How to Store Fresh Mint: 3 Methods for Storing Mint

Mint is a popular, aromatic herb in the Mentha family of plants. With hundreds of varieties grown around the world, this fast-growing crop is used for culinary purposes and in health and beauty products, gum, and candies. This tender herb is best added at the end of cooking, as excessive heat will deplete the mint flavor contained in the leaves.

There are various ways to store fresh mint that can extend the shelf-life of the tender herb. Whichever method you use, it’s best to rinse your mint with cold water before preserving it. Consider the following storage methods:

1. 1. Refrigerate: Store tender herbs by placing them upright in a glass jar of water (as you would a bouquet of flowers) and covering them loosely with a plastic bag. You can also wrap mint leaves in a few layers of damp paper towels and place them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator to keep them moist and prolong their freshness.
2. 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. Once the cubes are frozen, you can use as needed, either by thawing or by adding the frozen mint ice cubes to the dish or cocktail you’re preparing. Alternatively, you can place batches of fresh leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet in the freezer. After a few hours, you can transfer the frozen leaves to a freezer bag. Frozen mint can last up to six months.
3. 3. Dry: Drying is a long-term method for preserving mint. If using the oven, thoroughly dry your mint to get rid of excess moisture, separate the leaves from the stems, and spread them on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in an oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit and check the mint every fifteen minutes or so—you’re looking for dried, crispy leaves. It can take two to four hours, depending on the moisture content of the leaves. You can also use a dehydrator, which may have specific instructions for drying herbs. Alternatively, you can air dry a bunch of mint by hanging it upside down in a paper bag in a well-ventilated area until the leaves dry completely. You can then finely chop the dried mint in a food processor and store it in an airtight container away from excess heat or light.

These methods work for storing tender herbs, also known as soft herbs. Tender herbs have soft stems and soft leaves; they include cilantro, tarragon, parsley, dill, mint, and basil.

Excess water and oxygen can cause fresh herbs to wilt and brown in a matter of days, especially if they’re left in a grocery bag in the crisper drawer. 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. Dried herbs, on the other hand, can last for years in the pantry.

Mint is a highly versatile herb you can use to flavor and garnish various recipes. You can use mint to flavor savory dishes like roast lamb, or pair mint chutney with Indian dishes. Mint is a great addition to savory soups, stews, and curries. You can also add mint sprigs to sweet dishes, like fruit salads, or use it to make desserts such as lemon-mint sorbet.

Peppermint, a variety of mint, is popular for making mint tea, either as a warming beverage in the winter or as iced tea in the summer. Add fresh mint stems, citrus, and cucumber slices to cool water for a refreshing beverage. You can also use mint to garnish cocktails, such as mojitos and mint juleps, or blend fresh mint leaves in a smoothie.

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