How to Dry and Freeze Mint Leaves??

mint with sticks.

Mint leaves are a wonderful addition to many dishes and drinks, and preserving them can ensure you have a supply year-round. Mint can be saved in the form of leaves and its sticks can also play the same role. Sometimes picking leaves is very time-consuming, so you can save them with sticks, but it should be clean. If you are drying it with sticks then it will take more time to dry rather than leaves so by investing a little time in picking leaves you can avoid trouble. 

Here’s how you can dry and freeze mint leaves easily.

Drying Mint Leaves:

Drying mint is a great way to preserve its flavor. Here are a few methods you can use:

Air Drying:

1. Harvest the Mint: 

Pick fresh mint leaves or sprigs, ideally in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too strong.

2. Rinse and Dry: 

Gently rinse the leaves to remove any dirt or pests. Pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air dry.

3. Bundle the Sprigs: 

Gather the mint sprigs into small bundles and tie them together with a string or rubber band.

4. Hang Upside Down: 

Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. A kitchen or pantry works well.

5. Wait: 

Allow the mint to air dry for about 1-2 weeks, or until the leaves are completely dry and crumbly.

6. Store: 

Once dry, crumble the leaves into an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place.

Oven Drying:

1. Harvest and Rinse: 

Pick and rinse the mint leaves as described above.

2. Prepare for Drying: 

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 170°F or 75°C). Place the mint leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Dry in the Oven: 

Put the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Check the leaves every 10-15 minutes until they are dry and crumbly.

4. Store: 

Once dry, crumble the leaves into an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place.

Using a Dehydrator:

1. Harvest and Rinse: 

Pick and rinse the mint leaves as described above.

2. Place in Dehydrator: 

Arrange the leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.

3. Dry: 

Set the dehydrator to the herbs setting (usually around 95°F or 35°C) and let it run for a few hours until the leaves are dry and crumbly.

4. Store: 

Once dry, crumble the leaves into an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place.

Freezing Mint Leaves:

Freezing mint is another excellent way to preserve its fresh flavor. Here’s how you can do it:

Freezing Whole Leaves:

1. Harvest and Rinse: 

Pick fresh mint leaves and rinse them thoroughly.

2. Dry: 

Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel or let them air dry.

3. Flash Freeze: 

Lay the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Freeze until the leaves are solid (about an hour).

4. Store: 

Transfer the frozen leaves to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag and store it in the freezer.

Freezing Mint in Ice Cubes:

1. Harvest and Rinse: 

Pick fresh mint leaves and rinse them thoroughly.

2. Chop:

Chop the leaves if you prefer smaller pieces, or leave them whole. You can also grind them.

3. Prepare Ice Cube Tray: 

Place the mint leaves in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about halfway.

4. Add Water: 

Pour water over the leaves to fill each compartment. If they are ground then no need to add water.

5. Freeze:

Place the tray in the freezer and freeze until solid.

6. Store: 

Once frozen, pop the mint ice cubes out of the tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag and store it in the freezer.

By drying or freezing mint leaves, you can enjoy their fresh flavor and aroma long after the growing season is over. Whether you choose to dry or freeze your mint, you’ll have a convenient supply of this versatile herb at your fingertips.