I have been getting a couple of requests on writing more on kitchen hacks and tricks that make our life easy. I decided to share my personal techniques for storing mint or other herbs and keeping them fresh. For new readers check out my last article on kitchen hacks.
It’s winter in Canada and I feel real trouble when it comes to going out and buying groceries every other day. I prefer buying them in bulk which saves money and time. With this comes a real challenge of keeping them fresh for longer periods so that you don’t lose its taste. Especially with herbs like cilantro, mint or dill. If you don’t take care they can just wither away and lose its aroma and purpose.
Over time the time I have attempted different methods to store mint and settling my choice on these 2 styles. Here I have shown how to store mint but you can always extend this for other herbs too. With these methods, you can store mint and keep them fresh for a couple of weeks. And if you like to know how I take pictures of my foods you can find it here.
So let me quickly introduce you to both of my favorite methods that are easy to follow and serves the purpose.
Method 1 – Store mint leaves only
Here I only store mint leaves rather than taking care of the whole bunch with stems. Pros – Saves space and ready to use as the stems are already plucked out.
Things needed – A storage container, kitchen paper towel sheet
1. Pluck out the leaves from each stem and place them on a plate to dry for half an hour. Avoid any rinsing at this point in time.
2. Take a storage container you might think will fit the leaves in loosely.
3. Place the kitchen paper towel in it leaving out some outside the box.
4. Place all your leaves into the box and cover with the paper.
5. Cover the container with the lid and store in a refrigerator.
6. Don’t forget to wash before you use them.
Method 2 – Store mint with the stems
Things needed – A mason jar or any glass bottle, water and plastic bag to cover
1. Trim the ends of the stems to remove the extra dirt or roots. No rinsing.
2. Remove any dirty or withered stems.
3. Fill half of the glass bottle or mason jar with water.
4. Place the stems as a bunch of flowers in the water.
5. Cover the bottle with a plastic bag.
6. Store in refrigerator.
7. Change the water if required or once a week.
8. Don’t forget to wash them properly before using them.
So here was my home experimented ways to store mint for long-term and keeping it fresh. You can use these mint leaves in kids friendly smoothies, Indian masala tea, and various salads. A quick and easy way to pop them into any dish of your choice.
If you have your own method and have been using it please share it in the comments below and I would love to include it in this blog with your name. So do share. If you want to see how I take perfect photos with my smartphone here is the guide to it.