How to prepare mint for the winter: 3 ways

Juliette Morgan
How to prepare mint for the winter: 3 ways

Mint is an extremely useful and incredibly fragrant plant. It can be added not only to teas and refreshing cocktails, but also used as a seasoning for many dishes, used in cosmetology.

You can use mint not only fresh, but also make preparations for the winter.  And so that mint does not lose its taste and aroma, you need to properly collect and prepare it. There are several ways to prepare mint, which you can read about in our material.

How to properly collect mint

Mint is recommended to be collected in June in dry, non-hot weather. Preferably in the morning. You can not collect plants after dew or after rain. Otherwise, the mint will get a brown hue and an unpleasant smell. 

Cut 1\3 plants - the upper part, where the stem and leaves are softer. 

Before harvesting, you need to separate the dry and damaged parts of the plant.

How to dry mint

How to dry mint
How to dry mint

The most common and effective way to harvest mint is to dry the leaves and stems of the plant. Dried mint will remain fragrant the longest and retain its properties for a year or more.

Dry the mint in a dry and well-ventilated room, where the open rays of the sun do not fall. You can tie the plants in small bundles and hang them on a rope. Or spread a thin layer of plant twigs on a pallet or newspaper and periodically turn them over so that they dry evenly

The plant dries depending on the temperature and humidity for about a week. Properly dried mint should retain its green color and completely rub off in the hand. Too dry takes on a brown tint. At high humidity, the plant can begin to rot or become covered with mold.

After the mint is completely dry, it can be ground into a powder and stored in tightly closed jars. However, ground mint loses its flavor faster. To keep the smell longer, it is more effective to store mint in bundles in breathable bags — paper or cotton, linen fabric.

How to freeze mint

Freezing mint
Freezing mint

Mint can be stored in the freezer. Especially this method of harvesting mint is good for those who like to add it to cocktails. However, mint in the freezer retains its flavor for no more than 3 months.  If it is stored for more than a year, it, on the contrary, is saturated with an unpleasant smell.

There are several ways to freeze mint.

  • 1 way. The twigs should be washed, thoroughly dried and wrapped in plastic wrap, foil or plastic containers. In this form, you can send it to the freezer.
  • method 2. Separate the leaves and young shoots, put them in the frosting bags, fill with boiled water and put them in the freezer. 

Mint sugar

Mint sugar
Mint sugar

One of the oldest preservatives has always been sugar. And if you like to treat yourself to sweets, this method of harvesting mint is just for you.

For candying, it will require a one-to-one ratio, for example, 200 g of ground mint per 200 g of sugar.

To prepare mint in this way, you need to separate the leaves from the stems. Put the leaves in a blender and gently grind until smooth, then add sugar and grind again. Put the finished mixture in cleanly washed and sterilized jars, carefully close the lid and store in the refrigerator. 

 

 

 

More in the section Food

Dumplings with cherries: a very simple recipe
Food

Dumplings with cherries: a very simple recipe

Prepare a delicious seasonal dessert for your family

What to cook from red currant: TOP 3 recipes
Food

What to cook from red currant: TOP 3 recipes

Please your loved ones with delicious dishes

Sparkling wine or champagne?
Food

Sparkling wine or champagne?

The technology of making a drink and its main types

Sponge cake with berries and sour cream
Food

Sponge cake with berries and sour cream

The weekend is ahead: prepare an appetizing dessert and please your loved ones

Cooling off in the heat: the perfect recipe for homemade lemonade
Food

Cooling off in the heat: the perfect recipe for homemade lemonade

The combination of citrus fruits and berries will make your summer snack unique

How to freeze zucchini so that they are as fresh
Food

How to freeze zucchini so that they are as fresh

Learn how to freeze zucchini for the winter for soups and stews

Cherry sauce: recipe with photos for meat dishes
Food

Cherry sauce: recipe with photos for meat dishes

Find out how unusual it is to serve a meat or fish dish to the table

Mulberry: the benefits of berries and 3 recipes
Food

Mulberry: the benefits of berries and 3 recipes

Mulberry fruits are a lot of vitamins and a fresh taste of summer

Gazpacho: TOP 3 recipes for cold soup
Food

Gazpacho: TOP 3 recipes for cold soup

Prepare Andalusian and green gazpacho, as well as spicy gazpacho-chili

Miracle daikon: the benefits of a vegetable and 3 delicious dishes with it
Food

Miracle daikon: the benefits of a vegetable and 3 delicious dishes with it

What is so good about white radish and what can be prepared from it


Demi Moore Called to 'Cancel' and Strip Golden Globe Over Video of Her Kissing 15-Year-Old Actor
Celebrity

Demi Moore Called to 'Cancel' and Strip Golden Globe Over Video of Her Kissing 15-Year-Old Actor

Meghan Markle talks about her pet's death and shows rare footage of her children with Prince Harry
Celebrity

Meghan Markle talks about her pet's death and shows rare footage of her children with Prince Harry

Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse Wed in the Caribbean
Celebrity

Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse Wed in the Caribbean

"Yes" at 3000 meters: Diana Manasir is getting married
Celebrity

"Yes" at 3000 meters: Diana Manasir is getting married

Nelly Furtado showed herself in a swimsuit and said that she never resorted to plastic surgery or fillers
Celebrity

Nelly Furtado showed herself in a swimsuit and said that she never resorted to plastic surgery or fillers

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially divorced, settling all financial issues
Celebrity

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially divorced, settling all financial issues

"Their families are thrilled." Zendaya and Tom Holland's engagement confirmed
Celebrity

"Their families are thrilled." Zendaya and Tom Holland's engagement confirmed

Conspiracy theories have emerged around the death of Aubrey Plaza's husband: online people believe the actress worshiped the devil
Celebrity

Conspiracy theories have emerged around the death of Aubrey Plaza's husband: online people believe the actress worshiped the devil

Video from the bathroom as a congratulation, dancing with Penelope Cruz: Bianca Censori celebrated her 30th birthday
Celebrity

Video from the bathroom as a congratulation, dancing with Penelope Cruz: Bianca Censori celebrated her 30th birthday

Golden Globes 2025: Salma Hayek in Emeralds on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Salma Hayek in Emeralds on the Red Carpet

Selena Gomez Attends Golden Globes With Fiance Benny Blanco
Celebrity

Selena Gomez Attends Golden Globes With Fiance Benny Blanco

"One producer told me I was a 'popcorn' actress." Demi Moore wins her first award as an actress
Celebrity

"One producer told me I was a 'popcorn' actress." Demi Moore wins her first award as an actress

Zendaya sparks engagement rumors with Tom Holland at Golden Globes
Celebrity

Zendaya sparks engagement rumors with Tom Holland at Golden Globes

Golden Globes 2025: Cara Delevingne on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Cara Delevingne on the Red Carpet

Golden Globes 2025: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Appear Together at the Awards
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Appear Together at the Awards

Golden Globes 2025: Miley Cyrus on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Miley Cyrus on the Red Carpet

Golden Globes 2025: Tilda Swinton on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Tilda Swinton on the Red Carpet

Golden Globes 2025: Keira Knightley on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Keira Knightley on the Red Carpet

Golden Globes 2025: Pamela Anderson on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Pamela Anderson on the Red Carpet

Golden Globes 2025: Demi Moore on the Red Carpet
Celebrity

Golden Globes 2025: Demi Moore on the Red Carpet