If you’re growing peppermint in your garden or in pots on your balcony, you already know the perks: a gorgeous scent all summer long and a steady supply of fresh leaves for your tea. But what happens when the frost hits? To keep that homegrown flavor going all winter, freezing is your best friend.
Freezing Mint Leaves
While drying mint is a classic move, freezing is actually a fantastic way to preserve that “just-picked” punch. You’ve got two great options here: freezing whole leaves or making handy little mint ice cubes.
Freezing Whole Leaves
For the best flavor, try to harvest your mint in the morning. Just make sure to leave enough of the plant behind so it can bounce back and keep growing. If it’s your final fall harvest, feel free to cut the whole thing down close to the ground. Give the stems a quick rinse under cool water and pat them dry gently—a salad spinner works wonders for this! Here’s how to prep them for the freezer:
- Pluck the leaves off the stems.
- Spread the leaves out on a baking sheet so they aren’t touching.
- Pop the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes to “flash freeze” them.
- Once they’re firm, slide them into a freezer bag or container. This trick keeps the leaves from sticking together in one big clump, so you can grab just one or two whenever you need them.
Freezing Chopped Mint
If you love using mint to level up your cooking, freezing it in ice cube trays is a total game-changer. Here’s the play-by-play:
- Wash the stems and pluck off the leaves.
- Give the leaves a fine chop.
- Fill your ice cube trays with the chopped mint and top them off with water.
- Freeze until solid.
- Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag or container to save space. Your frozen mint will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 12 months!
When you’re ready to cook, just toss a mint cube into your dish right at the end. You don’t want to boil the mint for too long, or you’ll lose that bright, signature aroma.
A quick pro-tip for both methods: work fast when transferring your frozen leaves or cubes so they don’t start to thaw. If they do soften up, use them right away rather than refreezing. Don’t forget to label your bags with the date so you know exactly what you’ve got in your “garden stash!”
