Fresh mint is a delightful herb that adds a burst of refreshing flavor to drinks, salads, desserts, and more. But anyone who’s tried to store fresh mint knows it can quickly wilt, turn brown, or lose its aroma if not handled properly. So, how do you keep fresh mint so it stays crisp, green, and flavorful for as long as possible?
In this article, you’ll discover simple, effective methods to preserve your mint’s freshness at home, whether you want to use it within days or keep it for weeks. Let’s dive into the best ways to store fresh mint and keep it tasting garden-fresh!
Why Fresh Mint Needs Special Care
Mint is a tender herb with delicate leaves and soft stems. Unlike hardy herbs, it’s prone to wilting and browning because it loses moisture quickly. The key to keeping mint fresh is maintaining the right balance of humidity and airflow while preventing excess moisture that causes rot. Proper storage also helps preserve the essential oils that give mint its vibrant aroma and flavor.
Best Ways to Keep Fresh Mint
1. Store Mint in Water Like a Bouquet
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep fresh mint lively is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers:
– Trim the ends of the mint stems.
– Place the mint bunch upright in a glass or jar filled with about an inch or two of fresh water.
– Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag to retain humidity.
– Keep the jar on the kitchen counter away from direct sunlight or in the fridge.
This method keeps mint fresh for about a week or even longer if you change the water every couple of days.
Pro tip: Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent them from rotting and making the water murky.
2. Wrap Mint in Damp Paper Towels and Refrigerate
For longer storage, refrigeration is your best friend:
– Rinse the mint gently with cold water and pat dry.
– Wrap the mint leaves loosely in a damp (not soaking) paper towel.
– Place the wrapped mint in a zip-top plastic bag or an airtight container.
– Store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
This method maintains humidity without making the leaves soggy and can keep mint fresh for up to two weeks.
3. Keep Mint Cool in a Metal Shaker with Ice
A bartender’s hack to keep mint fresh, especially for cocktails, is:
– Fill a large metal shaker tin with mint leaves.
– Place the tin in a bowl of ice to keep it cold.
– Cover the mint with a napkin to protect it.
This cool, moist environment helps the mint stay crisp and aromatic for longer.
4. Freeze Mint for Long-Term Storage
If you want to preserve mint beyond a couple of weeks, freezing is a great option:
– Remove the leaves from the stems.
– Place leaves in an ice cube tray and cover with water or olive oil, then freeze.
– Alternatively, freeze mint leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Frozen mint can last up to six months and is perfect for cooking or adding directly to drinks.
5. Dry Mint for Year-Round Use
Drying mint is a traditional method that locks in flavor for months:
– Rinse and pat dry the mint.
– Hang bunches upside down in a paper bag in a well-ventilated, dark place.
– Or use an oven or food dehydrator at a low temperature until leaves are crisp.
– Once dry, strip leaves from stems and store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Dried mint retains flavor for up to a year and is great for teas, seasoning, and cooking.
Additional Tips to Keep Mint Fresh
– Always start with fresh, healthy mint—avoid leaves that are already wilted or spotted.
– Handle leaves gently to avoid bruising, which speeds up spoilage.
– Avoid washing mint until just before use, except when preparing for storage.
– If mint starts to droop, placing it in cold water for 15 minutes can revive it temporarily.
– Use clear containers or jars so you can easily monitor freshness.
How to Use Stored Mint
Freshly stored mint is perfect for:
– Garnishing cocktails like mojitos and juleps.
– Adding to salads, yogurt, and fruit dishes.
– Enhancing sauces, dressings, and marinades.
– Brewing fresh mint tea or infusing water.
Frozen or dried mint works well in cooked dishes, baked goods, and long-simmered recipes.
Keeping fresh mint vibrant and flavorful doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these simple storage hacks—from water jars to refrigeration and freezing—you can enjoy mint’s bright taste whenever you want. Try these expert tips and make your fresh mint last longer and taste better!
Minty freshness is just a few smart steps away!