How to Dry Mint at Home Naturally, the Easy Way

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I’m going to show you how to dry mint at home using all-natural methods. Drying your own mint is a great way to preserve its flavor and aroma for use in cooking and teas all year round. Let’s go through the process step by step.

How to Harvest Mint
First, you’ll need to harvest the mint. If you have a garden, wait until the mint plants have grown well and are leafy. The best time to harvest is when the plants are at least a hand’s length tall. Sunny days are perfect for this task, as the weather helps in the drying process.
Use a pair of scissors or gardening shears to cut the mint stems from the base. Gather the stems together and get ready to clean them thoroughly.

How to Clean Mint
Place the freshly cut mint stems in a large perforated bag or a strainer. This will help remove any dirt or bugs. Rinse the mint thoroughly with water, making sure all the leaves are thoroughly clean. It is essential to remove any contaminants to ensure that the mint dries clean and safe.
Drying the Mint
After washing, it is essential to allow the mint to dry completely to prevent mold. Hang the bag or strainer in a well-ventilated area to allow any excess water to drain off. This should take about half an hour.

Spread the mint leaves out on a clean sheet or cloth in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the mint to lose its vibrant green color and some of its essential oils, resulting in a less flavorful product.

Instead, allow the mint to dry in a cool, shaded location with good air circulation. Depending on the climate, this process can take anywhere from three to seven days. It is important not to leave the mint outside overnight, as dew can add unwanted moisture.

Processing Dried Mint
Once the mint is completely dry and crisp to the touch, it’s time to remove the leaves from the stems. The leaves should crumble easily. Separate the leaves from the stems by hand, making sure there are no large stems left behind.

For finer mint, you can use a strainer to break up the leaves into smaller pieces. Place the dried leaves in a strainer and gently rub them together. This will also help remove any small stems or remaining debris.

How to Store Dried Mint
Store dried mint leaves in an airtight container. Glass jars work wonderfully for this purpose. Make sure the jar is completely dry before adding the mint to prevent mold. Pack the mint leaves loosely into the jar, but make sure the lid is tightly sealed.

Keep the jar in a cool, dark place. If stored properly, dried mint can last for several months, retaining its wonderful aroma and flavor.