No matter how ambitious the cook, it seems like there are never enough ways to use mint before it wilts. As with many herbs, fresh mint has a very short shelf life, but you can extend it with a few different storing methods. Here, we'll tell you how to store fresh mint four different ways so it doesn't go to waste, plus two ways to freeze your fresh mint.
On the Counter
You can leave fresh mint on the counter in a bit of water. This method requires the least amount of effort.
Fill a small jar or glass with water.
Trim the ends of the mint stems.
Place the mint in the water like you would put flowers in a vase.
Store the mint on the counter.
If you change the water when it gets cloudy, the mint should last about a week.
In the Refrigerator
This method works really well, but requires a little more engineering.
Fill a small jar or glass with water.
Trim the ends of the mint stems.
Place the mint in the water like you would put flowers in a vase.
Place a plastic bag loosely around the top of the leaves like a tent.
Store the mint in the refrigerator.
You don't have to change the water with this method. The leaves may start to droop a little after a week, but they should stay nice and green (and usable) for about three weeks.
This method works nicely and storing the mint in a container helps protect it from being bruised and battered by other items in the refrigerator. But because the container is closed, moisture can build up so this method shaves about a week off of the storage time compared to the method above.
Rinse mint and pat dry.
Wrap in moistened paper towels (not wet or damp).
Place in an airtight container.
Store the mint in the refrigerator.
The leaves will stay green with this method for about two weeks.
You can also freeze mint, but don't expect your frozen mint sprigs to turn out the same as they were when they were fresh. Frozen mint can still be used in sauces and drinks.
Rinse mint and pat dry.
Chop the leaves.
Distribute the chopped mint among the compartments of an ice cube tray.
Fill the tray with water.
Place in the freezer overnight.
Remove the cubes and place in a container or zip-top bags.
Store in the freezer.
You can keep these in the freezer for up to six months, which makes the ice cube method practical, but uses are limited—thawing the cubes (place the cubes in a strainer over a bowl to drain the water) results in a soggy pile of mint. Rather than thawing mint ice cubes, keep them in cube form to use in smoothies or to chill a glass of lemonade.
On a Baking Sheet
With a baking sheet, you can freeze whole fresh mint leaves to preserve their shape, making it easy to snip with kitchen shears when you're ready to use it—no thawing required.
Rinse mint and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
Spread the mint on a baking sheet or a plate and put in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Remove the mint from the freezer and place in a freezer bag or an airtight container.
Store in the freezer.
Now that you know how to store mint, here are a few ways you can use it.
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.
Wrap the mint leaves in moistened paper towels (not too wet, just moist). Place the wrapped mint in a zip-top bag, but don't seal it. Sealing it could lock in too much moisture. Store the mint in the refrigerator.
2. Freeze: You can freeze mint leaves to preserve flavor using the ice cube method if you plan to keep mint long-term. 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.
Space mint plants 12″ to 18″ apart. Mint does best in partial shade, especially in hot weather climates like the low desert of Arizona. Mint needs regular water; do not let the plant dry out. Keep mint flowers cut back to encourage leaf production.
Cover and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour to give the water enough time to take on the aroma and flavor of the mint. Keep the mint water in the fridge, and add more water as you use it. The mint will keep flavoring the water for up to 3 days.
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.
Keep soil consistently moist and water when the top inch becomes dry. Promote excellent leaf production by regularly feeding with a water-soluble plant food. Once plants are established, harvest mint leaves regularly by pinching off the stems.
Peppermint is a perennial, so fields do not have to be replanted each year. The average mint field grows for 3-5 years before a different crop is planted.
Peppermint leaf is possibly safe when taken for up to 8 weeks. It's not clear if peppermint leaf is safe to use for longer than 8 weeks. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.
Mint is a popular herb that may possess potential health benefits. This may include helping with digestive health, reducing allergic symptoms, and soothing common cold symptoms. Mint or mentha belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which contains around 15–20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint.
Mint water proves safe for most people to drink in regular amounts. Most adults need 9.7–16 cups (2.3–3.8 L) of water each day. If you plan on drinking more mint water than this, you may find it best to check with your healthcare professional first to discuss your personal hydration needs ( 20 ).
You can loosely wrap harvested mint leaves in a damp paper towel and place inside a perforated plastic bag. Storing this way can keep the mint fresh for 7 to 10 days. Alternately, take your fresh stems and place them into a glass or jar with 1 to 1.5 inches of water in it.
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.
Fill an ice cube tray half full of water. Place herbs in each section of the tray—about 1 tablespoon in each. Push herbs under the water as much as possible. Place in the freezer.
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