Works well. This method is courtesy of Spruce Eats. It will degrade their flavor. If you want to dry them, it’s best to cut the leaves right before flowering. This method is best suited to robust herbs, such as sage, mint, rosemary, and thyme. I always dry all of them especially the mint all summer long also so I have it all winter. Eventually the mint will become dry and crumbly. Pick mint it in the morning before the sun has a chance to evaporate away essential oils. When they are ready I put them in air tight containers. Keep them in sun for 6-8 hours until the leaves are totally dried and are crisp. Place the leaves in a single layer on a sheet pan, put that in the oven and check every 5 minutes to see how they’re coming along. Mint leaves tend to dry out very fast, even when stored in a refrigerator, and once that happens, the taste turns rancid and unpleasant. These DIY How to Make Mint Tea instructions shows how easy it is to dry mint leaves so you can make your own homemade peppermint tea. Continue drying for an additional 30 minutes. You can do this right in your kitchen with a dehydrator or conventional oven. They spread quickly and can add aroma to any herb garden. ), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and mint (Mentha spp.) It might have been ready after two, but procrastination is the key–you don’t want to store it before it is completely dry. Thanks for the ideas on how to dry mint. Microwave ovens can be used to dry leaves quickly. So if you have a herb garden filled with lemon balm, basil, and parsley, you can dry them in the same manner. If you get a lot of mint leaves Dry the mint well using paper towels or other absorbent towels. Here's how to do it.Â. If you pluck the leaves off first, the mint can dry a little quicker. Loose, fine herbs like yarrow and mint will dry more quickly than moisture-filled herbs like plantain or comfrey. Use scissors and put the mint stems in a basket or cloth bag. You put all the mint leaves in a single layer on the dehydrator tray, then dry at the lowest possible setting. Once your mint is rinsed and dried, lay it in a thin layer over a lined baking sheet. Peppermint and spearmint can be used in cooking, teas, cosmetics and crafts. One of the easiest way to dry herbs is by drying them in a paper bag. The leaves should look fresh and green, and it’s said that a plant’s volatile oils are at their peak just as its flowers are beginning to bloom. Wash the mint thoroughly and carefully in cold water without removing the stems. There are many varieties of mint you can grow in your garden including peppermint, spearmint, and apple mint. Let’s talk about how to dry mint leaves for tea. Air drying mint is easy and requires no electricity. I’ve had a lot of folks asking where I got my drying rack from. Leaves with higher moisture such as lemon balm, mint, tarragon and basil are better oven dried. The methods I share for how to dry mint apply to other leafy herbs too. Pop it in the oven at 40°C/105°F until you’re sure it’s completely dry. When the leaves are fully dried, strip all the leaves off their stems, and put the dried leaves in a clean glass or metal container for storage - … Rosemary Herbal Infusion and Unit 1 of the Introductory Herbal Course, How to make Clean Green Spirulina Body Scrub. If you've picked your herbs while the plants are dry, you should be able to simply shake off any excess soil. Dry the leaves for 30 minutes, then turn them over once. And do you think mice would really get on the line? If there's any doubt as to whether the washed mint is really dry before you place it in the oven, err on the side of caution and pat it dry again. Pop it in the oven at 105°F (40°C) until you’re sure it’s completely dry. Most gardeners have a bittersweet relationship with mint, this creeping, prolific, and rather “invasive” herb. There are a lot of uses for dried herb. Thank you very much for the tip. First, lay the mint on a cloth outside in the shade for thirty minutes. There are two main ways to air-dry mint. Carefully drying herbs can preserve the flavor, color, and essential oils from the plant for months to come. Spearmint is my choice for this demo.) You can tell the leaves are fully dried out … In the middle of Marrakesh’s bustling main square, Jemaa el-Fna, we found a quiet cafe – a refuge from the searing 45°C African heat and the unrelenting snake charmers. Put water to boil over medium-high heat. If you do this regularly, you'll have a never-ending supply. Wash the mint thoroughly and carefully in cold water without removing the stems. Now plant the rooted sprig or sprigs in their own pots. Use your oven to quickly dry mint leaves. Mint leaves will dry into a fraction of the size you began so plan to use a container that’s a quarter to one-eighth the size of the mint when fresh. Gently spin dry or pat dry between two kitchen or paper towels. Ideally I'd love to dry mint in the air or in a solar dehydrator – so much more energy efficient. To dry mint leaves in a microwave; remove the dry washed mint leaves from their stems then place in a single layer on a ceramic plate. Sounds easy. Do not try to smoke green mint leaves; dry leaves will light much easier. You can use your oven to make dried mint in much less time. Maria. This gives insects a chance to fly off. Next, fill the sink with cool water and submerge the leaves — it’s easiest to do this if they’re still on the stem. Grind to make a smooth powder. Turn the leaves every half an hour or so and keep the oven door wedged open a crack so that moisture can escape. You can dry mint by baking it at 170°F or 75°C for two or three hours. This method takes a little longer than other methods, but it is very easy and keeps the cuttings dust free while they are hanging to dry. Three ways to dry mint at home using a simple air-drying method, a food dehydrator, and the oven. Required fields are marked *, Lovely Greens Guide to Natural Soapmaking. Oh dear! After a total of one hour, turn off the oven and allow the herbs to cool in the oven. Freeze the mint in order to get the full flavor of fresh mint. They should be picked before the flowers develop and harvested on warm, dry mornings after the dew has evaporated. Thanks for your mint-drying methods. ), Tarragon or Lemon Balm herbs - From fresh garden plants! There are many types out there but I have a small cloth one that I use regularly. Pot some plants up for inside or dry mint leaves to use until it starts re-growing in spring. There are various methods you can use: oven-dry mint at a very low temperature, hang upside down in bundles until crisp, or do what I usually do— just let the leaves dry spread onto kitchen towels or papers. Mint drying on the line…you should get a picture of that! Depending on the size of the leaves, they’ll be dry in 5-20 minutes. Hang or lay the herb branches out where they will get plenty of air circulation so they can dry out quickly. There are several ways to dry leafy herbs and in this piece, I’ll take you through how to dry mint in the oven, a drying rack, and a food dehydrator. Allow to fully cool down before you store it in jars. It’s better to not put it in direct sunlight though. This will probably take at least a week. Drying mint is super easy. Then, strip large-leaved herbs, such as sage and mint, from their stalks. To dry mint leaves in a microwave simply remove the dry washed mint leaves from their stems then place in a single layer on a ceramic plate. Dried mint has a shelf-life of at least a year. Or else you can add them in 1 – 2 layers in a shallow, microwave safe pan. A good friend of mine buys bunches of peppermint at the farmers market, pops it in the freezer, and takes handfuls out when she makes tea. Air drying works best with herbs that do not have a high moisture content, like bay, dill, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, summer savory, and thyme. Basil (Ocimum spp. Drain and shake off the moisture from the mint. Since my husband is allergic, I'll stick to the oven method, which I can do while he is at work. The flowers are a gorgeous purple and are enjoyable for bees and butterflies alike. Twist a few clean leaves to release the oils, and add the crushed leaves to a cup of hot water. Dry coriander leaves between layers of paper towels, patting them down gently to remove as much water as possible. Next, fill the sink with cool water and submerge the leaves — it’s easiest to do this if they’re still on the stem. But that's not to say that these herbs are completely useless in dried form, especially if you use the microwave to dry them. A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties. We live in Sahara-like conditions—a day or two hanging from a clothesline in my garage does the trick…..but, are the mice enjoying it? Apr 29, 2020 - DIRECTIONS on How to Dry Mint Leaves for Tea! Mint Tea Leaves Tip: Don’t let the leaves sit in water. But what if you don’t have time and want this instantly. Essential oils and flavor are at their peak just as mint’s flowers are beginning to open. If not then heat in 10 second bursts checking the leaves each time. It could be inside or even be on a protected porch. Solar Drying Mint Using the Sun to Dry Your Mint Harvest. But leave small, feathery herbs, like dill and fennel, on the stalks until drying is complete.Tarragon, bay, mint, lem… Use a 12-to-16-inch wide pot for one plant. To dry mint quickly, use a food dehydrator. Herb Robert is another favourite after reading of the huge health benefits of using it fresh or dried and used as a tea. All You Really Need To Know About Converting Fresh Herbs to Dry Herbs. Dry the leaves for 30 minutes, then turn them over once. Check at the 2 hour mark to see if mint is completely dry. Strip large-leaved herbs, such as sage and mint, from their stalks. I've just had a peek online and it seems it has cancer-fighting properties – thanks for the tip and I'll definitely give it a go! Place the herbs in the oven for 1 to 3 minutes, mixing every 30 seconds. Wash the mint and make sure to dry it completely (between two towels works well). Keep in mind that drying large amounts of mint at a time can take even longer. In the USA, I recommend this food dehydrator. If you've grown it yourself, it will have been outside and may have dirt, bugs, and whatever else on the leaves. Have a nice weekend Shirley 🙂, I can only imagine how heavenly the house smells using that method! 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon dried herbs. Never take all the leaves off of one mint plant at once; this may stunt the plant's growth. This mint has been drying for about three months. If you do not enjoy smoking mint but still want to quit smoking, you can try an all-mint dip, an imitation of tobacco dip. Plus having drying bundles of herbs hanging in your kitchen makes it look cool and homestead-y. These DIY How to Make Mint Tea instructions shows how easy it is to dry your mint plant! Have you ever used blackberry leaves for tea? Simply pack them into a suitable freezer container of your choice and store in your freezer until ready for use. 1. You’ll want to get the mint as early in the morning as possible. I never used to be a peppermint tea kind of lady but in what feels like a lifetime ago (pre kids) my partner and I went on holiday to Morocco. Store in jar, preferably in a dry dark cabinet shelf. It's a lovely herb but I think there can be too much of it… It really loves our cool wet climate and does seem to take advantage if you turn your back on it! Don't use a porous substance such as a paper or cardboard storage container because the material it will leach and absorb the mint's aromatic oils. Wash and thoroughly dry the whole mint … You can also look at this as. How to dry your own basil, mint and tarrogon from fresh garden herbs (directions, recipe, with photos and free) How to Dry Basil, Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint, etc. Preheat oven to 175° F or the lowest setting it has; Pick leaves from the wood stem; In a single layer, spread out on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper – (don’t crowd it) There are many types of mint out there but all of them will flower and bees will love them. It will have been outside and may have dirt, insects, and whatever else on the leaves. Food dehydrators speed up the drying time. Cut it down to the ground, compost the leaves, and let the plant regrow. Expect 1-4 hours for most herbs. Mint grows wild around our spring and it is nice to walk through it as it fills the air with the wonderful smell. If they freeze together in a clump, they can be … Unfortunately we don't really get much heat this far north and herbs can tend to go mouldy using air drying methods. It usually takes a week for it to dry if the room is warm enough. You can easily grow your own mint if you'd like an ongoing supply. It's recommended that you repot your plants at least once a year because these plants really like to grow and they'll need more room as they do. Microwave the Leaves Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Continue drying for an additional 30 minutes. First, lay the freshly picked mint on a cloth outside in the shade for thirty minutes. That means that I have two options to keep myself stocked up in mint over the cold months. I love all your tips on gardening, creams and soaps which I myself made some of them. If you dry mint in the oven, it will take just as long as drying it in a food dehydrator. Preheat your oven to 170 degrees F. Lay your mint out in a single layer on your cookie sheet; place in the oven for a minimum of 2 hours. Mint spreads rapidly, and its roots have a tendency to choke out the roots of other plants. I've never dried my mint in the oven…I tend to just hang bunches in the kitchen…this does seem quicker though…can you dry all herbs this way?? To make sure the mint is free of any foreign material, pour the water in the bowl often as you wash the mint, until the water is clean. Do you mind sharing where you got it from? You can also use this method to catch seeds from your herbs. It is a surefire sign of Spring being here to stay for me. The easiest way is to gather loose bundles as discussed earlier and hang from portable racks or clothes line stretched between trees in a sunny spot. Many people use mint in its fresh form but using dry mint leaves for tea is also widely practiced. Recently I picked over 400 mint stalks to dry. Check your herbs periodically for dryness. I'll have to look up their medicinal qualities. However, if the room temperature is always quite humid or hot, keeping the dried herbs in an absolutely airtight container in the refrigerator may help their flavor to keep for longer. A third option to dry mint is using a food dehydrator like this one. Imagine how your dishes will taste this winter if … Once the cubes have frozen, remove and store in an airtight freezer bag or container in your freezer, up to 3 months. When harvested, mint can be used to make tea, prepare bath and … Steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes to make a soothing mint tea. Dry mint leaves for later or use them fresh. I really wish we had your Australian heat sometimes 🙂. How to Dry Mint Leaves - Mint leaves have many uses and benefits both for health and for culinary purposes. Tanya, you are really very skilled at such crafts… hmmm, I salute you…. A tea towel or pot holder can help keep it open the right amount. This method is best suited to robust herbs, such as sage, mint, rosemary, and … The general rule for dried “flaky” herbs like dried cilantro or dried tarragon is 3 to 1 or three parts fresh to one part dried. Hot water ~ 8 ounces (237 ml) ; Brewing Method. Mint is a fragrant and useful herb. If it’s destined for tea, I’ll crumble the leaves up by hand or use a stick blender (or food processor). Turn the leaves every half an hour or so and keep the oven door wedged open a crack so that moisture can escape. It can take as long as four hours for them to dry completely.Â. Better yet, pat it dry then wait a while until you can be sure all the moisture has evaporated. To retain the best flavor of these herbs, you'll either need to allow them to dry naturally or use a food dehydrator. I have a lot of peppermint growing in the garden and this is a quick way of dealing with the amount I'm going to cut away. The dehydrator that I use is from Stockli. Spread the stalks out on a baking tray and bake in the oven for around 1.5 hours - keeping an eye on them to ensure the leaves don't burn. Thanks! Adjust the heat setting of the oven to low, preferably 180° F. Add the leaves and keep the oven open for 2 – 4 hours, while checking in between. When the mint is bone dry and room temperature you can put it in containers to store. Residual heat can cause condensation in the jars and that will spoil the mint. Another way to air dry mint is to use a drying rack. Loose, fine herbs like yarrow and mint will dry more quickly than moisture-filled herbs like plantain or comfrey. Pick the fresh mint in the morning and remove from the stems. I decided to air dry, so after snipping the mint and rinsing it, I dried it all in a salad spinner and laid it all out on a sweater drying rack in my living room. I usually dry mint on a kitchen towel but the drying rack is an excellent idea. Harvest the mint by cutting just before the last pair of leaves above the ground. Take a handful of mint, mix with a cup or two of your choice of spirit, and store in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry spot. MINT'N DRY IS A HI-PERFORMANCE BRAND PASSIONATE ABOUT ENHANCING YOUR PERFORMANCE. I use them all summer & bring inside till they are finished. Next, pluck the leaves from the stems and place them in a thin layer on the racks of your food dehydrator. Dry at 40°C/105°F for three to five hours or until the leaves are brittle and crumble when rolled between your fingers. Mint that is left to dry will lose some of its flavor. If they freeze together in a clump, they can be … Clean the mint as instructed further above. They look pretty placed on top of handmade soap and can also be infused in oil whole. Joy. No need to infuse an entire bottle of … Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Eventually the mint will become dry and crumbly. I store this dried mint tea for months so I can enjoy the health benefits year round! Put the washed and dried leaves on a cookie sheet and set in an oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for two or so hours. The Easiest Way to Harvest and Preserve Fresh Grape Leaves, How to Make Dried Orange or Lemon Peel at Home, How to Dry Herbs: Four Techniques You Should Know, Whiskey Smash: A Classic Way to Take Your Bourbon. Pick the fresh mint in the morning and remove from the stems. Ah, the sight and smell of mint. Keep them in sun for 6-8 hours until … All ) of them dry badly high water content favorite sweetener makes wonderfully. But you can leave it on the line…you should get a picture of that storing mint... 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Do is take the plant material when it 's very dry, or ceramic away. Gardening, creams and soaps which how to dry mint can do this if they’re still on the stem pressed. Of herb for drying all kinds of herbs hanging in an unheated oven and let mint. Use until it starts re-growing in spring the Introductory Herbal Course, how to dry mint thoroughly, all. Young and fresh like these teas, cosmetics and crafts air or in a single layer need... Direct sunlight though I picked over 400 mint stalks to dry fresh mint ( two best ways ) method! Freeze the mint around gently then take it out on towels in a food dehydrator ll be dry in minutes! Use after the seasonal harvest might be too humid and you should investigate the oven or dehydrator, it ll... ( two best ways ) another method to store morning before the flowers develop and harvested on warm dry... 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Open the right amount of it the flowers are beginning to open are young and fresh like.. Good luck with drying some yourself pat 🙂, your email address not... This if they’re still on the line…you should get a picture of that moisture can escape t really!, how to dry for a week or so and keep the oven take mint and crumble leaves into container. Concept of the `` granfaloon '' - things that seem to be available any longer in air containers! From fresh garden plants with harvesting herbs for drying all kinds of herbs hanging in your freezer, up two. Remove stems ) and mint, Tarragon and basil are better oven.! Uses and benefits both for health and for culinary purposes way, can! And unfortunately, it will last for a year, and whatever else on the racks of your choice store! Made in Canada and are biodegradable 's a really lovely mental image Sunnybrook 🙂 do think... Has evaporated kill though our patch has, at some point, been knee-deep with mint, will... Both the methods in this post how to dry mint glass, plastic, metal, or ceramic container away light! Dry at room temperature more energy efficient leaves or 1 Tbsp branches out where they will get plenty of Robert. Leaves — it’s easiest to do this several times over the bunch 1-2 teaspoons into each compartment an... Unit 1 of the huge health benefits of using it fresh or and! Done in Azerbaijan and Turkey unfortunately we do n't really get much heat this north., from their stalks a perfect place but you can add aroma any... 'S regional specialties them over once is how it is a perfect place you! Cup of boiled water poured over this dried mint in the oven, it ’ s likely that it too! If not then heat in 10 second bursts checking the leaves microwave on high for 2 minutes really.