How to Keep Mint Leaves Fresh

Mint is a valuable ingredient that adds a fresh, cool flavor to many dishes, but typically, only a small amount is needed. So, what should you do with the leftover mint leaves after using a few for a goat curry or mojito? While the process of storing mint leaves is straightforward, executing it correctly is crucial to ensure the leaves remain fresh and aromatic. To store mint for a longer period, you can place them in water like flowers, wrap them in a paper towel and refrigerate, or freeze them in water to create ice cubes.

Gently wash the mint. Remove the rubber band that bundles the mint stems together. Wash the mint under cold running water, being careful not to crush the leaves. Shake the stems to remove excess water from the leaves and stems, then lay them out in a single layer on a paper towel.

• You should always wash herbs before use or storage, as they may contain dirt, bacteria, pesticides, or fertilizers.
• Turn the tap to a gentle flow so that the water doesn't hit the leaves too hard.

Trim the bottom of the stem. Use scissors to trim the bottom of the stem. This helps the mint absorb water more easily. However, be careful not to cut too short as this may make it difficult to place the mint in the storage container.

• Make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem to improve water absorption.

Submerge the bottom of the mint stems in water. Pour enough water to cover about one-third of the container, jar, or shallow dish. Place the mint bundle in the container with the cut ends submerged in water. This ensures the mint gets the water it needs for longer storage.

• Change the water every few days to keep it clean.
• For better preservation, use distilled or mineral water.

Wrap the mint with plastic wrap. Take a plastic bag or food wrap and tightly cover the mint bundle to create an airtight seal. Wrap the bag around the container and secure it with a rubber band. You can place the mint upright in the fridge if space allows or leave it in a cool, airy spot on the kitchen counter.

• When properly wrapped and kept hydrated, mint can last for several weeks or almost a month.
• Mint stored in the fridge will last longer than mint stored at room temperature.

Moisten a layer of paper towels. Take 2-3 sheets of paper towels and stack them to form a thick layer. Moisten the paper towels with cold water and shake them to remove excess moisture. The paper towels should only be damp, not soaking wet.

• Thick paper towels won’t be significantly affected when dampened and used for wrapping.
• Too much water will cause the mint to rot, so it’s essential to only moisten the paper towels.

Place the mint sprigs neatly on a paper towel. Open up the paper towel and lay it flat on a surface. Arrange the mint sprigs evenly in a row on one half of the towel. If needed, trim the sprigs so they fit the size of the towel.

• If you have a large quantity of mint to store, it's best to divide it into smaller bunches for wrapping.

Wrap the paper towel around the mint. Fold the remaining half of the paper towel over the mint to cover it completely. Then, roll the paper towel starting from the edge where the mint is placed. This will ensure the mint is wrapped in a damp towel, maintaining moisture and an airtight seal.

• Roll the towel widthwise, along the stems, not lengthwise from the stem to the leaves.
• Be sure not to roll too tightly to avoid crushing or tearing the leaves.

Store the mint in the fridge. Place each bunch of mint wrapped in the damp paper towel into a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Store the bag or container in the refrigerator and take it out when you need fresh mint for appetizers, cocktails, or desserts.

• Wrapping the mint in damp paper towels and refrigerating it will help preserve its color, flavor, and freshness for 2-3 weeks.
• If you don't have a bag or container, you can wrap the mint in dry paper towels and store it in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.

Separate the mint leaves from the sprigs. Wash the mint leaves under cold water. You can either pluck the leaves by hand or cut them using a sharp knife. Lay the leaves on a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

• This is an excellent method for dealing with leftover mint, or you can use it to store an entire bunch right after purchase.
• You can also chop the mint leaves. This way, you can simply thaw them whenever you need them for cooking or making beverages.

Place mint leaves in an ice cube tray. Press the mint leaves firmly into the bottom of the tray using your fingers. Use 1 or 2 leaves per compartment.

• If you're using a large tray or one with an unusual shape, feel free to add an extra 1 or 2 leaves per section.

Pour water into the ice cube tray. Slowly pour water into each compartment, being careful not to fill them too much as ice needs space to expand when freezing. Don't worry if the leaves float to the surface; as long as they stay within the tray, it's fine.

• If you're planning to use the mint ice cubes for drinks, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cane sugar for extra flavor.

Freeze the mint and thaw when needed. Freezing mint helps keep the leaves fresh. When you need some, simply take a few ice cubes and place them in a strainer to thaw under warm running water. You can also drop the mint ice cubes into drinks or smoothies for a refreshing flavor boost.

• Try chilling fresh lemonade or iced tea with mint ice cubes.
• After thawing the mint leaves, place them on a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

• If you're storing a large quantity of mint, consider using multiple storage methods to make the most of the available space in your fridge.
• No matter how you store it, mint will only stay fresh for a few days after purchase.
• For convenience, store mint using single-use products.
• Crush frozen mint leaves before use to retain more of their flavor.
• These methods can also be applied to other herbs like cilantro, parsley, and rosemary.

• Discard mint when it becomes soft and turns brown.

• Container
• Plastic bag or plastic wrap
• Paper towels
• Ziplock bag or container with a lid
• Ice tray
• Scissors
• Knife
• Purified water, distilled water, or mineral water (optional)