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#110748 Aug 15th, 2007 at 01:06 PM
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hisgal2 Offline OP
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MIL has tons of mint growing. It is starting to go into seed now and I want to dry some before we can't use it anymore. How do I dry it???? They are gone for a week, so I'll have counter space...I think...will I need it? Will I be able to dry it even though it has started to go to seed? Do I dry all of it or leave some out in the garden?


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hisgal2 #111041 Aug 16th, 2007 at 04:26 AM
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I use my microwave. I separate the leaves from the stem make a single layer on a paper towel and stick it in the microwave for a minute or two until it is crumbly. I have a cheap microwave so it takes me longer than it would someone with a good one.

If you have a bunch I'd steep some and make an extract. I use a lot more mint that way than dried.


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tkhooper #111648 Aug 16th, 2007 at 01:50 PM
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hisgal2 Offline OP
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We use it when we make tea and that is all we use it for. I have an old jar that my Nanny used to store mint in that I want to keep it all in....sentimental reasons....ya know?

Thanks for your help! :)


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hisgal2 #111973 Aug 17th, 2007 at 05:10 AM
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Your very welcome.


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tkhooper #114308 Aug 19th, 2007 at 07:05 PM
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Mint can be dried in your refrigerator. A real space saver. Remove blooms from stems and rinse off the mint plant in the early am. Let the leaves dry on the plant and remove stems by 10 am. Remove two thirds of each stem. Fold a paper towel in half. Open the towel, pinch leaves with no spots or holes from the stems and lay flat in a single layer on one half of the paper towel. Fold over the top half of the paper towel. Carefully transfer the leaf filled paper towel to a freezer zip lock bag. Stack towel layers as needed until leaves are used up. Close bag and place flat underneath a veggie bin drawer. Check leaves every few days: when they are crisp remove them to a tray to come to room temp and air dry, then store them in your heirloom jar. Once I put the leaves in the fridge I wait a month before checking and they are usually all dry. If you don't have space available check leaves every few days.

The leaves must be completely air dried before placing in the jar or they will mold. Depending on your last frost date you may get one more cutting from your plant. Mint can be used untill the frost gets its (if you are in a frost prone area). For the future, you want to pick and dry leaves just prior to the blooms opening for optimal flavor.

Leaving the bottom third of each stem protects the plant crown over the winter.

herbalyn #114396 Aug 19th, 2007 at 09:04 PM
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I love drying herbs in bundles! I just pick a handfull and wrap string around the base of the boquet, then hang it from a nail or the ceiling. It makes the house smell pretty!

Emerald #114466 Aug 20th, 2007 at 05:48 AM
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For airdrying I use net bags that I save from pearl onions. then I clip them to the shady side of my refrigerator. It's slower than the microwave but it is a nice smell when I walk by.


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tkhooper #128312 Sep 12th, 2007 at 06:27 AM
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Great idea, Tammy, to use saved onion bags for air drying! thumbup I appreciate the tip.

As fast and as proliferative as mint is, it is nice to know alternate ways of drying it for future uses.

Would you post your recipe for extract down in the recipe exchange? I would like to try that also.

Merme


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