Mint is an aromatic herb that is very commonly used in the kitchen. As easy mint is to grow, it is tough to store it for longer periods; so, how to store mint for longer durations? Answers to questions related to the storage of mint will be available as you proceed reading the article.
Mint can generally be stored for two to three weeks in the freezer but after that, it will eventually die and it’s tough to revive it. The herb, mint, is easy to grow and is one of the favourites of a gardener, and it is gluten-free and is included in the vegan, vegetarian, and paleo diets.
Coming to how to store mint leaves, mint leaves can be put in the freezer. This is the easiest way to store mint leaves for about three to four weeks. To do so follow the steps given below.
- Separate the mint leaves from the stem by cutting.
- Place or press the leaves in the empty ice cube tray and then fill enough water.
- Keep the tray in the freezer and them freeze.
The mint cubes can be used as it is in drinks and can also be melted or thawed for other purposes.
Contents
How to store mint leaves in the fridge?
Storing mint leaves in a fridge or refrigerator requires a little work. First, you should fill an empty jar or a glass full of water. Then, separate the stem and mint leaves by cutting them carefully. Submerge the mint leaves in the jar/ glass like you place flowers in a vase. Cover the top of the jar or glass using a plastic bag. Store this arrangement on the top shelves of your fridge. The water in the jar/ glass needs not to be changed. This method of storing mint leaves keeps them fresh for two weeks.
How to store mint leaves longer?
Mint leaves can be stored for three months using the freezing method. It is simply an ice-cube-like procedure.
- Fresh mint must be picked and washed with water.
- Chop the mint leaves and cut out the stem.
- Place them in ice cube trays and fill the tray with water. At least half the container must be filled with water.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Once the cubes are ready and frozen, store them in an airtight freezer bag.
This method can be followed to store mint leaves for about three months. However, you should not forget to date and label the container for future references.
How to store mint at home?
Mint can be stored at home in many ways. Firstly, it can very well be stored in the refrigerator. The freezing method can also be used if you wish to store it for longer durations. Also, a paper towel method does well in keeping the mint leaves fresh for some time.
To do so, take three to four paper towels and wet them. Do not dampen them completely. Place the chopped mint leaves on the paper towels and lay them flat. Roll the paper towels with the mint leaves inside them. These paper towels should be now kept in a refrigerator in a container or a zip bag.
How to store mint after picking?
Mint leaves can be stored for a time of three months using the freezing method. It is simply an ice-cube-like procedure.
- Fresh mint must be picked and washed with water.
- Chop the mint leaves and cut out the stem.
- Place them in ice cube trays and fill the tray with water. At least half the container must be filled with water.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Once the cubes are ready and frozen, store them in an airtight freezer bag.
This method can be followed to store mint leaves for about three months. However, you should not forget to date and label the container for future references.
How to keep store-bought mint fresh?
Buying vegetables and eatables from stores has become a very common practice these days. However, you are not sure if the items are fresh or not, or if they can be stored at home for longer times. It is the same with mint leaves. Store-bought mint leaves shall be stored in the same manner like you would store the freshly picked mint leaves that are either in the refrigerator or freeze them in the freezer.
How to store chopped mint?
Chopped mint simply means separating the stem and leaf. This is essentially the first step if you want to store mint leaves. The methods and processes remain the same for storing chopped mint. Firstly, it can very well be stored in the refrigerator. The freezing method can also be used if you wish to store it for longer durations. Also, a paper towel method does well in keeping the mint leaves fresh for some time.
To do so, take three to four paper towels and wet them. Do not dampen them completely. Place the chopped mint leaves on the paper towels and lay them flat. Roll the paper towels with the mint leaves inside them. These paper towels should be now kept in a refrigerator in a container or a zip bag.
How to store dried mint leaves?
Dry mint leaves, if stored properly, can remain at their best quality for 1-3 years. Once the leaves are dried up, store them in airtight containers while ensuring that there is no moisture present. The moisture check should be done regularly. If exposed to moisture, the herb will mold and die. Also, the container must be stored in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
How to dry and store fresh mint?
Drying of mint can be done using three methods namely, air drying, over-drying, and drying in a dehydrator.
Air drying is usually done by washing the mint leaves and placing them in paper bags and hanging them from a height. These paper bags must be hung in a warm place to dry the leaves properly.
Second, over-drying or drying using a microwave oven. This is an easy method and requires less time. Mint leaves are first individually cut and kept on a cookie sheet or a two-layer microwave pan. Keep the oven set on low, and place the leaves in it for 2-4 hours. Keep checking in between.
The last method is using a dehydrator to dry mint leaves. For this, you should first snip off the older leaves. Now, place the leaves in the dehydrator tray and set the temperature to the lowest. Keep them in until the leaves are completely dry.
Once the leaves are dried up, store them in airtight containers while ensuring that there is no moisture present. The moisture check should be done regularly. If exposed to moisture, the herb will mould and die. Also, the container must be stored in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
How to store excess mint?
Excess mint can be stored in several ways. It can be stored using paper towels, in a refrigerator, or a freezer depending on your requirements. The mint can also be dried up to store for longer periods. The answer remains the same for how to store extra mint leaves as well.
How to store mint from the garden or how to store freshly harvested mint?
Mint leaves can be stored for a time of three months using the freezing method. It is simply an ice-cube-like procedure.
- Fresh mint must be picked and washed with water.
- Chop the mint leaves and cut out the stem.
- Place them in ice cube trays and fill the tray with water. At least half the container must be filled with water.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Once the cubes are ready and frozen, store them in an airtight freezer bag.
This method can be followed to store mint leaves for about three months. However, you should not forget to date and label the container for future references.
How to store mint for months?
Storing mint for months is easy. The method of freezing can be used to store mint leaves for about three months while drying up mint leaves and then storing them can be used for even longer durations.
How to store mint leaves for tea?
Tea is a very common beverage. Adding mint leaves to it adds a very good aroma. The mint leaves can be stored using the methods of freezing, paper towel soaking, and refrigerating. The steps involved have been discussed above.
How to store mint leaves without fridge?
If for some reason, you do not wish to store mint in a fridge, it can be stored using soaked paper towels and/ or in a glass jar or a container with water. Make sure you change the water every two-three days while using the latter.
How to store mint over winter?
Mint leaves can be stored over winter using a dehydrator. The leaves must first be washed and then put into a glass plate and microwaved for one and a half minutes at a time. Once the leaves begin to crumble, take them out and let them cool down and then crush them into a jar. The jar should be sealed and airtight. The mint leaves are now good to go through winter without dying.
How to store mint overnight?
The best method to store mint overnight is using a jar or a glass and water. Put the mint leaves after cutting off their stem into a jar filled up with water. Cover the jar using a plastic bag and leave it. The mint leaves will stay fresh overnight.
FAQs
1. Is mint supposed to be refrigerated?
If you wish to store mint leaves for 7 to 10 days, storing them in the fridge is the best option. However, if you want to store it for a day or two, it need not be kept in a fridge.
2. How long can you keep mint leaves in water?
Mint leaves can be kept in water for about 3 to 5 days without them dying.
3. Can mint water go bad?
If you are storing mint in water, then water needs to be changed regularly to keep it safe for drinking or keeping the mint fresh. If you do not change the water, after about 3 to 5 days, you will find mint leaves getting discolored and losing their aroma
Also, check out What is Denny’s breakfast menu? to know more.
