How long does mint stay fresh

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.

If you change the water when it gets cloudy, the mint should last about a week. This method works really well, but requires a little more engineering. Place a plastic bag loosely around the top of the leaves like a tent.

Store the mint in the refrigerator. Basil-Mint Sauce. Rinse mint and pat dry. Wrap the mint leaves in moistened paper towels not too wet, just moist. Place the wrapped mint in a zip-top bag, but don't seal it. Sealing it could lock in too much moisture.

Wrap in moistened paper towels not wet or damp. Place in an airtight container. Mint Vinaigrette. Chop the leaves. Distribute the chopped mint among the compartments of an ice cube tray.

Fill the tray with water. Place in the freezer overnight. If mint leaves are refrigerated, you can use them for a week, but only if they are stored carefully; if you are using the damp paper towel method, make sure to remove all excess water from the towel.

If you are using the water jar method, always check the water for turbidity and change it right away if you see that it is turbid.

This way, mint leaves remain fresh and useable, and you can use them whenever you need them. After freezing, you can use them for up to 6 months, but again only if you freeze them properly. Fresh mint leaves add a soothing effect to your dishes; they must be stored properly to retain their freshness. If they are not stored carefully, they will go bad. Some physical changes occur in the texture of mint leaves; always check for these indications before using them in your food items because spoiled mint leaves are unhealthy to consume.

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