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Learn all the tips and tricks for how to freeze mint to build a freezer stash of this incredible herb. Freezing mint is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
Mint is an easy and fantastic crop to grow in a home garden. As long as you keep it contained in its own planter, you’ll have access to this fresh herb for 4-6 months every year.
And by freezing mint whole or in ice, you can use this versatile ingredient all year long.
And if you find yourself with too much mint and not enough freezer space, try your hand at drying mint, making mint syrup or Homemade Peppermint Extract. It is a shelf-stable and tasty option for preserving.
Can You Freeze Mint Leaves?
Yes! You can flash freeze mint leaves whole on a baking tray. You’ll then transfer them to freeze-proof storage and later you’ll be able to use them in any quantity that you need.
Later you can throw a handful of frozen mint to infuse the cream to make Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, or to top this Green Pea Salad with Feta and Mint.
Freezing Mint in Ice
Choosing to freeze mint in ice makes it simple to add to drinks or savory dishes in a flash. You can freeze the leaves whole or chopped, making speedy work of Mojito Mocktails, Cucumber Mint Water, or Watermelon Popsicles.
Freezing Mint in Oil
If you make a lot of savory dishes with mint (like Sous Vide Rack of Lamb), freezing chopped mint with a touch of a neutral-tasting oil (like avocado oil) makes a lot of sense. I do find that using oil to freeze mint will limit its use later, but you know your kitchen best. I am however a huge fan of freezing chopped garlic in oil.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Frozen mint will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months.
- Freeze chopped mint in quantities that you often use. Freeze in 1-2 tablespoon portions to eliminate the need to later defrost a big chunk when you only need a bit.
- If you’re chopping a large quantity for freezing, use the pulse function in a food processor to make quick work of it.
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How to Freeze Mint
Ingredients
- mint {as much as needed}
Instructions
How to Freeze Whole Mint Leaves
- Rinse mint and gently pat dry.mint
- Remove mint leaves from stem.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment, and spread individual leaves onto the parchment. Freeze for 2 hours.
- Gently remove frozen mint and transfer to a freezer-safe container (like a small mason jar).
How to Freeze Whole Mint Leaves in Water
- Gently rinse mint.
- Remove mint leaves from stem and place as many as you'd like in each ice cube tray.
- Fill ice cube tray with water until the leaves are just covered. Freeze until cubes are solid {~2-3 hours}.
- Remove from tray and store in a freezer-safe container.
How to Freeze Chopped Mint in Water
- Gently rinse mint.
- Remove mint leaves from stem and chop to desired size. Pro tip: if you're chopping a lot of mint at once, use the pulse function on a food processor.
- Transfer chopped mint to a bowl, and add water a teaspoon at a time until it creates a "paste".
- Spoon mint paste into mini muffin tins lined with muffin papers or ice cube trays, filling them three-fourths full.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours, and then remove the muffin liners from the pan and freeze each "puck" in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.
How to Freeze Mint in Oil
- Gently rinse mint.
- Remove mint leaves from stem and chop to desired size. Pro tip: if you're chopping a lot of mint at once, use the pulse function on a food processor.
- Transfer chopped mint to a bowl, and add a neutral-tasting oil a teaspoon at a time until it creates a "paste".
- Spoon mint paste into mini muffin tins lined with muffin papers or ice cube trays, filling them three-fourths full.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours, and then remove the muffin liners from the pan and freeze each "puck" in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.
Thank you. Have you tried this mint in salads, yogurt, etc. Having concerns about the taste & consistency. Use mostly with tabouli or laban / cucumbers.
Jeff, I have not. Mint wilts and can often turn black when thawed. From a taste perspective it would be fine. From a visual perspective, I think it would not be ideal. I would try a small amount and see if it fits your needs.