How long do mint leaves stay fresh

If you happen to pick out your mint leaves from a farm, then you can smell them to check if they have a strong aroma.

Mint leaves may seem similar to a weed, but you need to check that the leaves are soft and gentle to the touch. If they are slightly rough to the touch, then they are worn out and not in good condition. There are different ways to store mint leaves that have been bought fresh from the supermarket. If you store the leaves in a refrigerator, it will greatly increase its shelf life, but the leaves will not have the same aroma and texture they originally had.

The best way to store mint is by washing it thoroughly and keeping it in a tight container. Another way is to keep the bunch in a jar and fill it with water, and then dip the stems of mint into the water. Using this method of storage, the leaves will keep their freshness for at least days. Before adding mint leaves to your dish, they need to be washed. The leaves are not meant to be used with their stems; you must cut off the stems before using them.

Can you freeze mint? Yes, to freeze fresh mint: 1 Wash, trim and chop the mint; 2 Allow to dry thoroughly; 3 Once dry, place in heavy-duty freezer bags or freeze in ice cube trays with a small amount of water, then transfer to freezer bags.

How long does mint last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 4 to 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. How to tell if mint is bad or spoiled?

Dehydrator Wash lightly in cold running water. Drain thoroughly on absorbent towels or hang plants upside down until the water evaporates. Strip leaves off the stalks and remove blossoms. Follow directions for your dehydrator.

Natural Air Drying Dry in the dark by hanging bunches upside down in paper bags. Choose a well ventilated, dust-free area although the bags will help keep out dust and other surprises. Leaves are ready when they are dry and crumbly, in about weeks. Oven Drying Use low heat less than degrees. Spread leaves on a cookie sheet for 2 to 4 hours. Leaves are ready when they are dry and crumbly. Microwave Drying Place the leaves on a paper towel and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes check after 1 minute and microwave in additional 10 second increments as needed.

When completely dry, leaves may be crushed I use a food processor or stored whole in airtight containers canning jars, for example. Check daily for moisture — if you see any, repeat the drying process. Herbs will mold quickly if exposed to moisture.