Does Mint Go Bad?

Mint is an aromatic plant that comes in three varieties: Pepper Mint, Spear Mint, and Apple Mint; it has a sweet, delicate flavor that enhances teas, soups, and other meals. Mint leaves have a distinct chilly aftertaste, and their scent is strongest when they are fresh, losing power when dried.

Fresh mint leaves may survive for a week in the fridge and if properly preserved, but they can go bad if not refrigerated or handled incorrectly, however dried mint leaves can last for a long time and can be used in recipes.

How To Store Mint?

Mint is a versatile herb that adds a relaxing taste to your beverages and meals; it is deserving of appropriate storage so that you may experience the same freshness of mint anytime you use it. Mint has a limited shelf life of 2-3 days at room temperature, but it may be preserved by storing it in the refrigerator or freezing it.

Here are some pointers on how to properly keep mint leaves.

Keep it in Water Jar

To keep mint leaves fresh, fill a small jar halfway with water, dip the stems of the mint leaves into it, cover with a plastic bag, making sure the plastic bag is not compressing the leaves as this can damage their texture, and place this jar in the refrigerator, changing the water every two days when it becomes cloudy. Mint leaves may be stored in this manner for seven days.

Wrap it in Kitchen Towel

Mint remains useable for a week if stored properly; it is better to not wash mint before storing it because it can cause spoilage, first take a kitchen towel or napkin damp it with cold water, then wrap it around the stalks of mint leaves, now put this into an airtight plastic bag and refrigerate.

Check the zip of your plastic bag; it should be fully zipped; otherwise, a loose zip might trap moisture in a plastic bag, ultimately leading to mold in leaves.

Store it in Dried Form

If you want to utilize mint for a long time, you may dry it and store it in a dehydrator, microwave, or simple air-drying technique. Start by removing the leaves from the stem, placing them on a baking sheet, and then placing it in a dehydrator or microwave and following the machine guidelines.

Can You Freeze Mint Leaves

Freezing mint may prolong its life by up to six months; you can freeze it to keep it fresh for a long period. Mint leaves may be stored in two ways: entire leaves or in an ice cube tray.

First, remove the leaves from the stalk and wash them. Place them on a baking sheet so they don’t clump together, then place this tray in the freezer for one night. Transfer all frozen leaves into freezer bags.

In another approach, the process is the same until the washing of the leaves; after washing, place them in an ice cube tray so that each leaf is kept in its own cube; fill these cubes halfway with water and freeze them.

How Long Does Mint Leaves Last

Mint leaves have a limited shelf life, however this is partly dependent on how they are stored. Mint leaves may be refrigerated for up to a week if kept securely; if utilizing the moist paper towel technique, be sure to drain any excess water from the towel.

If you use the water jar technique, always check the water for turbidity and replace it immediately if it is cloudy. Mint leaves will stay fresh and usable this manner, and you may use them anytime you need them. You may utilize them after freezing for up to 6 months, but only if you freeze them correctly. People also enjoy Does Mint Jelly Go Bad?

How To Tell If Mint Leaves Are Bad

Fresh mint leaves give a relaxing impact to your meals; nevertheless, they must be carefully preserved to maintain their freshness. They will spoil if they are not properly kept. Some physical changes occur in the texture of mint leaves; always look for these signs before using mint leaves in your dish since rotten mint leaves are dangerous to ingest. Checkout Do Macadamia Nuts Go Bad?

• Check for Brown Spots: Before purchasing mint leaves, look for the presence of brown spots; if you see any, do not purchase since they have been damaged by mold.
• terrible Odor: Fresh mint leaves have a nice scent; always take a smell before purchasing mint leaves; if the leaves have a terrible odor, this is a symptom of deterioration.
• Soft Texture: Fresh mint leaves have a perky look; if mint leaves lack a perky texture and seem soft when touched, they have begun to degrade.

Sources

• Fresher Pantry
• Garden and Grass
• The kitchen