Mint is a useful ingredient for adding a fresh and refreshing note to a wide range of different recipes, but very little is needed. You may not know what to do with all the leftover leaves after you chop a few to put them in mojito or lamb curry. Although the process of preserving them and safeguarding their properties is not complex, it is important to do it correctly to keep the leaves fresh and full of flavor. To make the mint last as long as possible, you can place the sprigs in a vase as you do with flowers, wrap them in kitchen paper and store them in the refrigerator, or freeze the leaves in ice cubes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Mint in Water
Step 1. Wash the mint with gentle gestures
Remove the elastic that holds the fresh mint sprigs together, then wash it under cold running water, being careful not to damage the leaves that are thin and brittle. Shake the twigs to get rid of excess water, then lay them on a layer of absorbent paper.
- Aromatic herbs should always be washed before being used or put away for later use to remove any residues of fertilizers and pesticides or traces of soil and bacteria.
- Slightly open the tap to wash the mint with a weak stream of water.
Step 2. Cut the bottom of the branches
Use a pair of scissors to remove the underside of the mint sprigs. This way they will be able to absorb water more easily. Be careful not to shorten them too much, otherwise you may struggle to fit them into the container.
By cutting them slightly diagonally, they will be able to absorb the water even better
Step 3. Immerse the lower ends of the branches in 5 cm of water
Pour it into a small jar, jar, or other deep container, filling it to about 1/3 of its capacity. Insert the bunch of mint so that the lower ends are completely submerged. Now the plant will have a constant supply of water to draw from, so it can last longer.
- Change the water in the container every two days to keep it fresh and clean.
- If you want, you can even use mineral or distilled water.
Step 4. Cover the mint with a plastic bag or plastic wrap
Wrap the top of the twigs loosely to prevent them from being exposed to the air. Twist the plastic cover around the base of the container and secure it with a rubber band. You can store mint horizontally in the refrigerator if there is space, or at room temperature in a sheltered corner of the kitchen.
- After covering it and replenishing it with water, the mint will last for a few weeks or up to a month.
- By storing it in the refrigerator, instead of at room temperature, mint generally lasts a few days longer.
Method 2 of 3: Wrap Mint in Kitchen Paper
Step 1. Moisten a layer of kitchen paper
Tear off 2-3 sheets of paper together and fold them several times on themselves to form a thick absorbent strip. Put it under cold running water, then squeeze it to get rid of the excess. The paper should be wet, but not totally saturated.
- Three-ply kitchen paper is more absorbent and resistant.
- Too much moisture can cause mint to rot quickly. For this reason, it is important to wring out the blotting paper.
Step 2. Place the mint sprigs on the paper
First, lay out the sheets of kitchen paper on the table. Now arrange the branches vertically forming a neat row on one half of the paper. If necessary, shorten them further to match the length of the sheets.
If you need to store a large amount of mint, divide it into multiple bunches of a few sprigs each
Step 3. Roll the paper towels around the mint
Fold the free half to cover the branches, then roll up the paper on itself with the mint inside. In this way, the leaves will be in contact with the moist surface on all sides, so they will be able to absorb the necessary water and will be protected from the air.
- Roll the branches horizontally, not from tip to base, otherwise they will break.
- Do not over tighten to avoid crushing or damaging the leaves.
Step 4. Put the mint in the refrigerator
Place the rolled paper in a sealable plastic food bag or airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to add a few leaves to a cocktail, appetizer or dessert.
- The leaves stored in the damp kitchen paper keep the color, flavor and texture intact for at least 2-3 weeks.
- If you don't have an empty container to store your mint in, you can wrap a few sheets of dry kitchen paper around the damp ones and put the wrapper in the vegetable drawer.
Method 3 of 3: Freeze the Mint Leaves in Ice Cubes
Step 1. Remove the mint leaves from the branches
Wash the mint in cold water, then remove the leaves by hand or with a sharp knife. Either way, do your best to keep the stems intact. Arrange the wet leaves on a few sheets of kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture.
- This method is very useful for storing leftover fresh mint leaves, but you can also use it to freeze those of a whole bunch right after you buy it.
- If you want, you can also chop them before freezing them. In this way, at the time of use, all you have to do is let them defrost and add them to the recipe you are preparing.
Step 2. Insert the mint leaves into the mold to make ice cubes
Push them to the bottom of the mold with your fingers, trying to make sure that they remain stretched out. Use 1-2 leaves for each single space.
If you have a mold for large or specially shaped cubes, you may be able to insert as many as 3-4 leaves in each space
Step 3. Fill the mold with water
Run it slowly, leaving some space at the top to allow the water to expand as it solidifies. Don't worry if some leaves rise to the surface, unless they pop out of the mold it shouldn't be a problem.
If you intend to use mint cubes to cool a drink, you can also add a few drops of lemon juice or a sprinkle of brown sugar
Step 4. Put the mint in the freezer and thaw it when you need it
The freezer will keep it fresh for a long time. When you are ready to use it, simply take out a couple of cubes and let them thaw in a colander under a weak stream of warm water. You can also add whole cubes to a drink or smoothie to give it a refreshing, tangy note.
- Try using cubes with mint leaves inside to chill a pitcher of freshly made lemonade or iced tea.
- Once thawed, gently squeeze the leaves between two sheets of absorbent paper to squeeze them from excess moisture.
Advice
- If you have purchased a large amount of mint, use different storage methods to make the most of the space available in the refrigerator.
- Whatever the storage method, it is best to use mint within a few days of the purchase date to fully enjoy its taste.
- For added convenience, herbs are best stored in disposable containers.
- Crush the frozen mint leaves before using them to extract the essential oils.
- These storage methods also work for other fresh herbs, for example to preserve the properties of rosemary, parsley or coriander.
