How to Dry Mint Leaves: 3 Ways to Dry Mint Leaves

The mint family is a group of herbaceous perennial plants found all over North America. The mint plant comes in several varieties including peppermint and spearmint. Fresh mint leaves add a cool, refreshing flavor along with health benefits to several recipes. Mint tea is popular in Asia and the Middle East for its digestive benefits. Besides herbal tea, dried and fresh mint sprigs are also used as garnishes for soups, desserts, and cocktails.

Before drying your mint leaves, set aside some prep time.

1. 1. Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly. Take your bunches of mint leaves and rinse them under cool, running water. Avoid using hot water, which will make the leaves wilt.
2. 2. Dry the mint leaves. Remove any excess moisture from the mint leaves with a salad spinner if you have one. You can also blot them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
3. 3. Remove the stems (optional). Pluck the stems off the mint leaves with your hands and toss them in a compost bin or add them to a smoothie. Add any wilted leaves to the compost pile as well. Crisp, fresh mint leaves are best for drying. You may also leave the stems on if you are planning to use the air-dry method.
4. 4. Place the leaves on a drying rack. Air-dry the mint leaves for another hour or so before making your batches of dehydrated mint leaves.

Drying mint leaves at home can be accomplished in several ways, including with a food dehydrator, oven drying, and air drying.

1. 1. Oven drying method: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the mint leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet. The total drying process will take between two and four hours. Monitor your drying progress by periodically checking the mint leaves. Remove them from the oven when they become crisp.
2. 2. Dehydrator method: Place the leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator tray. Leave space for air circulation and avoid overlapping the leaves. Set the dehydrator temperature to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The total time for drying in a dehydrator is up to five hours. Check the leaves periodically and remove them from the dehydrator once they’re completely dry and crisp.
3. 3. Air drying method: The air drying method is best if you are making tea leaves for blends and other herbal infusions. Tie a bunch of dried mint leaves together at the stems with twine. Hang the bunch of herbs upside down in a paper bag, keeping it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. The total drying time can range anywhere from two days to two weeks depending on your climate. Look for a crumbly texture to the mint leaves to indicate they are ready to brew in tea or store for later use.

After drying your mint leaves, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. A glass jar with a secure lid or a plastic container are good for storing dried leaves. Preserve your mint leaves in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

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