I have an abundance of spearmint and chocolate mint (anyone want some?) that I would like to dry for tea for the winter. I've never dried herbs before, have always used it fresh. Now that I've "overgrown" with mints, I would like to save it somehow, and maybe make tea "sachets" to put in Christmas baskets. Any advice in drying mints is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
How to Dry Mints for later use (DG)
Wipa~ Usually it helps to dry faster if you pick each leaf off the stems, spread out in a single layer not in direct sunlight. They need to be dry enough to snap in order to keep all winter. Happy tea drinking! :)
Wipa: You can also put a rubberband around 4 0r 5 sprigs and hang to dry out of direct sun and in a warm room. Then strip the leaves off, I put the stripped off leaves into the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds at a time, let cool and check to see if they are dry. Then store in air tight container.
IF YOU AFRAID OF DUST GETTING ON THE HERB TRY CUTTING SEVERAL SPRINGS TIE THEM TOGETHER, RINSE OFF AND SHAKE OUT EXCESS WATER, THEM HANG THEM INSIDE AN UPSIDE DOWN PAPER BAG UNTIL THEY ARE DRY. I USUALLY HANG MINE WHERE THERE WILL BE NO TRAFFIC OR DRAFTS. USUALLY THE LEAVES STAY GREEN AND YOU JUST STRIP THEM OFF WHEN DRY AND STORE IN AN AIR TIGHT CONTAINER.
AND YES, I WOULD LOVE SOME OF THE EXTRAS. LET ME KNOW, OK.
Baa
Jul 13, 2001
I've never dried mint myself, I chop it up finely and freeze it with a drop of water in an ice cube tray. When I need to use it such as boiling new potatoes, I just put the ice cube into the cooking water.
Hi there would love to have some of your chocolate mint. Will trade or pay for postage. Email me if you have any left Thanks Tonia (Rainbows_End)
Try this Wipa:
DRYING HERBS
Fresh herbs
Paper towels
18-by-24-inch piece of tulle
String or other material for tying ends of tulle
1. After picking fresh herbs from your garden, wash them under cold running water. Pat the herbs dry, and drain them on paper towels.
2. Arrange the herbs on a piece of tulle. Do not combine different herbs on the tulle because herb-drying times vary. Roll the tulle into a tube shape—but not tightly, as the holes in the tulle allow air to circulate, and the herbs will keep their shape. Tie the ends of the tulle with a piece of string to secure.
3. Store the tulle in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. Drying times will vary, depending on temperature and moisture. Make sure the herbs are completely dried, or they will form mold. Once the herbs have dried, remove them from the tulle. (You’ll know they are ready when the leaves feel crisp and crumble easily.) Arrange the dried herbs in an airtight glass jar, and store in a dark, dry place, such as a kitchen cabinet.
When storing herbs, be sure to keep them away from heat and light, which can diminish their flavor. Properly stored, most herbs will retain their flavorful oils for about one year.
from http://www.marthastewart.com
For more on drying herbs look here:
MSU: Harvesting and Drying Herbs
Michigan State University’s site on harvesting and drying herbs.
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/03900063.html