2023 How Do You Dry Mint: Expert Tell You

Harvesting Mint: When and How to Pick the Perfect Leaves

The best time to harvest mint leaves is in the morning, as the dew evaporates. The leaves will be at their freshest at this time. Leaves picked then are also less susceptible to heat damage. To pick the leaves,use scissors or twist and break the stems to harvest the leaves and tender stems near the top of the plant where growth is most active. Aim to pick between 20 to 30% of the plant’s total leaves at a time. This maximizes yield while ensuring regrowth for successive harvests.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

mint, fresh herb leaves, green leaves in tilt shift lens — *Photo by* *Bibhash (Polygon.Cafe) Banerjee* / *Unsplash*

Prepping the Mint: Washing and Sorting for Best Results

Before drying mint leaves, it is important to properly prepare them. This involves thoroughly washing and sorting the leaves.

The first step is to wash the mint leaves to remove any dirt, debris, or insects. Fill a bowl or sink with cool water and add the mint leaves.Agitate the leaves with your hands to release any dirt or debris. Drain and refill the bowl multiple times until the water runs clear.This ensures all contaminants are removed.

Next, dry the mint leaves. You can pat them dry with a towel or spin dry them in a salad spinner. Either method works well to get the leaves as dry as possible before drying. Any remaining moisture can cause mold or spoilage during storage.

Finally, sort through the leaves to remove any that are damaged or past their prime. Yellow or wilted leaves will not dry effectively and may contaminate the other leaves. Discard any suspect leaves to maintain quality.

In summary, preparing the mint leaves for drying involves:

Washing the leaves thoroughly in multiple changes of cool water
Drying the leaves through patting or spinning
Removing any damaged or discolored leaves

This basic three-step preparation process will yield mint leaves that dry evenly and store well. The leaves should be completely clean and dry before beginning any drying method. Thorough prepping now will save issues later.

mint, fresh herb leaves, green leaves on white wall — *Photo by* *Diana Polekhina* / *Unsplash*

Air Drying Mint: Traditional Method for Preserving Flavor

Air drying is a simple and natural way to dry mint leaves while preserving much of the plant’s nutrition, aroma compounds and volatile oils. The method involves spreading the washed mint leaves in a thin, even layer and allowing them to dry in airflow.

To air dry mint leaves:

Line a screen or baking sheet with a cloth or paper towel.This will catch any leaf drop as the mint dries.
Spread the washed mint leaves in a single layer on the screen or tray, leaving space between the leaves. Crowded leaves will not dry efficiently.
Place the tray in a well-ventilated area with indirect sunlight and airflow. Good spots include an attic, garage or under a fan.
Stir the mint leaves gently every 12 to 24 hours to ensure even drying. Leaves that stick together can be separated.
The mint leaves are dry when they are crispy and break rather than bend. This typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on conditions. Test the leaves by crushing a few between your fingers.
Once dry, store the mint leaves in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness for up to 6 months.

The key to successful air drying is allowing enough time for the mint leaves to dry completely through while minimizing exposure to heat, light and moisture. Slow, even drying at room temperature protects heat-sensitive nutrients and oils in the mint. Properly air dried mint leaves will retain:

Up to 75% of vitamins like A, C and B-complex
60 to 90% of minerals like calcium, potassium and iron
Almost all volatile oils and aromatic compounds that give mint its fragrance and flavor.

Air drying mint is a simple way to preserve the plant’s nutritional and aromatic qualities while requiring no special equipment. With proper ventilation and occasional stirring, this time-tested method yields high-quality dried mint.

mint, fresh herb leaves, yellow sunflower — *Photo by* *Loren Joseph* / *Unsplash*

Oven Drying Mint: Quick and Efficient Technique

Oven drying is a fast and effective way to dry mint leaves, producing results in just a few hours. While it does not retain as many nutrients as air drying, oven drying mint leaves yields a consistent, high-quality product.

To oven dry mint leaves:

Preheat the oven to between 125 and 150°F, or the lowest setting possible. higher temperatures will damage the mint.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Spread the washed mint leaves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between the leaves. Do not overcrowd.
Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven.
Stir the mint leaves every 30 minutes to ensure even drying and to separate any leaves that stick together.
The mint leaves are dry when they are crispy and break rather than bend. This typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Test a few leaves to check.
Allow the dried mint leaves to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.

Oven drying mint leaves at low temperatures helps preserve some of their essential oils, nutrients and aroma compounds. However, higher heat speeds up the drying process and inactivates more heat-sensitive substances. As a result:

Oven dried mint retains 40 to 60% of vitamins and minerals compared to 70 to 90% for air dried mint.
Up to 50% of volatile oils and aromas can be lost. This affects the flavor and fragrance of the dried mint.

Despite these tradeoffs, oven drying produces mint leaves that are dry and crisp in just a few hours. The consistent results make it a viable option when quick drying is desired. The keys to success are:

Using the lowest possible temperature
Stirring the leaves frequently
Drying the leaves until crisp, not brittle

With proper temperature control and attention, oven drying is a fast way to produce high-quality dried mint leaves – you just have to compromise a bit more on the plant’s nutritional and aromatic properties.

mint, fresh herb leaves, a close up of a plant — *Photo by* *Muhammad Taufik* / *Unsplash*

Using a Dehydrator: The Modern Approach to Drying Mint

Of all the methods for drying mint leaves, using a dehydrator yields the best results in terms of nutrients, flavors and aromas retained. A dehydrator allows precise temperature control and consistent circulation to gently dry mint leaves while preserving most of their qualities.

The basic steps for dehydrating mint leaves are:

Wash and thoroughly dry the mint leaves. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Place the mint leaves on mesh trays that fit inside the dehydrator. Spread in a single layer, leaving space between the leaves.
Set the dehydrator temperature to between 115 and 130°F. Higher temperatures can damage heat-sensitive compounds in the mint.
Turn on the dehydrator and begin drying the mint leaves. The horizontal air flow from the fan ensures even drying.
Check the mint leaves every 2 to 4 hours. Separate any that stick together and rotate the trays for even drying.
The mint leaves are dry when they are crispy and break easily. This typically takes 6 to 12 hours, depending on the dehydrator used.
Transfer the dried mint leaves to airtight containers and store in a cool, dark place.

The advantages of dehydrating mint with a dehydrator include:

Retaining 80 to 90% of vitamins and minerals compared to 60 to 75% for air drying and 40 to 60% for oven drying.
Maintaining 85 to 100% of volatile oils and aroma compounds that contribute most to the flavor of dried mint.
Producing a consistently dry final product with crisp, evenly dehydrated leaves.

While dehydrators require an initial investment, they allow for the most nutritious and flavorful form of dried mint. The temperature control and circulation ensure the optimal drying conditions for preserving nutrients and aromatic compounds in the mint leaves. Overall, dehydrating mint leaves is the best method for those seeking the highest quality dried product.

mint, fresh mint leaves, shallow focus photography of green and brown leaves — *Photo by* *Maddy Baker* / *Unsplash*

More Helpful Guide

Frequently Asked Question

How much water does mint need?

Mint needs consistent moisture. Water mint regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought conditions cause mint to wilt, brown and lose flavor.

What dishes use mint?

Mint is commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes, Greek cuisine, British cooking, juleps, mojitos, mint tea, fruit salads, lamb dishes, chutneys, desserts, and cocktails.

What insects or pests affect mint?

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and mint rust are common mint pests. Good air circulation and prevention of overcrowding helps reduce pests. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can treat infestations.

Can too much mint be bad for you?

Yes, consuming too much mint may cause heartburn, flushing, headache, skin irritation or liver damage in some cases. Menthol overdose can also cause breathing trouble.