I read in one of my herb books that if an herb is “taking over” that means you’re not using it. Well, anything in the mint family will definitely take over, but cutting it does help keep it under control. An organic farmer who sells at our Farmer’s Market recommended I keep my mints in containers. I find that to be good advice since the heat can be rough on them. Growing in containers allows me to move them around so they have the best growing conditions as the seasons change.
Orange Mint
This winter I picked up several different kinds of mint from my friend at the market. In fact, I never knew there were so many varieties. I am definitely hooked on this herb! So far I have mint, peppermint, spearmint, lemon, chocolate, lavender, and orange mints.
Refreshing Spearmint
Mint doesn’t always do well in the Florida heat, so I decided to try my hand at preserving this wonderful herb because I really have come to enjoy my daily cup of mint tea. Yes, I know, the technical term for my “tea” is really – tisane, because there is no “tea” in my beverage.
First, it’s out my front door to snip some mint. The best time of day is in the morning, just after the dew has dried. I usually snip off longer sections just above the two lowest leaves. Bring them inside and check for critters. I use embroidery string to tie the herbs in small bunches and hang them in my kitchen. Some people hand them in brown bags with air holes. Basically the herbs need to be in a dry place. I enjoy seeing the herbs drying as I go about my kitchen duties.
Drying Mint
A few days later the leaves are shriveled and should crunch between your fingers. When you’re sure they’re dry, remove the leaves (keeping them whole as possible) and place in a jar.
Light affects the potency of the herbs, so you’ll want to keep them out of direct sunlight, or even in a dark cabinet. When you bruise or cut up your herbs, you release the potent oils, so don’t crush the leaves until you are ready to use them.
Jar of dried mint
Now you have dried herbs at the ready for your own, homegrown cup of herbal tea! You can mix and match herbs, to store ready to use concoctions of your liking. I love lemon balm with my mint, or on it’s own. In fact, lemon balm is very relaxing – a great drink before bed.
Mint and other herbs can always be used fresh for teas, making herbal remedies, and for culinary use. Drying herbs for use when the weather prevents plants from thriving is a great way to save money, and take another step on your journey to a simpler, more self-sustaining lifestyle. Remember - if you’re growing it, use it!
Dried Sage and Mint
Hi-I found you through a comment on simple, green frugal…..and you mentioned drying herbs. I too like herbs and am just now in a home where I can start to grow some things, if I can keep the deer out of it.So far just basil and mint, something ate the sage, tyme and other stuff. I also read one of your soap posts. I just started making soap and have made 2 batches. I am struggling with finding a “mold” that I like. the soap you made in Sept 07 lavender/mint – can you tell me what you used for a mold or did you cut and shape it because I like the look of it? thanks a lot and I look forward to reading more in your blog. Emily (in S. TX)
Hi, Emily!
That was from my very first batch. I remember I made too much
I used a 9 x 13 baking dish, then cut the bars free hand. I quickly switched to using a loaf pan, then my husband, and more recently a friend, made me some wood loaf molds. I’ll try to post some photos this week.
I loved your tip about planting mint in pots…I will do that! Actually, I learned quite a bit reading this post about drying the herbs…never been to your blog before. Thanks!
Hi Cindy – thanks for the info. I used a 9X9 pan and then a little Rubbermaid small tray. I have a loaf pan I thought I would use but then decided I wanted to build a wood loaf mold. Do you line the wood with something so the soap won’t stick? I was thinking of using Formica shelving to make the mold, then I could “grease” the Formica. Again, thanks for the information. I will look forward to the photos when you get a chance. Emily
I’m moving to an apartment in another state away from my family’s garden and thought that drying some of the herbs would be a great way to bring a bit of the fruits (herbs?) of my labor with me.
We’ve got some chocolate mint that has probably quadrupled (if not more) this season. It’s now hanging to dry. This is exactly how we’ve dried roses and lavender before.
Has anyone used chocolate mint to flavor ice cream? What else have you used it in?