How to Preserve Peppermint and Spearmint by Drying or Dehydrating

Spearmint and peppermint are the most often used varieties of Mint family. Usually leaves are the main constituents of these herbs, however the leaves are highly prone to deterioration.

Thus Mint leaf preservation is really crucial. Food preservation’s oldest method is drying, sometimes known as dehydration. It entails the regulated elimination of moisture from the leaves, therefore preventing bacterial development and helping to preserve the tastes and vital oils of the herbs.

Methods of preservation of peppermint and spearmint

Preserving peppermint and spearmint involves employing following methods to ensure their long-term freshness and effectiveness:

1-Air drying

This method is very economical and widely used. You will require the following  things to perform air drying:

• Clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• String or rubber bands.
• A well-ventilated, dry area.

Procedure:

• First of all, harvest the mint leaves with stem just after the sun rise which is the optimal time to harvest.
• Rinse the leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
• Remove excess moisture by patting the leaves with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
• Mint stems along leaves tied together in small bunches and hung inside a paper bag with cut vent holes.
• Close the top with a rubber band and place in well ventilated area where air currents will circulate.
• The drying process may take about 1-2 weeks depending on humidity levels.
• When the leaves are completely dry and brittle, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Precaution: Do not air dry the mint leaves in direct sunlight.

2- Dehydrator/Oven

Dehydrators or ovens are commercially used to preserve the peppermint or spearmint leaves. You will require the following things to perform air drying:

• Thread
• Dehydrator
• Oven

Procedure:

• First of all, harvest the mint leaves with stem shortly after the sun rise—the best moment to do so.
• To get any dirt or trash from the leaves, rinse them in cold water.
• Eliminate extra moisture by patting the leaves with a fresh kitchen towel or paper towel.
• After removing from stems, arrange the leaves in a single layer on a dry tray, leaving room in-between for air to move through. One can line the tray before drying with plastic wrap. For between two to five hours, dry the mint at 40°C/105°F until it becomes brittle and breaks to pieces rather than bending.
• If you are using the oven for drying the mint leaves, then preheat the oven to roughly 50°C and then arrange the leaves within. After five minutes, turn off the oven, so that the leaves can dry in the residual heat. After about 20 minutes, the leaves will begin to droop, indicating that they are done.

For in-depth information on drying herbs and other food preservation methods, check out our comprehensive resource.