How to dry mint correctly? Before drying mint, it must be prepared. For this it is enough:

Wash the harvested greens thoroughly cold water(better under the tap);
Dry on paper towels in a place where there is no direct sunlight. collected plants. The procedure lasts several hours. If there is a centrifuge, then it is better to carry out the initial drying in it.

First of all, small bunches should be made from the collected individuals and lightly tied (only if the leaves of the crop were collected along with the stem). This procedure will ensure air penetration to each individual individual. Finished bundles must be hung on ropes or special supports.

To dry individual leaves of a crop, you need to spread them out in one thin layer. It is worth using paper or natural fabric as bedding. How to keep mint intact while drying? And most importantly, where? You can place plants at a height, such as a closet, even in an apartment (kitchen or bedroom). You can also store plants in your attic, balcony or shed. But, regardless of the location, careful ventilation is mandatory.

Do not store mint in dusty areas. Direct hits sun rays it should also not be allowed, because this will destroy all the beneficial substances in the culture.

To protect the dried material from the sun, it is permissible to use paper or newspaper covers. They can also be used to wrap bunches of plants. However, in such homemade devices plants should be located freely, there should be no evaporation in the middle of the structure. High moisture content in the air can cause rotting of plant organs.

Periodically turning them over will help dry the leaves. The most favorable temperature for the procedure ranges from 20°-30°.

If the procedure is planned for tea, drying can occur in several individuals at once different plants. This will make the preparation even more flavorful and healthy. Mint and raspberry, cherry or currant leaves go well together. The conditions of the event are the same as described above.

In this video you will learn about methods of drying mint for the winter.

Today, most fruits that are prepared for the winter are dried in ovens, stoves or special devices - electric dryers. Today, all devices are easy to purchase at specialized points of sale or on the Internet. However, is it possible to harvest herbs using this accelerated method? In theory, it is possible, the main thing is that the temperature should not exceed 30°.

Any increase in temperature has a detrimental effect on taste, smell and useful characteristics culture. However, greens are generally harvested in late July - August, so proper temperatures do not need to be ensured. She is already within the correct limits. Therefore, the need for accelerated drying may arise only in cool summers with a lot of precipitation.

How to store mint after drying so that it does not deteriorate and lose its basic characteristics?

Typically, the process of drying crops lasts no less than a week. You can tell that the plants are dry enough and ready for storage by touching them. The preparation was successful; if the leaves of the crop rustle, they can simply be separated from the stem and crumbled. This spice can be transferred to special containers for long-term storage.

You can save space by simply chopping the spice or grinding it into powder. However, to preserve the extraordinary taste and smell, it is better to store the dried material entirely, along with the leaves and shoots.

The best option for storing spices is glass jars with screw-on lids or bags made of natural materials, preferably cotton or linen.

You can use sealed ceramic or wooden containers, vacuum bags and zip-lock packaging. However, it is better to avoid artificial materials: plastic or cellophane. After all, they are the ones who absorb large amounts of essential oils. Therefore, you should avoid materials such as paper or cardboard.

Properly packaged mint should be stored in a dark, non-humid place, away from sources of heat. The plant can retain its excellent characteristics for about a couple of years, regardless of environmental conditions. That is why you should always mark the date of preparation of stocks on the packaging and periodically inspect all preparations. Stale mint, which is a shame to throw away, should be added to the bathroom. This simple mixture is very beneficial for the skin.

So, mint - useful culture, which is perfectly stored in dried form. The crop prepared in this way has a wide range of applications. It can be used to treat, strengthen hair, and nourish the skin. And what a delicious and aromatic mint tea! It also perfectly calms and strengthens the nerves. Crushed dried leaves of the plant are used as a spice for various dishes. This “seasoning” will provide food not only pleasant aroma, but also a spicy taste. So be sure to grow and harvest mint. Moreover, it’s so easy to do!

This video will reveal the secrets proper storage mint.

How to keep mint fresh for the winter? This question worries everyone who prepares food and wants to eat tasty and nutritious food throughout the year. After all, mint is an aromatic seasoning that contains a large amount of menthol.

Where is mint used?

This is a very widely used plant in various fields. You can find out how to keep mint fresh for the winter from our article.

For example, the plant is popular as food product. Japanese and peppermint are used in cosmetics. And in herbal medicine - water and peppermint. Peppermint is also used in pharmacology.

Lovers of fragrant mint

In the summer, many fans of herbs make preparations. It is easy to prepare a healthy decoction or tea from these fragrant twigs. The fresh foliage is also used to add to cold drinks or fresh baked goods. By winter, all the mint is under the snow.

Until recently, most housewives had only one way - drying. Recently, due to new culinary traditions and the development of technology, methods have increased significantly.

Preparing mint for the winter should begin with its collection, and then begin processing.

The best raw materials for long-term storage can be obtained from two- and three-year-old plants. Collection is best done in the evenings or in the morning, when there is no dew on the plants. Also, the weather should be cool and dry. The best way to harvest mint is by cutting off about a third of the stem. The fact is that its hard part is not suitable for winter storage. Moreover, if left until the end of the season, it can produce fresh shoots.

When to collect mint for the winter? It is best to start harvesting it in mid-summer - July or August. In most Russian regions, mint begins to bloom by this time. This is easy to determine by the lilac-pale or pinkish inflorescences. By this period, a large amount of essential oil accumulates, which is concentrated in the tips of the shoots, flowers and foliage. There are also many other active substances there. This is why this culture is so valued.

Preparing for winter storage

Before putting the greens in the refrigerator, they need to be dried. The mint is carefully sorted. Damaged or dry parts of the plant must be disposed of. And then rinse and dry.

There is a secret to keeping mint leaves fresh for the winter. To do this, collect your processed greens into bunches. Place in a container with minimum quantity water, and cover the top with film. You can also use a transparent plastic bag. Then place the containers in the refrigerator.

Mint shoots, as well as leaves separated from the stems, are wrapped in paper napkins. They are placed in containers or tightly closed bags. Only in this form will mint retain its freshness, its beneficial properties and its original appearance for about a month. But then nature will take its toll. Color and elasticity will be lost, and beneficial substances will begin to evaporate every day.

Harvesting mint for the winter

You can successfully dry mint at home. This will not require much labor or long preparation from you.

The mint must be divided into small bunches. Place the tops of the shoots in large paper bags. After this, the bundles are tied up and hung in a dry place with good ventilation. The main thing is that there is no access to sunlight.

Under such storage conditions, the grass will not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, as well as thermal radiation, dust, wind, and will become inaccessible to insects. To taste, you can include other herbs in your bunches, which will add piquancy to them. The most commonly used are oregano, sage, thyme and St. John's wort. Such fragrant bouquets will not only decorate a winter tea party, but will also help against many ailments.

It is often recommended to dry mint on pallets. In this case, it must be spread out in a thin layer, and do not forget to also protect it from exposure to the sun, wind, insects and possible pollution. To make the process go faster, the grass will have to be turned up from time to time.

How to store mint in winter?

Mint, like many others, is often dried in modern electric dryers. Only in these cases you need to remember the characteristics of the herb.

To be preserved in mint maximum amount essential oils, in its raw form it should not be exposed to high temperatures. To dry herbs, the temperature should be 25-30 degrees. No more. Therefore, set the electric dryer to the most gentle mode. And it is not recommended at all to dry mint in the oven for the winter.

If you overdry it, it will quickly lose moisture, because this process is very intense. So even in an electric dryer you can overexpose the mint itself. Don't let this happen - watch the time. Because of this, it may become too fragile, and the leaves will lose most of their useful properties.

When you hang bunches of mint around the apartment and feel that the humidity in the house is rising, you need to take them to another place as quickly as possible. Otherwise, mold will appear on the leaves. This will make the mint unusable.

When mint is overdried, it is easily recognized by its characteristic color. It turns brown. In this form, the grass has no odor and is useless for health.

Rules for storing dried mint

Mint with sugar is often prepared by thrifty housewives for the winter. This method is best suited for adding it to tea.

If you just dry it, then when room temperature this must be done over several days. To determine if a plant is ready, simply press on a leaf. When it easily separates from the stem and crumbles in your hands, drying can be safely completed. After this, grind the raw materials and pack them for long-term storage.

After drying, it is important to store mint properly. Of course, chopped greens take up little space, but at the same time they lose color and aroma more intensely. Therefore, it is best not to grind it into powder ahead of time. And if it comes down to grinding, then do not use a coffee grinder. Instead, use gentle manual methods.

Glass jars are best for storage. They should be dry, with a tight-fitting lid. This way, neither moisture nor pests will penetrate inside. In a dry place, herbs will retain their aroma for up to six months.

Can mint be frozen?

This question can immediately be answered in the affirmative. This became possible with the advent of powerful freezers. At low temperatures, mint seems to be preserved. All processes in it stop. As a result you get spicy herb, retaining color and most of the taste and aroma properties.

Once you already know whether you can freeze mint, it will be useful to understand the methods. It is best to do this in bunches. But you can also use separate leaves. They are packaged after being washed and dried. This mint should be stored in foil or plastic containers.

A real find for fans of aromatic hot drinks on long winter evenings. Mint leaves are often used in portions, frozen into ice cubes.

Mint is known to all housewives, because it can be used to prepare delicious tea, as well as a medicinal decoction. It is used in herbal medicine, cooking and even as a natural flavoring. Unfortunately, this plant fades very quickly, so many people wonder how to dry mint for tea at home.

In order to prepare mint for the winter, you should not miss the harvest period. Mint blooms two months a year - June and July.

It is necessary to collect not young, but mature plants that have managed to gain taste and aroma.

When choosing a plant, you must follow the following rules:

Do not harvest nearby industrial enterprises and along gas-polluted areas.
It is necessary to cut mint after it has bloomed, and the plant is dried along with the stem. If buds have already appeared on the shoots, you can cut off individual leaves from them.
When collecting, the weather should be fairly dry. If the plants are harvested after dew, the color of the dried mint will be brown rather than green.
After the stems are cut, they should be immediately removed from sunlight.
It is better to cut the stem to the middle of its length in order to get a double harvest before the end of flowering.
Choose high-quality, undamaged plants.

How to dry mint

Once the crop is harvested, it must be properly dried. It is better to wash the plants the day before drying so that they have time to dry. Mint with stems is harvested in bunches, which are tied up and hung in a dark, ventilated room (an attic, barn or balcony is suitable).

You can dry mint leaves by spreading them on a clean cloth or piece of paper in a well-ventilated area.

How to prepare mint for tea

The harvested leaves are mixed periodically to ensure uniform drying.

If mint is prepared to be used with tea, it is worth trying to dry the stems along with other aromatic plants - thyme, black currant, cherry leaves.

It is not recommended to dry mint in the oven, since artificial hot air completely kills the aromatic properties of the dried herb. It is permissible to use a modern electric dryer if you ensure a drying temperature of no more than 30 degrees.

How to store the harvest

The mint harvest should not only be properly prepared, but also stored correctly. Typically, the drying process takes about a week.

It’s easy to check whether the workpiece is dry - the leaves should be rustling to the touch and easily separated from the stem, but they should not crumble

For greater storage convenience winter harvesting It is better to produce in airtight glass containers. The stems can be left whole or ground into powder. This mint can be packaged in disposable bags, so it will better retain its properties. It is better not to use cellophane bags and plastic containers for packaging, because they absorb essential oils well, which means they worsen the quality of the dried herb itself.

Harvested mint is stored for about two years, provided that the rules are followed - a dark room away from heating devices and direct sunlight.

It is necessary to periodically review your supplies in order to sort out spoiled leaves, if any. If moisture appears in the workpiece, it is better to refuse further use.

So that it does not lose its useful qualities.

A little about the beneficial properties

Did you know? Mint is even mentioned in the Bible among the foods that were going to be served.

Preparing mint

Before drying mint at home to make tea or other purposes, you need to prepare the collected greens.
Sometimes it is necessary to rinse the branches cold water from the tap. Paper towels will help dry them until they are completely dry so you can move on.

After this, spread in one layer on a towel and leave for a while to completely dry the stems and leaves.

You can also use a centrifuge. But you still have to dry the mint with towels after it. If you use other methods, you will have to separate the leaves and stems before drying.
This can be done either with your fingers or with a knife. Discard damaged and diseased leaves and leave the good ones.

How to dry mint at home

There are several ways to dry mint, but you need to know how to do it correctly at home.

Outdoors

Group the greens in bunches. Having tied the branches tightly with thread or twine, take care of free space for the leaves.
For drying, use a dark, fairly warm place with free access to fresh air.

It is necessary to hang plants with their leaves facing down so that the aromatic oils flow to them and do not accumulate in the trunks.

If you don't have a room with minimal access to light, carefully place paper bags over the bunches to prevent them from suffocating. The temperature in the room should be from 20 degrees.
After a week or two, the mint will dry out. Pull off the leaves by working your hand from the tip of the stem to the top. You can tear off the top leaves yourself.

In the microwave

Mint leaves are laid out in a single layer on a microwave saucer. This will allow it to dry faster and more evenly than in a pile.

Turn on the dryer for short periods of 10 seconds, checking when they begin to curl and become crumbly.
On average you will spend about half a minute. Try to leave the leaves green for more flavor and aroma.

If you want to dry it in a heap, stir the grass every half minute. In two minutes the mint should dry, but it’s not guaranteed that it will dry evenly.

Important! Peppermint may be harmful to men. With intensive use, problems with potency arise.

In the oven

Almost everyone at home has an oven, so it will be useful to know how to dry mint using this unit at home.

Bring the temperature to 65 degrees. In essence, provide the most low temperature, which is possible. At high temperature The mint will dry out too quickly and lose its flavor.
The temperature limit for drying is 99 degrees. Turn off the oven after 4-6 minutes. Drying conditions for the grass should be warm, but not hot. Divide the leaves across the baking sheet so that they do not touch each other.

This will protect against uneven results, where you may end up with burnt leaves next to wet ones. By this logic, dry approximately identical plants.

You shouldn’t add anything to the baking sheet, you can just cover it with parchment. It will take about 10-15 minutes to dry. Don't let the mint get too hot.

In an electric dryer

If you have an electric dryer, then you will be wondering how to dry collected mint using this device at home.
Place the grass in a single layer on the dryer tray. This will ensure uniform drying, since they will have to be constantly stirred in a pile.

Dry on the lowest setting temperature conditions. Mint requires minimal heat to dry.

If you can't get a consistent temperature, check every few minutes to prevent the herb from burning.

As a result, the leaves should turn out a little tucked and crumbly, but retain their natural green color.

Product storage rules

There are several instructions on how to store dried mint. Store mint in a clean container away from moisture. To do this, use jars with sealed lids, plastic containers, resealable or vacuum bags.

The ideal period for drying mint is from the end of June to the end of August, during full flowering, when the plant is most fragrant and, when dried, retains most of its beneficial properties. During flowering, both stems and leaves can be harvested. Mint leaves can be collected and dried before flowering, but after the buds appear: young mint leaves, collected too early, dry out greatly and do not retain their full aroma.

Collect mint For drying it is necessary in dry weather. If you collect mint in the morning, when there are still drops of dew on the leaves of the plant, you need to wait until the dew dries. Wet mint leaves turn brown when dried. If you do not collect mint from your own garden, make sure that it grows away from highways, industrial enterprises, etc.

Mint can be cut several times during the summer, but for this you need to comply with some conditions. You need to cut the plant to a third of the length of the main stem. so that he has enough strength to grow again. After cutting, be sure to water the mint. Each cut stem should be shaken slightly to get rid of insects sitting on it.

Do not dry mint in the sun: Exposure to sunlight causes mint to lose essential oils, which are what gives it its aroma. Therefore, cut plant stems should be immediately removed to a shaded place. Also, when drying, mint must be protected from dampness.

Before you start drying the mint, you can rinse it in cold running water. However, after this it is necessary dry it thoroughly. First you need to blot it dry with paper towels or dry it in a salad spinner. After this, the mint is spread in a single layer on paper towels and allowed to dry completely for several hours.

If you want to dry the mint along with the stems, gather the cut stems into small bunches and tie them securely. There is no need to make bunches that are too thick - they will take a long time and not dry well. Bunches of mint should be hung with their leaves down in a shaded and well-ventilated area., for example, in the attic or balcony.

When drying mint on the balcony, you need to make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight. If you don't have a shaded area in your home, you can cover the mint bunches with paper bags. At the same time, they should be loose enough so that the mint does not “suffocate”. The minimum room temperature suitable for drying mint is - 20 degrees Celsius.

Mint leaves can also be dried separately. To do this, they are carefully separated from the stems and spread in a thin layer in the shade on clean paper or cloth. Damaged and diseased leaves, of course, need to be thrown away. From time to time, the leaves need to be turned over so that they dry faster and more evenly.

To dry fruits and vegetables, some housewives use an oven or electric dryer, but mint and others medicinal plants This method of drying is contraindicated: under the influence of high temperatures, herbs lose their aroma and useful qualities. That's why We do not recommend drying mint in the oven or dryer in hopes of speeding up the process. If you decide to try it, you need to make sure that the temperature does not exceed 30 degrees.

How can you tell if mint is dry? You need to take a leaf or piece of stem and rub it between your fingers. If the mint crumbles easily even with a slight touch, you can store it.

Dried mint can be stored with whole leaves and even stems, or can be crushed in a mortar or ground in a coffee maker. However, it is recommended to chop the mint immediately before use, since when the leaves are stored whole, they retain the aroma better.

For storing dried mint It is best to use tightly closed jars (containers), vacuum bags, ziplock bags or linen bags. Mint stems are stored in thin linen or cotton bags. It is not recommended to use paper and cardboard containers: they absorb essential oils, depriving the mint of its aroma.

Containers or bags of mint should be placed in a dry and dark place. Optimal time storage of dried mint is one to two years, after their expiration, the plant begins to gradually lose its aroma and beneficial properties.

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How to properly dry and store mint

How to dry mint correctly? Before drying mint, it must be prepared. For this it is enough:

Wash the collected greens thoroughly in cold water (preferably under the tap);
Dry on paper towels in a place where the collected plants are not directly exposed to the sun. The procedure lasts several hours. If there is a centrifuge, then it is better to carry out the initial drying in it.

Do not store mint in dusty areas. Direct sunlight should also not be allowed, because this will destroy all the beneficial substances in the crop.

To protect the dried material from the sun, it is permissible to use paper or newspaper covers. They can also be used to wrap bunches of plants. However, in such homemade devices, plants should be located freely, and there should be no evaporation in the middle of the structure. High moisture content in the air can cause rotting of plant organs.

Periodically turning them over will help dry the leaves. The most favorable temperature for the procedure ranges from 20°-30°.

If the procedure is planned for tea, drying can occur in several individuals of different plants at once. This will make the preparation even more flavorful and healthy. Mint and raspberry, cherry or currant leaves go well together. The conditions of the event are the same as described above.

In this video you will learn about methods of drying mint for the winter.

Any increase in temperature has a detrimental effect on the taste, smell and beneficial characteristics of the crop. However, greens are generally harvested in late July - August, so proper temperatures do not need to be ensured. She is already within the correct limits. Therefore, the need for accelerated drying may arise only in cool summers with a lot of precipitation.

How to store mint after drying so that it does not deteriorate and lose its basic characteristics?

The best option for storing spices is glass jars with screw-on lids or bags made of natural materials, preferably cotton or linen.

You can use sealed ceramic or wooden containers, vacuum bags and zip-lock packaging. However, it is better to avoid artificial materials: plastic or cellophane. After all, they absorb a large amount of essential oils. Therefore, you should avoid materials such as paper or cardboard.

So, mint is a useful crop that can be perfectly stored in dried form. The crop prepared in this way has a wide range of applications. It can be used to treat, strengthen hair, and nourish the skin. And what a delicious and aromatic mint tea! It also perfectly calms and strengthens the nerves. Crushed dried leaves of the plant are used as a spice for various dishes. This “seasoning” will provide food with not only a pleasant aroma, but also a piquant taste. So be sure to grow and harvest mint. Moreover, it’s so easy to do!

This video will reveal the secrets of properly storing mint.

How to dry mint

There are several ways to dry mint for the winter: in bulk, in bunches, by natural drying, in an electric dryer, in the oven, in the microwave. In this recipe with photos I will show you how to dry mint at home in the most in a simple way- on open air. The leaves dry naturally, without being subjected to heat treatment, dry evenly and retain the maximum amount of aromatic substances. In winter, dried mint can be used in cooking as a spice or as a component for herbal tea, or added to vitamin preparations from beneficial plants.

Bunches of mint;
kitchen towel or cotton cloth;
glass jars with lids.

After cutting, the essential oils from the spicy herbs quickly evaporate; you need to prepare them immediately, while the mint is fresh and aromatic. Place the bunches in a container with cold water for two to three minutes. Shake off any water droplets and place in a colander. Cover and shake vigorously to drain the water faster.

It is better to dry mint for tea, tinctures, and decoctions with whole leaves, so they retain the aroma longer. Tear off the leaves from the branches; the apical shoots (a rosette of two or three leaves) can be left intact. Throw away yellowed, dark, damaged ones without regret, there is nothing useful in them anymore.

To dry mint, you need to choose a place where there is no direct sunlight and it is better to use natural cotton fabrics or linen fabric. Cover the table or boards, baking trays, sprinkle mint leaves in a thin layer - this way it will dry faster and not freeze. Do not cover with anything until all the water has evaporated. After a few hours, the mint will air out, wilt, and you can cover it with paper or a thin cloth.

Important! Drying mint in the sun or at high temperatures is unacceptable! Under the hot rays of the sun she will lose everything healing properties, the leaves will curl, become brittle, and the aroma will almost disappear. You need to dry mint at home at a temperature not exceeding +30 degrees.

After a few days the mint will dry out. The time depends on weather conditions, temperature and humidity. When it is dry and hot, the greens will dry in about three days; in cool, rainy weather it will take about a week. During drying, you need to stir and stir up the dried leaves. To determine the degree of dryness, rub the leaf with your fingers. Mint is considered dry and ready for storage if the leaf breaks easily and crumbles. If it just wrinkles, then you need to dry it some more.

Most frequently asked question– when to collect and dry mint: before flowering or after? The best time is considered the period when enough green mass grows - there are many leaves on the stems different sizes, and flower buds are already appearing at the top. During this period, the largest amount of essential oils and nutrients is concentrated in the plant, and the aroma is very strong.

Mint collection is done in different ways. They pick off only the leaves, without branches, or cut off the shoots by about a third of the length of the stem so that the plant has the strength to produce new shoots. Then in a few weeks you can make another cut.

Cutting should be done in dry weather, in the first half of the day, while the sun is not very bright and strong. In the heat and in the middle of the day, mint is not so fragrant, it loses its freshness and elasticity.

The best containers for storing herbs are glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Pour dried herbs into clean, dry jars and compact. Screw on the lids and place in a dark, dry place. You can grind it into powder or crumble it into smaller pieces before use; whole leaves retain beneficial substances better and remain fragrant longer.

In addition to cans, linen or cotton bags are suitable. Dried mint is poured into them, tied tightly and hung in a dry, shaded place.

Cardboard boxes and paper bags are not suitable - they will quickly absorb aromatic oils, and the mint will become practically useless.

Subject to necessary conditions, the shelf life of dried mint is up to two years.

Whole and crushed dry mint leaves are added to herbal teas, black and green tea, vitamin and healing mixtures, brewed with dried and fresh berries, flavored compotes.

Dried mint can be used as a seasoning in the preparation of first and second courses, added to broths, vegetable and fruit salads, various sauces, baked goods, and desserts. Dried mint has a very strong aroma and rich taste, so it is added to any dishes in small quantities, less than fresh, so as not to overdo it.

We hope that the recipe and recommendations on when to collect and how to dry mint will be useful, and you will correctly prepare healthy greens for future use. Also check out the recipe how to freeze mint, when frozen it also retains all its properties.