How to Preserve Mint Leaves for Tea
Making your own mint tea is simple and easy. Mint is a fresh, fragrant herb and has many health benefits. The best way to enjoy it is to prepare it at home with fresh leaves. However, depending on where you live and the time of year, access to fresh mint leaves can be limited. Here’s how to preserve mint leaves and make them available all year round.
Steps to Preserve Mint Leaves
- First, wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry.
- Then lay the leaves flat on a baking tray and let them sit for about 2 hours.
- Place the tray in an oven preheated to its lowest setting.
- Bake the leaves for 1 to 2 hours. Keep an eye on them to make sure they do not get too dry.
- Once the leaves are dry and brittle, store them in an airtight container.
- To maintain their freshness, store the leaves in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Preparing Mint for Tea
- When adding mint to the teapot, add the leaves directly to the water instead of the teapot. This is because the high temperature can damage the delicate herb.
- Do not leave the mint to steep for too long as the flavor may become too strong.
- When adding mint to iced tea, use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of fresh mint leaves to 1 cup of cold water.
Preserving mint leaves is an easy and effective way to enjoy fresh, delicious mint tea all year round. With these simple steps and tips, anyone can make their own mint tea and reap the health benefits of this aromatic herb.
