Have you come to consider keeping mint leaves preserved and fresh for later use? A lot of people would have their own methods on how to achieve this. Here are a few things you can mimic to preserve the freshness of mint.

Refrigeration and Freezing

Mint is an herb that is commonly used to add flavor in both beverages and dishes. You can retain its freshness by freezing, which can make it last for at least 3 months. This can be done by chopping and storing the leaves in ice cube trays.

You may also freeze it on the stem placed in airtight containers, just as you would when you preserve other herbs. But you have to note that freezing the mint for a longer period of time can change its texture.

Soaking In Water

You may increase the shelf life of mint leaves by keeping them soaked in water. Mint sprigs should be separated and put in a strainer bowl before running them under cold water.

Take each sprig and chop the ends of the stem with a pair of scissors. Soak the sprigs inside a small tabletop flower pot with some freshwater and allow proper uptake. You can cover the exposed leaves loosely with a plastic bag.

You can extend the freshness of mint leaves by changing the water in the pot after a few days.

The Ice Cube Method

Freezing the mint is another way to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. This can be done by removing all stems and damaged leaves and rinsed and dried using paper towels or allowing them to dry naturally.

This time, you can put 2 or 3 mint leaves inside an empty ice cube tray as you fill it about halfway. The remaining space should be filled with cold water and stored inside the freezer.

After the water has frozen, you can now remove the mint ice cubes from the tray and keep it in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Single-use herbs can now be readily available after melting the ice in a bowl or glass and separating the water from the herb.

Baking Sheet Method

If you like to know another alternative method of keeping mint fresh, then simply keep the fresh herbs attached to the stem. This will enable the mint to retain its flavor as you store them in a freezer bag or airtight container.

All you have to do is to spread rinsed and dried mint on a single layer of a baking sheet or a large plate and kept in the freezer for 3 hours. After the mint has frozen, move it to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can now get fresh mint as often as you like for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Mint is just one of the herbs that can make a huge impact on cooking dishes. However, with its short shelf life, you should learn how to keep in fresh for the longest time possible. Storing it properly is key in keeping this type of herb fresh for future use.

How do you store fresh mint leaves?

Paper Towel and Plastic Bag
  1. Rinse mint and pat dry.
  2. Wrap the mint leaves in moistened paper towels (not too wet, just moist).
  3. Place the wrapped mint in a zip-top bag, but don’t seal it. Sealing it could lock in too much moisture.
  4. Store the mint in the refrigerator.

Should you keep mint in the fridge?

You can store mint in the fridge using a wet paper towel or in a jar of water. Always make sure your mint leaves are well hydrated by changing the paper towel and the water in the jar frequently. Refrigerated mint will stay fresh for 7-10 days if well stored.

How long does Mint last in fridge?

Properly stored, fresh mint will usually keep well for about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.

How long do mint sprigs last?

Place the wrapped sprigs in a resealable plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Fresh mint can last for up to two weeks if you use this method.

Is it OK to chew mint leaves?

Peppermint tea and chewing on mint leaves may be more beneficial in reducing bacteria that cause bad breath.

Can mint leaves be frozen for future use?

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. To freeze mint leaves, place them in a resealable plastic freezer bag.

Can I put mint leaves in my water?

All you need to do to make mint water is to take a few fresh mint leaves (stems removed) and rinse them with clean water, before adding them to your bottle of drinking water. Let the leaves soak in the water to allow the nutrients to seep into it.

Can you freeze mint leaves for tea?

Freeze Your Mint

For beautiful cocktails and tasty iced tea, I suspend a leaf or two in each ice cube tray and fill with water. Fill with a little water and freeze. Store the ice cubes in freezer bags. When you‘re ready to use your mint, just place the cubes in a sieve or chinois and let the water melt away.

How do you preserve mint leaves for tea?

It’s as simple as spreading a layer of fresh mint on a cookie sheet. Set the oven on a low enough temp and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Crumble it up and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Use a teaspoon in hot water for a single cup.

How do you preserve mint paste?

Fresh mint leaves should be used immediately or stored up to a couple of days in plastic bags within a refrigerator. Optionally, mint paste can be frozen in ice cube trays. You can store mint paste in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator.

How do you dry fresh mint?

Dry the mint well using paper towels or other absorbent towels. Carefully remove the leaves from the stems when the mint is dry. Place the leaves on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Warm them in the oven at 180 F or 80 C for two hours, then check them to see if they’ve dried out completely.

How do you keep freshly fresh leaves in the fridge?

How do you keep greens fresh longer?

The best way to protect and prolong the life of your greens is by storing them in a large container lined with damp—not dry, but not sopping—paper towels. “If you wrap the leaves in a totally dry paper towel, the moisture from the leaves will be absorbed more quickly, and the leaves dry out,” says Ayoob.

How do you keep leafy greens fresh longer?

Leafy greens stay fresh longer if they’re rinsed, wrapped in a paper towel or tea towel, and refrigerated in a container or sealed plastic bag. You can do this with lettuce greens, bok choy, Swiss chard, kale and spinach.

How do you keep green leaves in the fridge?

For leafy greens to last longer, they should be kept cool and dry in the refrigerator. Make sure your leafy greens are dry (use a salad spinner or paper towel). Next, wrap them loosely and gently in a paper towel. Line a resealable plastic bag with more paper towels, and place the leafy greens in.

How do you keep green leaves fresh without a refrigerator?

Some vegetables lose their flavour when kept in cold. Keep potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in a cool, dry place, but not in the fridge. Green leaves are known to lose their freshness very quickly. To keep your fresh greenies longer and fresher, store them in bags filled with a little air then seal it tightly.

How do you keep kangkong leaves fresh?

5 Tips in Keeping Fresh Vegetables Longer
  1. Do not wash vegetables before storing.
  2. Wrap leafy vegetables in paper towel then place in a plastic bag before refrigerating.
  3. Put root crops and bulbs in a dark plastic bag.
  4. Remove damaged or spoiled vegetables from the group.
  5. Store herbs in a cup of cold water.