Mint is a plant that is used not only for decorative purposes, but also in cooking, medicine, and perfumery.
To feel its scent, just lightly rub the leaf. When the period of flowering comes, the air around is filled with a pleasant smell - soothing and pacifying.
Growing mint is easy: plant one root and a small bright green plantation will appear next year. If the grass is not used fresh and not harvested for future use, the stems will turn black by the fall and will have to be thrown away.
Therefore, it is reasonable to use fresh mint as much as possible during the season. Not bad to keep it for the winter to add to the dishes and brew scented tea.
Storage Features of Fresh Mint
Mint can be collected at the end of June. At this time, its leaves were filled with enough nutrients and solar energy.
Freshly cut mint fades quickly. Therefore, to keep it even for a short period, you can not do without a refrigerator. You can use several ways to protect the mint from withering for a few days.
- Place the plant in a food container. Wet the towel and put on top. Place the container in the refrigerator. Do not cover with a lid. Once a day, remove those leaves that began to deteriorate. Days five mint will stay fresh.
- Wrap the stems in a wet towel. Find on the shelf in the fridge enough space so that the plant does not interfere. Mint will not fade over 5 days, not more.
- Pack the leaves in a new plastic bag, squeeze out the air as much as possible and close. The plant will keep freshness for 3-4 days.
If the mint is to be used in an hour or two, then it is sufficient to cover it with a wet towel and leave it on the kitchen table.
The plant can also be put in a vase or in another container with water.
How to save mint for winter
On how mint is stored, it depends on whether the healing properties and flavor.
For long-term storage of grass can be used in two ways:
- freezing;
- drying.
Freezing is preferable, as it allows preserving more of the original aroma and taste in mint.
Mint Frost
Storing mint in the freezer is a simple and popular way.
It is necessary:
- Wash the mint under running water and dry.
- Fold in container and send to freezer.
For 6-8 months the plant is kept in a condition that is quite suitable for use.
You can freeze mint in a different way:
- Place the leaflets in the ice form (2-3 pieces in each cell).
- Fill with cool boiled water.
- Put the form on the day in the freezer.
- Remove the cubes with mint and place in a plastic bag or container.
- Tara again sent to the freezer.
Mint preserved in this way can be used not only in the preparation of beverages and other dishes, but also for cosmetic purposes.
Dry Mint Storage
In the process of drying, the healing plant loses water and is stored for many years. But the beneficial properties, flavor - it all goes away over time. Therefore, stocks of dried mint need to be updated annually.
It is better to cut the grass for drying before flowering - there is more menthol in it, which will ensure a pleasant taste.
Dried mint as follows:
- Cut the stems about a third of the length with a knife or pruner.
- Wash and drain.
- Fold out in a shady place for about a week.
The stems can be tied up in small bunches and hung under the roof.
Dried mint should be chopped, pour into a linen bag or jar. You can store it in the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
In a similar way, dried and retain only the leaves.
Mint is a useful plant. In summer, you can use fresh leaves and stems. But it is impossible to grow mint all year round in our climate zone, so it is advisable to keep the plant dry or frozen. A lot of space mint does not take either in the pantry or in the refrigerator. But at any time, you can drink mint tea, make another drink or dessert with fragrant leaves.
