Mint is a spicy plant that has a refreshing menthol taste. It contains a large number of essential oils, which is why it has such a persistent and strong odor. Mint has long been used in aromatherapy, herbal medicine and, of course, pharmacology. This plant can lift a person out of depression, and mint also helps cope with insomnia. The field of cosmetology has also not spared mint. It is used to make masks, scrubs, refreshing and cleansing tonics, and ice cubes.
I would also like to say something about mint in the field of cooking. There is quite a lot of space here for this wonderful grass. Mint is added to all kinds of teas, both black and green. It is also an excellent spice for cooling or, conversely, warming drinks and cocktails. Mint is good in berry and spicy sauces. It is added to soups and baked goods. And of course, no dessert is complete without mint garnish.
Interesting: it turns out that mint behaves well when frozen. She completely preserves how appearance, and its entire fragrant bouquet of smell. Today we invite you to find out. We offer three freezing options. After all, in the summer it’s quite cheap, it costs pennies, but in the winter you’ll have to pay a lot more, and the aroma of winter mint is far from the same.
Freezing mint whole sprigs
For the first method we need mint, cling film and a kitchen towel.
Place the mint in a special sieve for washing vegetables, turn on the water, and rinse each leaf well. Shake off excess liquid.
Place the mint sprigs on a clean kitchen towel. Dry until each leaf is completely dry.
We wrap it in portions required quantity mint sprigs with a triple layer of cling film. Place the mint in the freezer. We get it as needed.
This mint is good for cooking compotes, preparing various cocktails and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, cooking sauces, etc.
Freezing mint in portioned cubes
To freeze mint in portioned cubes, take selected mint, a kitchen towel, and a form for freezing ice. Wash the mint thoroughly under running cool water and dry it, placing all the branches separately.
We tear off the mint leaves, load them into the blender bowl, having previously installed the “metal knife” attachment.
Turn on the blender at full power and puree the mint leaves for one minute.
Arrange the mint in portions, filling each cell of the form. Place the form in the freezer. When the mint is completely frozen, transfer it to a bag. We use it as needed.
Freezing mint in a jar
To freeze mint in a jar, we will need selected mint, jars with lids, and a kitchen towel.
We select beautiful mint sprigs, wash and dry.
We freeze the beautiful top leaves to decorate baked goods and other dishes. We select the leaves and place them in a jar.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint
Is mint frozen for the winter?
How to freeze mint with whole leaves, step-by-step instructions with photos:
Step 2
Rinse the mint well. Shake off moisture. Dry by spreading in a single layer on a kitchen towel.
Step 5
Place in the freezer for storage. This mint can be used to decorate dishes, to stuff meat rolls as a green layer, and to make drinks.
We will need:
- Ice freezing mold
- Food processor
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint
Is mint frozen for the winter?
Mint is one of the most famous spice plants. It is used in cooking in fresh, frozen and dried form. Mint has a pleasant refreshing spicy taste. Mint is also characterized by a pungent aroma caused by high content in the plant is menthol.
Add mint when preparing sauces, drinks, confectionery, baking bread. Mint is added to salads, soups, meat and fish dishes. Fresh mint is added when brewing tea and used to decorate dishes. And if in spring, summer and autumn fresh mint is always available, but in winter you can’t always find it in supermarkets.
It turns out that mint tolerates freezing very well. It can be frozen in portions during the season, and then used for preparing dishes in the winter. Frozen mint retains its color, aroma and taste perfectly. It can be added to all dishes instead of fresh.
This is very profitable and practical, since in winter fresh mint costs a lot of money, and in season it costs pennies. And many grow mint on their own plots and can freeze it in their required quantities free, which is very nice.
How to freeze mint in the form of cubes: step-by-step instructions with photos:
Step 1
To work, we will need fresh mint, a food processor with a metal blade attachment, water, and a form for freezing ice.
Step 2
Rinse the mint well, pick off the leaves and place with water in the bowl of a food processor.
Step 4
Place the chopped mint in portions into ice cube trays. Place in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
Step 5
Frozen cubes are ready. Place them in a freezer bag and place them in the freezer for long-term storage. Use as needed.
We will need:
- Jar with lid
Ingredients:
- Fresh mint
Is mint frozen for the winter?
Mint is one of the most famous herbs. It is used in cooking in fresh, frozen and dried form. Mint has a pleasant refreshing spicy taste. Mint is also characterized by a sharp aroma caused by the high content of menthol in the plant.
Mint is added when preparing sauces, drinks, confectionery, and baking bread. Mint is added to salads, soups, meat and fish dishes. Fresh mint is added when brewing tea and used to decorate dishes. And if in spring, summer and autumn fresh mint is always available, then in winter it can not always be found in supermarkets.
It turns out that mint tolerates freezing very well. It can be frozen in portions during the season, and then used for preparing dishes in the winter. Frozen mint retains its color, aroma and taste perfectly. It can be added to all dishes instead of fresh.
This is very profitable and practical, since in winter fresh mint costs a lot of money, and in season it costs pennies. And many grow mint on their own plots and can freeze it in the required quantities for free, which is very pleasing.
How to keep mint fresh for the winter? This question worries everyone who prepares food and wants to eat tasty and nutritious food throughout the year. After all, mint - aromatic seasoning, which contains a large amount of menthol.
Where is mint used?
This is a very widely used plant in various fields. You can find out how to keep mint fresh for the winter from our article.
For example, the plant is popular as food product. Japanese and peppermint used in cosmetics. And in herbal medicine - water and peppermint. Peppermint is also used in pharmacology.
Lovers of fragrant mint
In the summer, many fans of herbs make preparations. These fragrant twigs are easy to cook useful decoction or tea. Fresh leaves are also used to add to cold drinks or fresh baked goods. By winter, all the mint is under the snow.
Until recently, most housewives had only one way - drying. IN Lately due to new culinary traditions and the development of technology methods has increased significantly.
Preparing mint for the winter should begin with its collection, and then begin processing.
The best raw materials for long-term storage can be obtained from two- and three-year-old plants. Collection is best done in the evenings or in the morning, when there is no dew on the plants. Also, the weather should be cool and dry. The best way to harvest mint is by cutting off about a third of the stem. The fact is that its hard part is not suitable for winter storage. Moreover, if left until the end of the season, it can produce fresh shoots.
When to collect mint for the winter? It is best to start harvesting it in mid-summer - July or August. In most Russian regions, mint begins to bloom by this time. This is easy to determine by the lilac-pale or pinkish inflorescences. By this period, a large amount of essential oil accumulates, which is concentrated in the tips of the shoots, flowers and foliage. There are many others there too active substances. This is why this culture is so valued.
Preparing for winter storage
Before putting the greens in the refrigerator, they need to be dried. The mint is carefully sorted. Damaged or dry parts of the plant must be disposed of. And then rinse and dry.
There is a secret to keeping mint leaves fresh for the winter. To do this, collect your processed greens into bunches. Place in a container with minimum quantity water, and cover the top with film. You can also use a transparent plastic bag. Then place the containers in the refrigerator.
Mint shoots, as well as leaves separated from the stems, are wrapped in paper napkins. They are placed in containers or tightly closed bags. Only in this form will mint retain its freshness and its beneficial features and pristine appearance for about a month. But then nature will take its toll. Color and elasticity will be lost and useful material They will begin to evaporate every day.
Harvesting mint for the winter
You can successfully dry mint at home. This will not require much labor or long preparation from you.
The mint must be divided into small bunches. At the same time, place the tops of the shoots in large paper bags. After this, the bundles are tied up and hung in a dry place with good ventilation. The main thing is that there is no access sun rays.
Under such storage conditions, the grass will not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, as well as thermal radiation, dust, wind, and will become inaccessible to insects. To taste, you can include other herbs in your bunches, which will add piquancy to them. The most commonly used are oregano, sage, thyme and St. John's wort. Such fragrant bouquets will not only decorate winter tea party, but will also help from many ailments.
It is often recommended to dry mint on pallets. In this case, it must be spread out in a thin layer, and do not forget to also protect it from exposure to the sun, wind, insects and possible pollution. To make the process go faster, the grass will have to be turned up from time to time.
How to store mint in winter?
Mint, like many others, is often dried in modern electric dryers. Only in these cases you need to remember the characteristics of the herb.
To ensure that mint retains the maximum amount of essential oils, it should not be exposed to raw ingredients. high temperatures. For drying herbs temperature regime should be 25-30 degrees. No more. Therefore, set the electric dryer to the most gentle mode. And it is not recommended at all to dry mint in the oven for the winter.
If you overdry it, it will quickly lose moisture, because this process is very intense. So even in an electric dryer you can overexpose the mint itself. Don't let this happen - watch the time. Because of this, it may become too fragile, and the leaves will lose most of their beneficial properties.
When you hang bunches of mint around the apartment and feel that the humidity in the house is rising, you need to take them to another place as quickly as possible. Otherwise, mold will appear on the leaves. This will make the mint unusable.
When mint is overdried, it is easily recognized by its characteristic color. It turns brown. In this form, the grass has no odor and is useless for health.
Rules for storing dried mint
Mint with sugar is often prepared for the winter zealous housewives. This method is best suited for adding it to tea.
If you just dry it, then when room temperature this must be done over several days. To determine if a plant is ready, simply press on a leaf. When it easily separates from the stem and crumbles in your hands, drying can be safely completed. After this, grind the raw materials and pack them for long-term storage.
After drying, it is important to store mint properly. Of course, chopped greens take up little space, but at the same time they lose color and aroma more intensely. Therefore, it is best not to grind it into powder ahead of time. And if it comes down to grinding, then do not use a coffee grinder. Instead, use gentle manual methods.
Best suited for storage glass jars. They should be dry, with a tight-fitting lid. This way, neither moisture nor pests will penetrate inside. In a dry place, herbs will retain their aroma for up to six months.
Can mint be frozen?
This question can immediately be answered in the affirmative. This became possible with the advent of powerful freezers in everyday life. At low temperatures The mint looks like it's being preserved. All processes in it stop. As a result you get spicy herb, retaining color and most of the taste and aroma properties.
Once you already know whether you can freeze mint, it will be useful to understand the methods. It is best to do this in bunches. But you can also use separate leaves. They are packaged after being washed and dried. This mint should be stored in foil or plastic containers.
A real find for fans of aromatic hot drinks with long winter evenings. Mint leaves are often used in portions, frozen into ice cubes.
All lovers of this plant wonder whether it is possible to freeze mint for the winter. Unsurpassed aroma and healing properties perennials allow it to be used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and liver dysfunction.
Mint acts as a stimulant, decongestant and antibacterial agent. It is used to prepare desserts, main dishes and drinks.
Harvesting for harvesting
In order for the perennial to retain its benefits, it is necessary to follow the collection rules:
- It is recommended to cut the mint rather than tear it. Individual leaves or bushes will do, do whatever is more convenient. If possible, tough stems should be removed or the main part cut off.
- It is necessary to collect perennials in June or July.
- To prevent rotting, collection should be carried out in dry weather. Otherwise, moisture will accumulate in the leaves, causing the color and properties of the greenery to change.
- Only plants that have already bloomed are suitable for harvesting. The inflorescences should be pink or lilac in color.
- Immediately after cutting the mint, you need to put it in the shade. Direct sun exposure will cause essential oils to evaporate.
Of course, you can freeze mint for the winter in several ways that will help preserve the plant for at least a year. Below we present common freezing methods.
Whole leaf freezing
Any plant variety is suitable for preparations. If desired, you can combine them with each other. Harvesting whole leaves of the plant is a more universal method, since they are used to prepare any dish. But how to properly freeze mint for the winter so that it retains its attractive appearance and benefits?
To do this, the perennial is soaked in cold water, washed and laid out on a towel. Allow 30 minutes for drying. For freezing, you need to select only leaves that do not have damage or dark spots. In a bag, the mint will break and become wrinkled, so it is better to take a jar, put the selected leaves in there and put the container in the refrigerator. In the same way you can
You can also make blanks from whole branches. They are divided into small bunches, washed, inspected for defects, placed in a container and placed in the freezer.
Shredded leaves
The perennial, pre-chopped in a blender, is added to main courses or desserts. Small candy molds are suitable for this purpose. Wash the greens, separate the leaves from the stems and leave in a colander for 15 minutes.
Then into a measuring cup or deep container place the treated plant. To make the perennial better crushed, you can add a little water. The result should be a paste. It is laid out in molds and left in the freezer until completely frozen. The resulting workpiece is transferred to a bag and stored for up to a year.
Ice cubes for mojito
This method will be appreciated by lovers of delicious alcoholic and soft drinks who often prepare them at home. Considering that mint and ice are added to one popular cocktail, the question arises: is it possible to freeze mint for the winter for a mojito? Of course, ice cubes with the addition of crushed plants are the best for this. suitable option. By the way, this is possible
Can be used Silicone forms small sized ice cube trays or plastic liners found in candy boxes. Each cell can accommodate several leaves and young shoots. Pour cold mint clean water and place the mold in the freezer for 3-4 hours. The cubes are then removed and placed in a bag.
It is not recommended to store a frozen plant in a mold, since the ice will quickly absorb the aromas of the freezer. Leaves in cubes do not break and look fresh, so they will look very attractive in drinks.
Mint – unique plant. It is widely used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetology. Fragrant green bushes can be purchased at the market or in a store, or you can grow them in your own garden. Although this culture is not as simple as it seems at first glance. It is much more difficult to preserve the product for a long time.
If you cook with mint frequently, like to add the leaves to tea, or use the plant for medicinal purposes, learn how to store mint at home. You can do this different ways, choose a convenient option for yourself.
Fresh storage
Mint, like any greens, has a limited shelf life. After cutting, it remains fresh for several hours, and then quickly withers. Bunches of greens are usually large and are not completely consumed immediately. Here's how to properly store fresh mint to enjoy it longer:
- Place the branches in a jar of clean water, after removing the lower leaves and cutting off the edge of the stems. Keep the container in a cool place and change the liquid once a day. This will allow you to preserve the product for 3-4 days in its original form.
- Place clean, dry leaves in a bag and tie it tightly to prevent air from leaking through. Place the workpiece in a dark and cool place. You can store mint this way for up to 3 days.
- If you need to preserve the freshness of the product a short time, no more than a day, wrap the branches with a thick, damp cloth. Make sure that the material does not dry out; to do this, you can wrap it in film.
If it is necessary to store greens for a longer period of time, fresh keep mint in the refrigerator:
- Plants will remain fresh for up to 5 days if you keep them in a jar of water on the bottom shelf of the main compartment. To reduce moisture loss, cover the tops with a transparent bag.
- You can store fresh mint in plastic food containers for up to 7-10 days. Clean, dry shoots are suitable for this; there is no need to tear off the leaves. The best place The vegetable compartment of the refrigerator will be used for containers with mint.
To learn how else you can store fresh herbs in the kitchen, watch this short video:
However, these are all recipes for summer. Read below about how to properly collect and store mint for the winter.
Rules for preparing for the winter
Most great value have plants that are just throwing out buds and are in the initial flowering phase. It is then that the concentration of essential oils and other beneficial substances in them reaches its maximum. Flowering plants have less benefit, so it is important not to miss the moment.
- Collection time is July-August, depending on the region and climatic conditions.
- Harvesting mint for the winter should take place in dry weather.
- It is best to cut greenery early in the morning, before dew appears on the leaves, or late in the evening, when there is no scorching sun.
Do you know that…
If you grow mint yourself, for winter harvesting choose bushes aged 2-3 years. Cut off the top third of the stem where the new green leaves are located. The rest of the plant is not suitable for processing - it is too rough.
Cutting can be done several times per season. On a 3-year-old plant - up to 3 times a month
Carefully inspect the collected twigs and remove any yellowed, damaged or diseased ones. Rinse the greens under running water and dry well.
Choose in advance how to prepare mint for the whole winter. It can be frozen in freezer or dry. In any case, do not delay the processing process if you want to preserve the mint as it should.
Freezing for culinary purposes
Freezing allows you to preserve as much as possible the beneficial substances that mint is rich in. Many housewives prepare this product for the winter. It's convenient and doesn't take much time. At low temperatures 6-9 months without loss of quality and appearance.
If you choose this method, here are some options for freezing mint for the winter:
- Prepared twigs in the amount of 5-10 pcs. Place entirely in regular packaging bags. Place them in the freezer. A day later, when the stems and leaves are frozen, place them more tightly in one common package so that they do not take up space.
- Finely chop the greens with a knife and place the slices in containers with a lid. Then immediately send them to storage in the chamber. You can do the same with whole leaves, if you need this format of blanks.
- Freeze plant tops and leaves for making drinks in ice cubes. Place the greens in molds and fill with chilled boiled water. After a day, remove the container from the chamber, pour the cubes into a bag and immediately put it back in the freezer.
The latter method is ideal for making mojitos, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Along with whole mint leaves, you can add a piece of orange or lemon zest, cut into long strips and twisted into a spiral.
Tip of the day
Do not remove the preparations from the freezer until ready to use. Do not refreeze the product. Ruin both your dish and your mood.
Waste-free freezing technology is shown in this video:
Frozen mint is ideal for cooking, but not suitable for use as medicine. If you need plants specifically for this purpose, then use traditional method raw material procurement – drying. How to properly dry mint and how to store it, read below.
Drying of medicinal raw materials
Drying mint is very easy. It is best to do this at room temperature, without using an oven or electric dryer. This will maximize the preservation of vitamins and nutrients in the greens.
There are two ways to dry mint at home:
- Tie the plants into small bunches. Hang the workpieces in a dry, ventilated place, protected from sunlight. This could be a shed, attic, shed or porch in the house. The apartment has a balcony with closed windows. Preparation time is 7-10 days, but everything is individual. Plants must dry completely. Check for doneness before storing bundles. Well-dried leaves and stems can be easily crushed with your fingers.
- To dry for the winter individual leaves, separate them from the stems and spread them on a cloth in a small layer. Check and turn the raw materials periodically. And in this case, choose a well-ventilated, semi-dark room. Leaves dried in the light lose their color and aroma.
How to dry mint collected from the garden or purchased depends on its subsequent use:
- The stems are the basis for the medicine.
- Leaves can be used in different ways.
After finishing the drying process, do not grind them into crumbs; do this just before use. Drink with them, prepare a mint decoction or add to prepared dishes.
The medicinal properties of mint are used very widely: from brewing teas during colds to medicinal baths for skin rashes
We answer the question: How long can mint infusion be stored?
The mint infusion can be used for no more than a day and is the only one left in the refrigerator. With longer storage, its chemical composition, it becomes at least useless.
Alcohol tincture is suitable for treatment for about a year. After this, its composition will also begin to change and deteriorate due to the interaction of alcohol and substances contained in mint.
Drying mint greens is convenient for those who want to make preparations for a long time. Shelf life medicinal plant the maximum is until the next harvest.
Rules for storing workpieces
The shelf life of any product depends on its storage conditions. Mint is no exception. You can't just take frozen food out of the freezer. How to properly store dried mint?
- Place dry bunches in fabric bags or cardboard boxes.
- For crumbs and leaves, choose glass containers that have tight lids.
- Tin containers for tea or tea are also suitable for storage, but there should be no smell left in them.
- Keep the workpieces in a dark, cool place. Ideal temperature+6 ⁰С or a little more.
- Avoid interaction of dry raw materials with moisture, light, strong odors and food.
- For long-term storage, choose a cold corridor or veranda of the house. In the apartment, a storage room or balcony is used for this.
- Do not leave the product for more than a year; harvest new greens in the summer.
Do you know that…
There are a great many varieties of mint. They need to be stored in different containers, because they have a completely different, unique smell, taste and aftertaste.
As you can see, preserving fresh, freezing, drying and storing mint is very simple. Try several methods to find the best one for you.
Store correctly and be healthy!
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