Mint Leaves: Benefits, How To Store (4 Easy Methods)

Discover the versatile uses of mint leaves in cooking, teas, and aromatherapy. Learn how to store, dry, and freeze mint leaves for long-lasting flavor and aroma. Explore health benefits, culinary applications, and DIY ideas with mint leaves.

What are mint leaves

Mint leaves are the leaves of various plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. These leaves are known for their distinct and refreshing aroma and flavor. Mint leaves are commonly used in culinary applications, such as flavoring food, beverages, and desserts. They can also be used for medicinal and aromatic purposes.

There are many different varieties of mint, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular types of mint include:

1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): Peppermint is known for its strong, sharp flavor and is often used in teas, candies, and desserts.
2. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Spearmint has a milder flavor compared to peppermint and is commonly used in cooking, beverages like mint juleps, and various culinary dishes.
3. Chocolate Mint: This variety has a hint of chocolate flavor in addition to the typical minty taste.
4. Apple Mint: Apple mint leaves have a slightly fruity aroma along with the characteristic mint scent.
5. Pineapple Mint: Pineapple mint has a sweet and fruity aroma reminiscent of pineapple.

What are benefits of mint leaves?

Mint leaves offer a range of potential benefits due to their natural compounds and aromatic properties. However, it’s important to note that while mint leaves have been used traditionally for various purposes, scientific research is ongoing to fully understand their effects. Here are some potential benefits of mint leaves:

1. Digestive Health: Mint leaves, particularly peppermint, have been used to aid digestion. Menthol, a compound in mint, can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and gas.
2. Relief from Nausea: The aroma of mint has been suggested to help alleviate feelings of nausea. Inhaling mint vapors or consuming mint-infused products might provide relief from nausea and motion sickness.
3. Headache Relief: Applying diluted mint oil or a mint-infused balm to the temples may offer relief from headaches due to its cooling sensation and potential ability to relax muscles.
4. Respiratory Support: Menthol in mint leaves has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract and may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory issues like congestion and coughing. Mint is often found in herbal teas and remedies for colds and coughs.
5. Antioxidant Properties: Mint leaves contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and free radicals in the body, potentially contributing to overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
6. Oral Health: Mint’s antimicrobial properties may contribute to oral health by reducing the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thus helping to freshen breath and reduce the risk of cavities.
7. Skin Care: Mint leaves contain menthol, which can provide a cooling and soothing sensation when applied to the skin. Mint-infused products are often used to alleviate itching and irritation.
8. Stress Relief: The aroma of mint is known for its calming and relaxing effects. Inhaling the scent of mint or using mint-infused products can potentially help reduce stress and anxiety.
9. Weight Management: Some studies suggest that the aroma of mint may help reduce appetite and cravings, which could contribute to weight management efforts.
10. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Mint leaves contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects. This could be beneficial for conditions involving inflammation, although further research is needed.

It’s important to note that while mint leaves have these potential benefits, individual responses can vary. If you have specific health concerns or are considering using mint leaves for medicinal purposes, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or health routine.

1. How to Store Fresh Mint Leaves in the Fridge

To store fresh mint leaves in the fridge and maintain their freshness for as long as possible, follow these steps:

1. Preparation: After harvesting or buying the mint leaves, gently remove any damaged or discolored leaves. Keep only the vibrant, healthy leaves for storage.
2. Cleaning: Rinse the mint leaves under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Avoid vigorous rubbing to prevent bruising the leaves.
3. Damp Paper Towels: Take a few damp paper towels or kitchen towels and wring out any excess water. You want them to be slightly damp, not soaking wet. Lay one layer of damp towels on a flat surface.
4. Layering: Place a single layer of mint leaves on top of the damp towels. Make sure the leaves are not overlapping to allow for proper air circulation.
5. Additional Damp Towels: If you have more mint leaves to store, you can add another layer of damp towels on top of the first layer of leaves. Then, add another layer of mint leaves on top of the second set of damp towels.
6. Roll and Store: Carefully roll up the layers of mint leaves and damp towels, forming a loose roll. You can secure the roll with a rubber band or place it in a resealable plastic bag, leaving one end slightly open for air circulation.
7. Storage in Fridge: Place the rolled-up bundle of mint leaves in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The damp towels will help maintain a slightly humid environment, preventing the mint leaves from drying out too quickly.
8. Check and Refresh: Check the mint leaves every few days for any signs of wilting or decay. If the towels have become overly damp, replace them with fresh, slightly damp towels to prevent mold growth. Also, remove any leaves that show signs of spoilage.

By storing mint leaves using this method, you can keep them fresh for about a week, although the flavor and aroma might start to diminish over time. Remember that mint leaves are delicate, so handle them gently to maintain their quality.

2. How to Store Fresh Mint Leaves in Water

Storing fresh mint leaves in water can help keep them fresh and vibrant for an extended period. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Preparation: After harvesting or purchasing the mint leaves, carefully select healthy and vibrant leaves, discarding any damaged or discolored ones.
2. Cleaning: Gently wash the mint leaves under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Be gentle to avoid bruising the leaves.
3. Trimming: Trim the bottom ends of the mint stems at a slight angle. This can help the stems absorb water more effectively.
4. Water Container: Choose a glass jar or container with enough height to accommodate the mint stems without bending them too much. Fill the container with a few inches of cool water.
5. Arrangement: Place the trimmed mint stems in the container with the cut ends submerged in the water. You can arrange the stems loosely, but make sure they are not too crowded to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Covering: Create a makeshift tent using a plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover the mint leaves. The cover should not be airtight; leave some space for air to circulate.
7. Storage in Fridge: Place the container with the covered mint leaves in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator. The plastic cover helps maintain a humid environment around the mint, preventing wilting and drying out.
8. Check and Refresh: Check the mint leaves every few days for any signs of wilting or deterioration. Change the water if it becomes cloudy, and trim the ends of the mint stems if necessary.
9. Use Within a Week: While storing mint leaves in water can help prolong their freshness, it’s best to use them within a week to enjoy their optimal flavor and aroma.

This method can help keep your mint leaves fresh and hydrated, making them readily available for use in various culinary applications, beverages, and garnishes. Just be sure to monitor the water and the condition of the leaves regularly to ensure they remain fresh.

3. How to Store Fresh Mint Leaves in Freezer

Freezing fresh mint leaves is an excellent way to preserve their flavor for a longer period. Here’s how you can store fresh mint leaves in the freezer:

1. Preparation: After harvesting or purchasing the mint leaves, carefully select healthy and vibrant leaves, and discard any damaged or discolored ones.
2. Cleaning: Gently wash the mint leaves under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Be gentle to avoid bruising the leaves.
3. Blanching (Optional): Blanching involves briefly dipping the mint leaves in boiling water and then immediately transferring them to ice water to halt the cooking process. This step helps preserve the color, flavor, and nutrients of the mint leaves. To blanch:
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
   • Submerge the mint leaves in the boiling water for about 10-15 seconds.
   • Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the leaves and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to cool quickly.
   • Drain the leaves and pat them dry.
4. Freezing in Ice Cube Trays:
   • If you blanched the leaves, make sure they are dry before proceeding.
   • Chop or leave the mint leaves whole, depending on your preference.
   • Place the chopped or whole leaves into the compartments of an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about two-thirds full.
   • Add water or olive oil to cover the mint leaves. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the quality of the leaves.
   • Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze until solid.
5. Transferring to Freezer Bags:
   • Once the mint leaf cubes are frozen, pop them out of the ice cube tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container.
   • Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
6. Freezer Storage:
   • Place the sealed bag or container in the freezer. The mint leaf cubes can be stored for several months.
   • When you need to use mint leaves, simply remove the desired number of cubes from the bag and add them directly to your recipes. There’s no need to thaw the cubes; the heat will cause them to release their flavor and aroma.

By freezing mint leaves using this method, you can enjoy their fresh taste and aroma in your dishes long after the growing season has ended. Whether you’re using them in beverages, soups, stews, or other culinary creations, frozen mint leaves can add a burst of flavor to your meals.

4. How To Dry Mint Leaves

Drying mint leaves is a great way to preserve their flavor and aroma for later use in cooking, teas, and other applications. Here’s how you can dry mint leaves:

1. Harvesting: Choose a time when the mint plants are dry, usually in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Harvest the mint leaves by snipping the stems just above a leaf pair. This encourages the plant to continue growing.
2. Cleaning: Gently shake the mint stems to remove any excess dirt or insects. If needed, you can rinse the leaves briefly under cold water, but be sure to pat them dry gently with paper towels afterward. Avoid soaking the leaves to prevent waterlogging.
3. Bundle Preparation: Gather a small bunch of mint stems, around 5-10 stems per bundle. Make sure the stems are uniform in length.
4. Binding: Tie the mint stems together at their cut ends using kitchen twine or a rubber band. Leave enough length on the twine to hang the bundles.
5. Hanging to Dry:
   • Find a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to hang the mint bundles. An airy room or a covered porch works well.
   • Hang the mint bundles upside down by attaching the free end of the twine to a hook, clothesline, or nail. This allows the leaves to dry without bunching up.
6. Drying Time: It usually takes about 1-2 weeks for mint leaves to fully dry. The leaves will become brittle and crumble easily when touched once they are completely dry.
7. Storing: Once the mint leaves are dry, gently remove the leaves from the stems by running your fingers down the stem. Store the dried mint leaves in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. Keep the container in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor and aroma.

Tips:

• Avoid drying mint in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to lose some of their color and flavor.
• Be patient and allow the leaves to dry thoroughly to prevent mold growth during storage.
• You can also use a dehydrator set to a low temperature (around 95°F or 35°C) to speed up the drying process if desired.

Dried mint leaves can be used in teas, culinary dishes, and various homemade products. Keep in mind that dried mint can have a stronger flavor than fresh mint, so you may need to use less when cooking or brewing tea.

How To Use Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary applications. Here are some ways to use mint leaves:

Culinary Uses

1. Herbal Teas: Make a refreshing mint tea by steeping fresh mint leaves in hot water. You can enjoy it plain or sweeten it with honey.
2. Beverages: Add mint leaves to beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or water for a burst of flavor and aroma.
3. Salads: Chop or tear mint leaves and sprinkle them over salads to add a fresh and aromatic element.
4. Desserts: Use mint leaves as a garnish for desserts like cakes, pies, and ice cream. They can also be blended into smoothies or used to make mint-flavored desserts.
5. Cooked Dishes: Mint leaves can be used as a finishing touch for various savory dishes, such as curries, stir-fries, and grilled meats.
6. Sauces and Dressings: Blend mint leaves into sauces, dips, or dressings to add a unique twist.

Aromatherapy and DIY Products

1. Potpourri: Dry mint leaves and use them in potpourri mixtures to add a pleasant fragrance to your living spaces.
2. Aromatherapy: Inhale the scent of crushed mint leaves to experience their calming and soothing effects.
3. Essential Oils: Mint leaves can be used to make homemade mint essential oil, which can be diluted and used in aromatherapy, massage, or skincare.

Home Remedies

1. Digestive Aid: Brew mint tea to help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.
2. Nausea Relief: Inhale the aroma of mint leaves or sip mint tea to reduce feelings of nausea.
3. Respiratory Support: Mint’s menthol can provide relief from congestion and coughing. Inhale steam from mint-infused water for a soothing effect.

Beauty and Skincare

1. Facial Steam: Add mint leaves to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and lean over the bowl to enjoy a mint-infused facial steam.
2. Homemade Scrubs: Crush mint leaves and mix them with other natural ingredients to create homemade facial or body scrubs.

Garnish and Presentation

1. Plate Decoration: Use whole mint leaves or finely chopped mint as a decorative element on plates to enhance the visual appeal of your dishes.
2. Garnish: Garnish drinks with a sprig of mint or a single mint leaf to add color and aroma.

When using mint leaves, remember that a little goes a long way due to their strong flavor and aroma. Experiment with different ways of incorporating mint into your meals and daily routines to discover what you enjoy the most. Whether you’re adding them to your favorite recipes, creating homemade products, or using them for their potential health benefits, mint leaves can bring a delightful and aromatic touch to your life.

Further interesting reads in this blog:

Custard Apple: A Comprehensive Guide About Sweet and Creamy Delight

How To Store Cherries: Preserving Summer’s Ultimate Sweetness

Lemon Zest: Unleashing the Zesty Magic

Red Plums: A Sweet and Juicy Delight with Health Benefits

Chanterelle Mushroom: A Culinary Delight from the Forest Floor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mint Leaves

Remember that while these answers provide general guidance, individual preferences and situations may vary. If you have specific concerns or questions about using mint leaves, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from reliable sources or healthcare professionals.