How to Store Mint So It Stays Fresh for Weeks

Cory Fernandez
Cory FernandezAssociate Food Editor
Cory is a New York City–based associate editor at The Kitchn, who covers food trends, lifestyle, wine, liquor, spirits, food-related travel, and food features. Before working at The Kitchn, he worked as an editor at Food Network Magazine and was a contributor to The Pioneer Woman Magazine. Cory also occasionally develops recipes, tests products, and contributes SEO content for The Kitchn.
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updated Sep 1, 2023
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Hands of a Woman Plucking a Mint Leaf,
Credit: Getty Images/FreshSplash

Herbs are one of the best ingredients for adding a pop of flavor to any dish, either sweet or savory. In addition to herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley, fresh mint is a wonderfully fragrant herb and is great when added to a homemade frozen treat like watermelon mint frosé or a whisky smash cocktail. But herbs are delicate, so knowing how to store mint the right way is crucial in making sure it lasts.

Though you might be tempted just keep mint it in its original packaging and toss it in the fridge, that isn’t the best way to keep it fresh. You can place mint in a large plastic zip-top bag wrapped in a damp paper towel or in a jar partially filled with water in the fridge. Read on to learn how to properly store fresh mint leaves at home – no special equipment.

Ways to Store Fresh Mint

Method 1

  1. The best way to store soft herbs like fresh mint is in a large plastic zip-top bag wrapped in a damp paper towel.
  2. Run a sheet of paper towel under cool water and ring out as much excess moisture as possible. Wrap the bunch of mint in the paper towel and store in a sealed plastic zip-top bag.
  3. Properly stored mint leaves can last up to three weeks in the fridge.

Method 2

  1. Another great way to store mint leaves is in a narrow glass or jar partially filled with cool water in the fridge.
  2. The general rule when it comes to storing herbs with tender stems and soft leaves, like cilantro, parsley, and dill, is to treat them like a bouquet of fresh flowers. Trim the ends of the stems of the fresh herbs and place them in the glass of water, then place the glass in the fridge.
  3. Be sure to switch out the water every few days.

How To Freeze Mint Leaves

Yes, you can freeze mint for long-term storage! To freeze mint leaves, coarsely chop the mint leaves and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the ice cube tray with water and place it in the freezer. Once frozen, place the ice cubes in a freezer-safe plastic zip-top bag and store in the freezer.

To use the frozen mint, place the ice cube in a fine mesh sieve, let it melt at room temperature, and let the water strain out. Properly stored frozen mint leaves can last between three and six months. You can also pop frozen mint ice cubes right in iced tea or other drinks.

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gardening
herbs