People have long enjoyed the wonderful aromas of mint, but not everyone knows how to dry the mint and store it for the winter at home so that it does not lose its beneficial qualities.
- Few of the beneficial properties
- Collection rules
- When to collect?
- Top places
- Mint preparation
- How to dry mint at home
- In the open air
- In the microwave
- In the oven
- In the electric dryer
- Product Storage Rules
- Use in winter
Few of the beneficial properties
It is not by chance that this plant is so in demand - the whole world is aware of the beneficial properties of mint.
Mint since ancient times is used as one of the main medicinal plants. Her healing properties are recognized by almost every doctor. At the same time a large number of medicines are made from it. Peppermint has a diuretic effect. A simple mint tea will remove excess fluid from the body. The harm from the use of large amounts of salt is also leveled with the help of decoctions from this plant.
But the soothing properties of mint have gained universal fame. Enough and a couple of leaves, added to ordinary tea, to bring the nerves in order. From peppermint is made a lot of anti-inflammatory ointments. Wild mint is effective for intestinal disorders and flatulence. It is also used against tuberculosis and rheumatism.
Collection rules
There are a number of recommendations and tips that describe the best time of year to collect mint, as well as in which places the most useful mint grows and which ones should be avoided.
When to collect?
Only the first two months of the month are suitable for collecting mint. To maximize the aromatic properties, it is necessary to cut it off afterthe final bloom. But in the event of the appearance of buds in young processes, individual leaves can also be taken. For drying, both the stems and the leaves are used.
Top places
The place where mint is collected is also of great importance.It is logical that it as a medicinal plant should not be plucked near the industrial zone, highway or landfill. To do this, it is better to choose environmentally friendly places with soil that is unpalatable with various chemicals.
Mint preparation
Before drying the mint at home for tea or other purposes, it is necessary to prepare the harvested greens. Sometimes it is necessary to perform the rinsing of the branches with cold tap water. Paper towels will help dry them to a completely dry state so that you can move on.
After that, lay one layer on a towel and leave for some time to completely dry the stems and leaves.
You can also use a centrifuge. But still after it will have to dry the mint with towels. When using other methods, it is necessary to separate the leaves and stems before drying. This can be done either with your fingers or with a knife. Get rid of the damaged and painful leaves, and leave the good ones.
How to dry mint at home
There are several ways to dry mint, but you need to know how to do it at home.
In the open air
Group the greens in bunches.Tying the twigs tightly with thread or twine, take care of the free space for the leaves. To dry, use a dark, warm enough place with free access to fresh air.
Suspension of plants must be leaves down so that aromatic oils flow down to them, and not accumulate in the trunks.
If you do not have a room with minimal access to light, then carefully put paper bags on the bundles so that they do not suffocate. The temperature in the room should be from 20 degrees. In a week or two the mint will dry. Tear off the leaves, passing a hand from the tip of the stem to the top. You can tear off the upper leaves yourself.
In the microwave
Mint leaves are laid out in one layer on a microwave saucer. This will allow to dry faster and smoother than in the form of a heap.
Turn on the dryer for short periods of 10 seconds, checking when they start to curl and become friable. On average, you spend about half a minute. Try to keep the leaves green, they will have more flavor and aroma.
If you want to dry a bunch, then stir the grass every half a minute. For two minutes, mint should dry out, but not the fact that evenly.
In the oven
Almost everyone has an oven at home, so it will be helpful to know how to dry the mint using this unit at home.
Bring the temperature to 65 degrees. In essence, ensure the lowest possible temperature. At high temperatures, the mint will dry out too quickly and lose its flavor. The temperature limit for drying is 99 degrees. Turn off the oven after 4-6 minutes. The drying conditions of the grass should be warm, but not hot. Divide the leaves along the baking sheet so that they do not touch one another.
This will protect against uneven results, where burnt leaves next to wet ones can turn out. By this logic, dry approximately the same plants.
In the electric dryer
If you have an electric dryer, then you will be interested in how to dry the collected mint using this device at home. Put the grass on the electric dryer tray in one layer. This will give a uniform drying, as in the pile they will have to constantly interfere.
Drying is necessary at the lowest temperature conditions. Mint needs a minimum of heat to dry.
Product Storage Rules
There are several instructions on how to store dried mint. Store mint in a clean container without moisture. To do this, use jars with sealed lids, plastic containers, resealable or vacuum bags.
Use in winter
In winter, mint is usually made delicious flavored tea. Leaves can also be added to black or green tea as an aromatic additive. This drink will help from intestinal problems, emetic symptoms. For its preparation, it is enough to pour a small amount of leaves with hot water and insist for a few minutes.
Honey can be added to tea to prevent heart problems. Mint can make aromatic baths, which is useful for problem skin.
Thanks to these recommendations, you can properly dry the mint for the winter period and enjoy its aromas in the winter cold evenings.