for a little longer.
Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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