2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Fragrant mint can quickly cheer you up and give us strength for new achievements. And having harvested this fragrant herb, you always want to stock it up for the whole season. If you correctly approach the issue of storing mint, then there is nothing impossible in this. Of course, storage of mint is not limited to just one refrigerator - bright leaves can always be dried or frozen. And it can be easily grown even in an ordinary city apartment
When to harvest mint?
Regardless of the chosen storage method, mint must be harvested in late June or early July, that is, in the midst of flowering. At this time, the aromatic herb has the highest concentration of essential oils.
Cold storage
This method is suitable if there is not much mint and it needs to be stored for a short time. Juicy green twigs are thoroughly washed with clean cool water, after which they are wrapped in a damp towel and put into the refrigerator. Mint usually retains its original appearance for two to four days.
However, you can keep the mint leaves without the stems. To do this, tiny leaves are cut off from well-washed branches and dried slightly. And when the leaves dry out a little, they are transferred to a durable plastic dish with sealed lids. This method allows you to keep the leaves fresh for four to five days.
If you want to prepare mint for future use for the winter, then it is better to pay attention to other ways of storing it.
Freezer storage
There are several different ways to store mint in the freezer. In the first case, the washed and dried twigs are wrapped in polyethylene and placed in the freezer. Or you can neatly fold them into containers.
In the second case, mint petals are frozen in ice cube trays. Ice molds are filled with clean water, then several pre-prepared mint petals are placed in each compartment and the containers are transferred to the freezer. Mint, frozen in molds, is perfect for making great cooling drinks, including mojitos. It can also be added to meat or first courses.
To freeze mint in the third way, the twigs with leaves are cut into strips, placed in containers, sealed and sent to the freezer.
Dry mint
A great way to provide yourself with a fragrant seasoning for the whole winter. True, only ripe mint with a high content of essential oils is suitable for drying. Thoroughly washed mint twigs are tied with a rope and hung in a dry place inaccessible to sunlight.
When the mint is completely dry, it is crushed and placed in linen bags or in jars - in such a container it can be stored for a very long time. And they usually store it in dark and dry places, located as far as possible from any sources of heat.
You can use dried mint for anything - it is added not only to tea, but also to desserts with pastries. In addition, it goes well with meat dishes.
How to provide yourself with mint?
Not everyone is the happy owner of their own garden, and not always fresh mint can be found on sale. How to be? It's very simple - you can try to grow it at home! And you can do this in an ordinary flower pot! True, first you need to break off a small twig from a healthy bush and place it in a glass of water. And as soon as the mint leaves tiny roots, it is immediately transplanted into the ground.
Mint is incredibly unpretentious and does not require any special care. And also one very interesting feature is inherent in it: the more often you pick off its leaves, the more fragrant mint will bush!
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