How to Store Mint Leaves
Storing mint leaves properly allows you to enjoy the flavor and pleasant scent of the herb while it remains at its freshest state. Fresh mint leaves can be used in cooking, decorations and as air fresheners. When you store mint leaves, you want to keep them as fresh as possible so that you can retain the taste and aroma of the herb. Since mint needs to be used as close to the harvest date as possible, you can freeze the fresh leaves to enjoy them after the growing season ends. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Colander
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet
- Sealed freezer bag
- Sealed plastic bag
- Sealed glass jar
Instructions
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Freeze Fresh Mint
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1
Harvest the mint leaves in the morning. Cut the mint plant off at the ground. If you purchased fresh mint, untie the bundle.
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2
Pluck the mint leaves from the stems carefully. Place the mint leaves in a colander.
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3
Rinse the leaves off with clean running water.
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4
Place the leaves on a layer of paper towels. Pat the leaves dry to remove the excess water.
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5
Place the mint leaves on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer, and freeze the leaves for three to four hours.
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6
Pour the mint leaves into a sealed freezer bag. Place them back into the freezer. Freeze the mint for up to three months.
Refrigerate Fresh Mint
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7
Remove the mint from the garden or untie the mint bundle.
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8
Dampen a paper towel slightly.
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9
Wrap the mint leaves gently in the damp paper towel.
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10
Place the fresh mint in a sealed plastic bag. Avoid sealing the bag all the way, so that the air can still circulate.
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11
Store the mint in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Write the date on the plastic bags so that you can use the mint leaves within the suggested time frames.
Discard mint leaves that appear discolored or have a rancid odor because they may have spoiled.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
