How can I store mint leaves for the winter?

I have a mint plant that is over blooming. :) I would like to store leaves for the winter (maybe for tea or for use in cooking). Does anyone know what is the best way to do this?

How can I store mint leaves for the winter?
dry them in the oven on the lowest temperature possible.
Reply:Chris W has given you very good methods. I will just add that it is possible to freeze mint as well. I rinse well some whole leaves and then pat dry. Place some of the leaves in an ice cube tray and add some water. After the cubes have frozen I package them in vacuum pack bags in small amounts . I own a vacuum packing devise that is small enough to sit on my kitchen counter. These can be used in iced tea any time. http://www.your-cup-of-tea.com/icedtea.h... BTW the vacuum packer is well worth the investment. i own one called a food saver.





You could also rinse well, pat dry, chop and freeze with or without adding water for use in other cooking recipes.
Reply:I think drying or freezing are your only options. Don't let the plant bloom, your leaves will lose flavor - snip the blooms off.





You could also plant some of the mint in a pot and keep it on the windowsill of your kitchen window for fresh mint in the winter. :) Mint reproduces by runners under the ground, so make sure you get the root if you're going to put some in a flower pot or window box.





Good luck! :)
Reply:put them in a ziploc bag and freeze them, thats what we did
Reply:Buy one of those machines that suck the air out of bags and canisters.
Reply:Depending on where you live, you can keep your plant going through the winter, too.





I'm in zone 5, so it gets pretty cold here, but I was surprised to find my mint still alive under a pile of leaves under the snow. I'm sure it will vary each year depending on how cold, how much snow, and whether the temperature stays consistent, but it's worth a try.
Reply:Herbs must be dried thoroughly before storing. Herbs with high moisture content, such as mint and basil, need rapid drying or they will mold. To retain some green leaf coloring, dry in the dark by hanging plants upside down in bunches in paper bags. Hanging leaves down allows essential oils to flow from stems to leaves. Tie whole stems very tightly in small bunches. Individual stems will shrink and fall. Hang in a dark, warm (70o-80oF [21.1o-26.7oC]), well-ventilated, dust-free area. Leaves are ready when they feel dry and crumbly in about 1 to 2 weeks.





Over Drying





For quick oven drying, take care to prevent loss of flavor, oils, and color. Place leaves or seeds on a cookie sheet or shallow pan not more than 1 inch deep in an open oven at low heat less than 180oF (82.2oC) for about 2 to 4 hours.





Microwave ovens can be used to dry leaves quickly. Place the clean leaves on a paper plate or paper towel. Place the herbs in the oven for 1 to 3 minutes, mixing every 30 seconds.





Storage





When completely dry, the leaves may be screened to a powder or stored whole in airtight containers, such as canning jars with tightly sealed lids. For a few days, it is very important to examine daily the jars in which you have stored dried herbs. If you see any moisture in the jars, remove the herbs and repeat the drying process. Herbs will mold quickly in closed jars if not completely dry.





Once you are sure the herbs are completely dry, place them in the airtight containers, and store them in a cool, dry place away from light. Never use paper or cardboard containers for storage as they will absorb the herbs' aromatic oils.