There are many ways to keep the mint leaves fresh, but the best and the easiest way is to simply dip the mint in water just like how to keep flowers fresh! If you don't have much vertical space, or if you've plucked the mint leaves from the stems, you can still keep them fresh by wrapping the mint leaves in a damp paper towel and refrigerating them, or freezing them in ice cube molds.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Min Leaves Fresh in Water
Step 1. Wash the mint leaves carefully
Remove the ties that hold the rods together min. Wash the mint leaves under running water, being careful not to damage the tender leaves. Shake the mint leaves so that there is no residual water on the leaves and stems then place the mint leaves on a piece of kitchen paper.
- We recommend that you always wash herbs before use or storage because they still contain soil and bacteria residues, or pesticide and fertilizer residues.
- Turn on the faucet with only a small opening so that the water flow is not too strong.
Step 2. Cut the base of the stem
Use scissors to cut the base of the stem min. Thus, this herb can be submerged in water easily. Be careful not to cut the mint stalks so short that they won't fit snugly in the container.
Cut the min stalk slightly oblique so that it can absorb more water
Step 3. Dip the tip of the stem min a few centimeters in water
Fill a small vase, teapot, or other short container with water about a third of its height. Insert the min stalk file into the container so that the cut end is completely submerged in water. Min will continue to get water intake so it lasts longer.
- Change the water in the container every few days to keep it clean.
- For more sterile storage, use distilled or mineral water.
Step 4. Cover the mint leaves with plastic, but not too tightly
Cover the top of the min leaf bundle with a grocery bag or plastic wrap so that the herbs are not exposed to air. Twist the plastic wrap at the bottom and secure it with the insulation. Then store the min in a standing position in the refrigerator, if there is space, or in the corner of the kitchen table.
- If covered properly and given plenty of water, mint leaves can last for weeks, or maybe as long as a month.
- Mint leaves stored in the refrigerator can last several days longer than those stored at room temperature.
Method 2 of 3: Wrapping Min Leaves with Kitchen Tissue
Step 1. Wet a paper towel
Tear 2-3 kitchen tissue joints and arrange them into three stacks to make them thicker. Wet a paper towel with tap water, then wring it out to remove any remaining liquid. The kitchen towels will be damp, but not soaking wet.
- Patterned kitchen paper towels (quilted paper towels) are sturdier in wet conditions and are great for wrapping.
- Conditions that are too humid can make herbs rot easily. Therefore, do not let the kitchen tissue get soaked.
Step 2. Line up the min stalks on the kitchen paper
Spread out the kitchen paper and spread it out on the table. Arrange the mint leaves vertically and neatly lined up covering half of the kitchen paper. If necessary, cut the stems to fit the width of the paper towels.
If you need to store a large amount of min, wrap it in separate small files
Step 3. Roll up kitchen paper with mint leaves in it
Fold the top of the open kitchen paper over to cover the mince leaves. Then roll the tissue containing the min from the side. Min will be covered with wet wipes from all sides so that the condition is constantly moist and not exposed to air.
- Roll along the width of the tissue, along the stem min, not following the length of the tissue from stem to leaf.
- Wrap the mint leaves loosely so they don't crumble or tear.
Step 4. Put the mint leaves in the fridge
Put the wrapped min in a plastic ziploc bag or Tupperware container. Place the container in the refrigerator, taking it out whenever you need to add a few fresh mint leaves to an appetizer, cocktail, or dessert.
- Min that is wrapped in wet tissue in the refrigerator will last for at least 2-3 weeks in terms of color, taste, and texture.
- If you don't have a separate container for your mince, wrap the roll in another dry paper towel and place it in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
Method 3 of 3: Freezing Min Leaves in Ice
Step 1. Pick the mint leaves from the stem
Wash min with clean water. Pick the mint leaves by hand or use a sharp kitchen knife to cut them just below the stem. Place the mint leaves on a dry paper towel to absorb the excess liquid.
- This is a great way to preserve leftover mints, or to store a bunch of mints once you get home from the store.
- You can also directly cut the min. That way, you only need to melt the ice when you're cooking, baking, or mixing drinks.
Step 2. Put the mint leaves into the ice mold
With your fingertips, smooth the mint leaves at the bottom of the mold. Fill each hole with one or two leaves.
For large or unusually shaped ice cubes, add a leaf or two
Step 3. Fill the ice cube mold with water
Slowly fill each hole with water, leaving a little space at the top of the mold as the ice will expand as it freezes. Don't worry if a few leaves are floating on the surface-as long as they don't come out of the mold.
If you want to use frozen mint leaves for drinks, add a splash of lemon juice or sprinkle with cane sugar
Step 4. Freeze min and thaw when needed
By freezing the mint leaves, the freshness is almost completely preserved. When you're about to use it, simply remove a few ice cubes and melt them in a strainer with lukewarm water. You can also directly put ice cubes containing mint leaves into drinks or smoothies to add freshness. Enjoyment!
- Try chilling a pitcher of fresh lemon juice or iced tea with ice cubes filled with mint leaves.
- After melting the ice cubes with the mint leaves, gently press the leaves with two paper towels to absorb the excess liquid.
Tips
- If you store a large amount of min, vary the storage method to maximize the space in the fridge.
- Regardless of how it is stored, mint leaves should be used a few days after purchase.
- For convenience and convenience, store min in a disposable container.
- Squeeze the frozen mint leaves before using so that the taste comes out more.
- This method can also be used to store other fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and rosemary.
