Mint is a versatile herb that adds fresh flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. From mojitos to mint chocolate chip ice cream this aromatic herb is a kitchen staple. While mint is available year-round, the flavor and quality are best when fresh. During peak season you may find yourself with more mint than you can use. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavor and prolong the shelf life so you can enjoy it year-round. But can you freeze mint without water?
Yes, You Can Freeze Mint Without Water
The good news is that freezing mint without water is absolutely possible. Here are a few simple methods to freeze mint leaves without water:
Air Drying
One of the easiest ways to freeze mint without water is to air dry the leaves first Simply wash the mint leaves and gently pat dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth Arrange the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and leave them out to air dry completely. This usually takes a few hours.
Once the mint leaves are completely dry they are ready to be frozen. Transfer the dried leaves to an airtight freezer bag or container. Press out all the air and seal. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Air drying helps remove excess moisture, allowing the leaves to freeze solidly without clumping. When ready to use, take out what you need and use immediately. The frozen dried leaves will rehydrate when added to liquids or moist dishes.
Freeze On a Tray
Another simple way is to freeze mint on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Wash the mint leaves, pat dry thoroughly with paper towels and spread in a single layer on the lined tray.
Place the tray in the freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen. Transfer the frozen leaves to an airtight container or freezer bag. Press out excess air and return to the freezer. This method also avoids excess moisture that can cause the leaves to clump or stick together when frozen.
Freeze in Oil
For convenience, you can also freeze mint in oil. The oil helps protect the flavor and prevents moisture from forming ice crystals that damage the cell structure. Chop the clean, dry leaves finely and mix with just enough olive oil or avocado oil to coat. Spoon the mint mixture into ice cube trays or small muffin tins. Freeze until solid, then pop out and transfer to freezer bags.
Frozen mint oil cubes are super handy for adding to dips, dressings, soups, and stews. The oil helps release the flavor as the cubes melt during cooking.
Tips for Freezing Mint Successfully Without Water
Follow these tips to get the best results when freezing mint without water:
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Select fresh, healthy mint – Choose mint with vibrant green leaves and no wilting or brown spots. Wash just before freezing.
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Pat leaves very dry – Excess moisture is the enemy when freezing mint plain. Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Work quickly – To retain flavor and color, freeze leaves as soon as possible after harvesting and cleaning.
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Freeze leaves whole – Chopped or torn mint will release more moisture versus whole leaves.
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Use freezer-safe packaging – Choose airtight containers or bags designed for the freezer to prevent freezer burn.
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Press out air – Air pockets allow ice crystals to form and cause freezer burn. Remove as much air as possible.
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Label correctly – Note the date and type of mint (spearmint, peppermint etc.)
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Use within 6 months – For best quality and flavor, use frozen mint within 6 months.
Why People Freeze Mint in Water
While it’s not required, some people do freeze mint in water. Here are a few reasons why:
- Adds a protective coating around the leaves
- Helps keep leaves separated so they don’t clump together
- Allows you to freeze chopped mint
- Water keeps leaves saturated to prevent oxidation
- Can pop out ice cubes to use in drinks
However, as long as you follow the tips above, freezing mint without water works very well. The choice comes down to personal preference.
How to Use Frozen Mint
Frozen mint is perfect for:
- Adding to drinks – Drop a cube in water, lemonade, iced tea
- Smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt
- Sauces, dressings, dips, and marinades
- Soups, stews, chili
- Desserts – ice cream, pies, cakes, fruit salads
Simply grab what you need from the freezer and use as you would fresh. The frozen leaves will impart refreshing minty flavor to recipes. No need to thaw first unless a recipe specifies.
Enjoy Mint All Year Long
Freezing is an easy way to preserve mint so you can enjoy it anytime. Follow the simple techniques above to successfully freeze mint without water. With proper storage, frozen mint retains its flavor and color surprisingly well. So go ahead and stash some mint in the freezer to add bright, fresh flavor to meals and drinks all year.
Freezing Mint in Ice
Putting mint in ice to freeze makes it easy to quickly add to drinks or meals. You can freeze the leaves whole or cut up, which makes it easy to make Mojito Mocktails, Cucumber Mint Water, or Watermelon Popsicles quickly.
Can You Freeze Mint Leaves?
Yes! You can flash freeze mint leaves whole on a baking tray. You’ll then transfer them to freeze-proof storage and later you’ll be able to use them in any quantity that you need.
If you want to make Mint Chocolate Ice Cream later, you can add a handful of frozen mint to the cream. You can also use mint and feta to top this green pea salad.
How To Freeze Mint Leaves
FAQ
How long can you freeze mint without water?
What is the best way to freeze mint?
Is it better to freeze mint or dry it?
Can you put frozen mint in water?
Perhaps the most obvious way to use frozen mint is to put it in water with other flavorful additions such as cucumbers, lemon, blueberries, strawberries, or even ginger. Frozen whole mint leaves or mint leaves frozen in water will work perfectly in any water infusion. Check out this delicious mint summer salad.
Does mint eliminate bacteria?
Peppermint has antimicrobial activity, so it can eliminate bacteria. In addition to bacteria, it also inhibits fungi and viruses, helping to prevent infections.
Can mint leaves be frozen?
You can freeze mint leaves to preserve flavor using the ice cube method if you plan to keep them long-term. Other methods include wrapping them in a few layers of damp paper towels and placing them in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator to keep them moist and prolong their freshness.
Can mint ice cubes be frozen?
To freeze mint ice cubes, remove the mint leaves from the stems and place the leaves in an ice cube tray. Pour water over the tray, then place the tray in the freezer. Once the cubes are frozen, you can use them as needed, either by thawing or by adding the frozen mint ice cubes directly to the dish or cocktail you’re preparing.
How to store fresh mint in the freezer?
Become an expert on how to store fresh mint in the freezer in oil, in water, and in whole leaf form so that you can enjoy it all year long. Separate the mint leaves from the stem of the plant. Wash the leaves and allow them to dry on a piece of paper towel. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the mint leaves in a single layer.
Can you freeze Mint for mojitos?
Yes, you can freeze mint in good-quality freezer bags without needing to add water. You only need to use a liquid, like water, if you want to freeze chopped mint leaves into ice cubes.