Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:00 pm
If the vigorous mint delivers a bountiful harvest, the surplus can be stored quite easily. The best methods for long storage we have compiled for you below.
Keeping fresh mint in the refrigerator – this is how it works
If small bunches of mint are placed in a jar with water immediately after harvesting, they will sadly wilt away after just 2 to 3 days. How to keep the bunches fresh for several weeks, we tell you here:
- line a rectangular tupperware with a wet kitchen towel
- spread the mint on it
- cover with a second soaking wet cloth
- close with the lid and put in the refrigerator
Every few days, the cloths are moistened again with water. Unless the stock is consumed before, store mint in this way for 3 weeks and longer.
Keep mint fresh for a year – this is how to do it
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While mint hibernates deep in the ground, we don’t want to miss out on the refreshing treat. You can preserve peppermint and the kind for a long time by preserving the herbs in the freezer. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pre-freeze whole shoots or individual leaves on a plate in the blast freezer.
- then transfer to bags, label and freeze to save space
- alternatively, cut the mint into small pieces and place them in the compartments of an ice cube tray
- fill up with water and freeze
Do you prefer to enjoy mint as a refreshing tea? Then preserve the aroma by preparing a larger quantity of tea from the fresh leaves. Freeze this in portions. After thawing, enjoy as if freshly brewed.
- Preserving mint in the oven – how it works
- Air-drying mint bouquets takes 14 days or more. It is faster in the oven. Spread the washed branches or leaves on a baking sheet. After preheating the oven to 50 degrees, the temperature should be maintained for 5 minutes. Then turn off the oven, put the baking sheet inside and dry the mint.
Tips & Tricks
Are you wavering between freezing or drying mint? Then it has proven in practice to store whole shoots or leaves in the freezer. During the long dwell time in the oven or in the air, the essential oils, which contribute significantly to the aroma, volatilize.