Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

When to Harvest Mint

Harvest mint just before the plant flowers for the most intense flavour. Look for buds forming but not yet blooming.
Ideally, the best time to harvest mint leaves is when the plant has multiple stems that are at least 6 to 8 inches long.
Mint can be harvested multiple times during the growing season, typically every 6-8 weeks.
Early morning is ideal for harvesting as the oils present in the mint that give the flavors are the most concentrated.
Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut stems just above a set of leaves to encourage regrowth.

Steps on How to Harvest Mint

Knowing when to harvest mint is crucial to getting the most flavorful leaves. Let’s learn the steps on how to do it:

When learning how to harvest mint, it’s important to select the right stem to ensure optimal flavor and plant health.
The younger, more tender leaves at the top of the stem are generally more flavorful and aromatic.
By cutting the stems to a length of about 6 to 8 inches, you encourage the plant to grow more branches and leaves, resulting in a bushier and more productive plant.

Good to Know

Avoid overly woody stems as they have tougher leaves that are less flavorful and less aromatic.

Always use clean, sharp scissors or gardening shears to snip the stems. This reduces the stress on the plant and promotes faster healing.
This helps prevent disease and ensures a clean cut that won’t damage the plant.
Another way is to gently pinch off individual leaves or small sprigs of leaves from the mint plant. This method is ideal for ongoing harvesting throughout the growing season.

Tip

Clean your garden shears with soap and water or rub them down with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect them.

Caution

Wear garden gloves when using sharp scissors to cut the mint leaves.

Leaf nodes are the points on a stem where leaves emerge. They are also the areas where new growth, including stems and leaves, can develop.
When you cut a mint stem just above a leaf node, you're essentially encouraging the plant to branch out and produce more foliage.
The nodes below the cut will start to grow new shoots, leading to a bushier and more productive plant.
Harvesting above a leaf node helps maintain the plant's essential oil concentration, resulting in more flavorful leaves.

To preserve the freshness of the harvested mint, store them in a refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also store dry leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Another effective way to store dried mint is in clean mason jars placed in your pantry.
Chop the mint leaves, place them in ice cube trays, cover them with water and freeze. You can use these mint cubes in drinks and dishes at any time.

How to Store Fresh Mint

Here are several methods you can use to store mint leaves:

Wrap mint stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or airtight container in the fridge.
Place mint stems in a glass of water (like a bouquet) and cover loosely with a plastic bag; change the water every couple of days.
Rinse and dry mint leaves, chop or leave whole, then place in ice cube trays. Cover with water, stock, or olive oil and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for storage and keep for months.
Rinse and pat dry mint leaves, bundle stems with twine and hang upside down in a dark, dry, ventilated space.
Once dry and crumbly (1-2 weeks), remove leaves from stems and store in an airtight container.

How to Dry Mint Leaves

Tie mint stems into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space.
Spread leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven at the lowest temperature for 2-3 hours.
Use a dehydrator at a low setting, ideally between 95°F to 115°F (35°C to 46°C), for even and quick drying of mint leaves.
Once dried, store mint leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor.

Knowing how to harvest mint correctly not only ensures a continual supply of this delightful herb but also boosts your plant’s health and longevity. By following these techniques and tips on how to harvest mint, you can ensure a continuous supply of high-quality mint for your culinary creations.

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