Can you freeze fresh mint for later use?

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.

Do you wash mint leaves before storing?

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.

What can I do with excess fresh mint?

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

How do you keep mint year round?

Overwintering mint Here is how: Firstly, leave the parts of the plant that die off in autumn on the plant during winter as protection and cut back in spring. In addition, cover the plant with twigs or leaves. To overwinter mint in pots, wrap the pot with garden fleece to prevent the pot from freezing through.

How do you keep mint plants from dying?

Maintaining lightly moist—but not soggy—soil is the ideal environment for mint. If you notice the foliage of your mint wilting, that's typically a sign the plant needs more moisture.

Why is my mint always dying?

Wilting and yellow leaves signal water issues or nutrient deficiencies . 🌱 Bright, indirect light and cool temps are mint's best friends.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh mint?

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.

Can I freeze whole mint leaves?

Freezing Mint in Ice You can freeze the leaves whole or chopped, making speedy work of Mojito Mocktails, Cucumber Mint Water, or Watermelon Popsicles.

How long does mint plant last?

It usually dies back in the winter but comes back in spring. Because mint tends to take over, many gardeners plant mint in a small pot and then plant that pot in the ground or inside a larger container.

How To Store Mint and Keep It Fresh (2024)

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.

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.