Mint is one of the most accessible and convenient herbs. You can easily find it in any superstore near you, or it might even be growing right in your backyard! It can be used for many things, not only cooking, and thus is a staple in every household.
One persistent issue with mint leaves is that they are very flimsy and can go bad or get spoiled very easily. The only way to tackle this issue and always have fresh mint leaves is to store them properly. So, is it possible to freeze mint leaves to store them? Keep on reading to find numerous tips and tricks below on how to freeze mint leaves the right way!
Yes, you can preserve mint leaves’ fresh taste and aroma even after the season is over by freezing them. There won’t be any change in the flavor of the leaves, and they will be as good as new every time you pop them out of the freezer.
The ideal way to preserve something natural is by drying or freezing it to not lose its usefulness. The same goes for several herbs and foods; you can even freeze coffee! Therefore, it is completely safe and feasible to freeze mint leaves for future use.
How to freeze mint leaves?
As mentioned above, freezing mint leaves is achievable and is also a quick fix for when you don’t have much time to clean them every single time you want to use them. Follow the steps mentioned below to freeze your mint leaves to perfection.
There are four easy ways mentioned hereafter to freeze mint leaves;
METHOD 1: The ice cube method
STEP 1: Pick out the clean mint leaves
Pluck out the fresh mint leaves from the bunch. You need to avoid any leaves that appear spoiled, damaged, or dark in color. Avoid any tough stems and just pick the leaves out.
STEP 2: Rinse the leaves and pat dry
Gently rinse the leaves that you picked out in a colander or sieve to get rid of dirt. Pat them dry between two kitchen/paper towels.
STEP 3: Chop the leaves and put them in an ice cube tray
Chop up the leaves. Put about 1-2 teaspoons full of the leaves in separate ice tray cube sections, filling each section about halfway through.
STEP 4: Fill the remaining space with water
After putting the mint leaves in the ice tray sections, fill up the remaining space in the sections to the brim with clean water like you would normally do while freezing water to make ice.
STEP 5: Allow to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container
Once your mint ice cubes have frozen completely, remove them from the tray and store them in a freezer-safe Tupperware container or Ziplock bag.
STEP 6: Label the containers
Lastly, mention the date on your storage containers. This allows you to keep track. Make sure to use the cubes within the suggested amount of time.
METHOD 2: The baking sheet method
STEP 1: Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the ice cube method mentioned above
STEP 2: Place the leaves on a baking sheet and freeze
Remove any stems and place the cleaned leaves on a baking sheet (make sure they’re not touching each other). Put the sheet in the freezer and allow the leaves to freeze completely for 2-3 hours.
STEP 3: Remove the leaves and put them in a freezer-safe container
After the leaves have frozen completely, remove them and transfer them to a freezer-safe Tupperware container of Zip Lock bag.
Remember to label the containers so that you can keep track and use them within 3 months.
METHOD 3: The vacuum sealer method
Through vacuum sealing, you can preserve practically anything. From mint leaves to even papaya!
STEP 1: Repeat step 1 from the ice cube method
STEP 2: Prepare a bag from the roll material
Make a bag from the roll material that you want to use for storing your mint. Leave a good amount of space in the bag large enough to hold the sprigs of mint. Seal one end of the bag.
STEP 3: Label the bag
Label the bag with the name of the herb and the date of storage.
STEP 4: Place the herb and seal
Put the mint leaves inside the bag. Place the open end of the bag inside the vacuum sealer and seal as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
METHOD 4: Freezing in oil method
This method is perfect for storing the leaves that you will use in soups, stews, and sauces. Follow the steps below:
STEP 1: Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the ice cube method mentioned above
STEP 2: Blend the mint and oil in a food processor
Put the cleaned mint leaves in a food processor. Add in about ¼ cup of olive oil and blend until you get a little chunky consistency.
STEP 3: Pour the mix into an ice cube tray
Clean an ice cube tray and put the blended leaves and oil mix into separate sections of the ice tray. Try not to fill the sections to the brim because the mixture might overflow once frozen and create a mess.
STEP 4: Pop the tray in the freezer
After putting the mint blend in the ice tray, pop the tray into the freezer and allow the cubes to completely freeze for up to 2-3 hours.
STEP 5: Transfer to a freezer-safe container
Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remember to do this as quickly as possible because the warmth of your hand might cause the cubes to melt, making a mess.
STEP 6: Label the containers and store
Lastly, mention the date on your storage containers and pop them in the freezer, and make sure to use them within the suggested amount of time.
How long do mint leaves last in the freezer?
If stored properly, mint leaves can maintain their quality and stay fresh in the freezer for a minimum of 3 months and sometimes even as long as 6 months.
How long does mint last in the fridge?
Properly stored, fresh mint leaves can stay good in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days.
How do I use frozen mint leaves?
Mint leaves frozen with water in an ice cube tray can be used by allowing the ice cubes to sit in a glass of clean, warm water until all the ice has melted. Sieve the water, and you will be left with clean and fresh mint leaves ready to be used.
The frozen and vacuum-sealed mint leaves can be used directly. The oil and mint ice cubes can also be added directly to cooking soups and stews etc., and the heat will melt them up.
Can you refreeze mint?
It is not ideal for you to refreeze the mint leaves once you have defrosted them. Though it’s still safe to be utilized, the taste won’t be the same, and the quality will deteriorate faster than expected.
Also read this article on how you can freeze papaya!
FAQs on freezing mint leaves!
Can you freeze mint leaves for mojitos?
Yes! You can freeze mint leaves to speed up the process of making mojito mocktails.
How do you preserve mint paste?
Mint paste can be preserved by storing it in an ice cube tray and allowing it to freeze. Transfer the frozen cubes to a container and pop them in the freezer for later use. The paste can also be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze mint sauce?
Yes. Mint sauce can be frozen in an ice cube tray for later use.
Can I eat mint leaves with brown spots?
The black or dark brown spots on the underside of the leaves can be due to a fungal infection which makes the leaves unsafe for consumption. If the spots appear due to heat or improper storage, they can be safe for eating, but it is still suggested that you throw them out instead of risking your health.
Wrapping up our thoughts on freezing mint leaves!
Mint leaves have many uses, but the only issue with them is that they are highly perishable. However, if stored properly, they last you for months! Hopefully, the article helped you with our tips and tricks on storing your mint leaves by freezing them to get fresh mint leaves every single time!