18. 8. 2024 (Photo: shutterstock/LN team).
How to dry mint to make it last longer? See easy DIY methods to enjoy delicious mint tea or green spice later..
Mint is a popular perennial that comes from South America.The best-known varieties include peppermint and spearmint, but lemon mint and even chocolate-scented mint are also becoming increasingly popular.Just one mint leaf added to water will enrich its taste and make it fresher.Peppermint tea helps with digestion, and dried and fresh leaves are added to cocktails, soups and desserts.How should mint be dried and when is the best time to harvest?
When to collect mint for drying and where to find the best bushes?
It is good to harvest mint as needed by cutting off the stems.The best time to harvest is just before the flowers appear, which is the same as with other herbs.When is the best time to harvest mint for drying? Mint growing in the wild, e.g.in the meadow, is harvested just before April, while bushes planted in the garden are harvested in June.However, nothing prevents you from collecting mint for drying in the summer months as well.
Drying mint step by step
Drying mint requires preparation.Below you will find a description of the steps that separate you from a refreshing summer tea based on hand-picked mint.
- Start by rinsing the leaves thoroughly under cold water.
- Get rid of excess water with a paper towel.
- Separate the stems from the leaves – you can use them to prepare a healthy smoothie.
- Choose the most suitable drying method: oven, dryer or air drying.
Set the oven to 30 to 35 degrees Celsius and place the leaves on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.Dry the mint in the oven for about 4 hours and remove it when the leaves are tender.
In the fruit and vegetable dehydrator lay the mint flat without overlapping the leaves.Do not occupy all the shelves, the mint needs to breathe during drying.The drying time of mint in the dryer is approximately 5 hours.As with the dryer, the finished sheets should be crisp.
Mint can also be air-dried.This is the ideal way to prepare mint for tea or infusion.The air drying method requires you to keep the stems, which you tie into a bundle, then wrap in paper and hang upside down in a dry place.
How to dry mint – method of storage
Mint leaves do best in a large glass container, but you can also use a plastic container.The storage area should be cool and dark.With this method, mint can be stored for approximately one year.
Dried mint leaves will be good not only as an ingredient in tea, but also as an ingredient in various dishes (e.g.spaghetti); they will also be a great cake decoration.You can also add dried mint to your morning oatmeal or sprinkle it on sandwiches with tomatoes.In winter, dried mint is fantastic in brewed drinks or just traditional tea.
