How to Dry Mint [Mint Drying Methods]

How to Dry Mint [Mint Drying Methods]

Mint is a fabulous herb, don’t tell coriander, but it is my favourite herb.  I love that it’s so easy to grow and so voracious too.  And while I love fresh mint, I also love to make its usable time a little – or rather a lot – longer.   Regardless of the type of mint that you grow (or buy) preserving it for longer is something that you need to plan for.  And today we’re going to talk about an easy way of making mint last a long time.  Today we’re talking about how to dry mint.  There are several different ways to dry mint and I’ll go into detail about all of them as well as how to prepare mint for drying as well as how to store dried mint so that it lasts the longest possible time.

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It doesn’t matter what variety of mint you grow, you can treat them all the same when it comes to drying them.  This article will include details on harvesting mint, the preparation of mint for drying, how long it takes to dry mint using each different dehydration method and also the best ways to store dried mint.

Can you dry mint leaves?

To start with, it’s best to address the biggest question – whether you can actually dry mint leaves effectively.  And the answer is yes.  You absolutely can dry mint leaves and the process is rather easy. Dried mint leaves are great because you can use them in ways that you simply can’t with fresh leaves.

Dried mint leaves can be used to garnish and flavour dishes. They can be used to make tea.  You can use dried mint leaves as a type of potpourri in cloth sacks or bowls for a pleasant aroma around the house.

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Why Dry Mint?

There are a lot of great reasons to dry mint leaves. The most common use for dried mint is for cooking. You can use peppermint, spearmint, and orange mint leaves in their dishes. Mint leaves are also very popular for making tea.  ( I have a great article here on drying peppermint for tea)

Although we as humans love the scent of mint, pests like bugs and rodents hate it, and it can act as a deterrent to them.

Using dried mint isn’t necessarily any better than using fresh mint, but it does have its set of benefits.

Using Dried Mint for Cooking

This is probably the most common use of dried mint. We find it in all kinds of foods, savoury and sweet. It is very commonly used in South Asian dishes to add a cool, sweet flavour to something that might otherwise be spicy.

There are several different kinds of mint. The most commonly used in cooking are peppermint, spearmint, and orange mint. Peppermint has a lot of flavour so it really stands out in dishes. Spearmint is mild with a  sweeter taste. Orange mint is probably the most unique with a strong aroma and citrusy scent. Orange mint is most often used in fruit dishes.

Using dried Mint for its scent

Humans generally love the smell of mint, so I’m sure it comes as no surprise that it’s often used to make homes smell good. The two most common leaves used for aroma are spearmint and peppermint.

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Using dried mint to keep away pests

Like many herbs, mint has a very strong scent. Although the scent is pleasant and appealing to us, many pests detest it. Keeping mint in your home, particularly along windowsills and other entrances can keep some pests at bay.

The best way to do this is by filling small, porous bags with mint leaves and leaving them around your home.  Mint is also commonly used as a companion plant (read about that here) and it works well with some other plants protecting them.  My article on the best mint companion plants is here.

Peppermint is thought to work best because of its particularly strong scent. It’s said to keep away flies, fleas, ants, and mice.

How to Dry Fresh Mint

Just like there are many ways to use dried mint, there are multiple ways to dry your mint. You can air dry it, use a dehydrator, or dry it in the oven and I’ll even cover drying mint in a microwave. I’ll cover the benefits and drawbacks of each method here.  The preparation method is the same regardless of which way you choose to dry your mint. First, though, you need to harvest and then prepare your mint for drying.

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Harvesting Fresh Mint for Drying

Technically, you can harvest mint at any time of the year. However, the best time to harvest any herb is when it’s at its prime. For mint, this time is the end of spring. You’ll know that the leaves are ready for harvest because they’ll be plump, fresh-looking, and green.

A good time to harvest is when the mint flowers are beginning to bloom. It’s This is when the plant’s essential oils are at their strongest.

It’s also important to know that you should harvest mint first thing in the morning. Harvesting in the morning will prevent the sun from drying the plant’s essential oils before harvesting.

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Preparing Mint for Drying

You’re always going to want to wash your mint before drying it, regardless of which drying method you use. Washing your mint ensures that you get any dirt and pests off of them. If they’re grown outside, then that’s all the more reason for you to wash them first.

Fortunately, it’s not hard at all to wash your leaves. All you need to do is fill up your sink, or a bowl, with cool water. Put your leaves into the water and swish them around. It’s best if you leave the stems on for this part because they help weigh the leaves down.

You can swish your leaves around either with your bare hands, or you can use a utensil, it doesn’t matter which. Swishing the plants around will help dislodge any dirt that has really built onto the plant.

After you’re finished washing, you have a few options. You can simply move them to a drying rack. However, I recommend moving them to a clean tea towel where you can pat them dry. Your leaves need to be completely dry before you start the drying process so patting them dry with a clean tea towel helps.  Don’t use paper towels as they’re likely to leave bits of paper attached to the mint leaves.

You can read my guide to the best eco-friendly towels and cloths.

Right, now that you’ve prepared your mint for the drying process, we’re going to get to drying and I’ll start with the simplest that needs no specific tools. Air drying mint.

How to Air Dry Mint

This is the simplest method of drying mint leaves. It requires nothing but a string and a place to hang your leaves. Unfortunately, you might not be able to use this method depending on where you live. If you live where it’s too cold or where it gets very humid, your mint leaves can develop mould. The best temperatures for drying will be between 15-20 degrees celsius.

After you’ve washed and dried your mint leaves, as described above, you should gather them together into a bundle – leave the stems attached to the leaves and bundle them into a bouquet. Tie the bouquet together with a piece of string at the base of the stems.

Then, simply hang your bouquet in a room that is warm and well-ventilated. Don’t put it in direct sunlight. Too much sunlight will cause the essential oils to evaporate.

I said earlier that you need to have a warm and dry climate to use this method, along with this there’s another downside to this method of drying mint. It takes a long time to air dry mint. Depending on the exact climate where you live, it can take between 2 days and 2 weeks for the leaves to fully dry.  So you’ll need to bear this in mind too.

You’ll know your leaves are finished when they feel crumbly and dry when touched.

Here are step-by-step instructions for air-drying mint:

  1. Harvest your mint
  2. Wash and dry
  3. Bundle your mint into a bouquet, both the leaves and stems
  4. Tie the bouquet together with a piece of string. This should be done at the base of the stem
  5. Hang the leaves
  6. You can use string, a hanger, a herb dryer, or anything else creative you can think of
  7. Place a plastic bag over your herbs for protection (optional) – don’t tie it, you don’t want condensation, as it will cause mould.
  8. Allow to dry for 2 days to 2 weeks

How to Dry Mint Leaves in a Dehydrator

This is likely the best method for drying your mint leaves. It’s fast, getting you dry mint leaves within 5 hours or so, depending on the manufacturers’ instructions. The best thing, though, is that the dehydrator will operate at low temperatures. Lower temperatures prevent your leaves from becoming overcooked and ruined.

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Dehydrators tend to be much more energy efficient than ovens. I wrote about dehydrators here

After you’ve rinsed and dried your mint, you’ll want to remove the stems from the leaves.

Your dehydrator will come with a tray or trays. You’re going to lay the leaves on the tray in a single layer. You won’t want to stack the leaves because that will prevent proper drying. Also, avoid allowing the leaves to touch. You’ll want them to be adequately spaced apart for proper airflow.

From there, you’re going to want to dehydrate your leaves at a temperature of 40-45 degrees Celsius (read the manual on your dehydrator as this depends on different manufacturers). The drying process is going to take you between 2-5 hours.

Of course, you’ll want your leaves nice and dry, but you won’t want to overdo it. Check on your leaves after the first 2 hours and then check on them every 15-20 minutes. You’ll know your leaves are done when they crumble at the touch.

Here are step-by-step instructions on using a dehydrator to dry mint leaves:

  1. Harvest your mint
  2. Rinse and dry
  3. Remove the stems
  4. Layer the leaves on the tray in a single layer ensuring that no leaves touch
  5. Dry for 2-5 hours
  6. Check on your leaves after the first 2 hours
  7. Continue to check on them every 15-20 minutes

If you plan on drying lots of herbs, fruits and vegetables then a specific dehydrator is a really good investment. They’re more efficient and effective than ovens and microwaves, designed specifically for the job. They’re energy efficient too! I wrote about dehydrators here, and here are my picks of the top dehydrators to use.

Food Hydrator NameHighlightsWhat It Looks LikeRead Reviews & Buy Now!
Excalibur Food Dehydrator• 9-Tray dehydrator, 15 square feet of drying space
• Built-in on/off switch and adjustable thermostat with 26-hour timer
• Easy to clean Polyscreen tray inserts
• 7-inch fan, 600 watts,
• Unit Dimensions: 12-1/2 H x 17 W x 19 D (inches)
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BioChef Savana Food Dehydrator• Digital Display: 99 Hour Timer
• Adjustable Thermostat: 35º to 70ºC
• 6, 9 or 12 Stainless Steel Drying Trays + 100% BPA Free inner- and outer casing
• Non-Stick Sheet, Fine Mesh Sheet & 3 Drip Tray
• Superior horizontal airflow for even & consistent drying of foods & no flavour contamination between the trays
• 3 years warranty on motor & parts – UK service & support centre
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Klarstein Fruit Jerky 6• Temperature and timer setting gives even dehydration as the fan circulates warm air
• Adjustable display on the upper surface.
• Adjustable temperature from 35-70°C.
• Adjustable timer from 0:30 – 19:30 hrs
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MisterChef Circular Food DehydratorTemperature- setting. easy to clean plastic trays and lid
On/off switch on the unit base.
Settable temperature from 35-70°C.
Buy the best Circular food dehydrator here

How to Dry Mint Leaves in the Oven

Drying mint leaves in the oven is very similar to drying with a dehydrator. The difference is that you need to use more caution when using an oven to prevent your leaves from becoming overcooked.

After you’ve rinsed and dried your leaves, you’re going to remove the leaves from the stems. You can always dry the stems separately if you’d like, but they aren’t very useful.

Then, you’re going to line a baking sheet with a sheet of baking paper. From there, you’re going to lay the leaves on the parchment paper in a single layer.

Do not stack leaves and do not let them touch each other. Each leaf should have adequate space away from the others to allow for proper airflow.

You’re then going to place the tray in the oven. Oven temperatures vary and some won’t allow you to set them at a very low temperature. Ideally, if you can, you should set your oven between 80-90 degrees Celsius.

Avoid going above 90 degrees Celcius, as above this level the leaves no longer dehydrate, but cook instead. Cooking leaves rids them of their essential oils.

The lower you set your oven temperature, the longer it will take to dry your leaves. A temperature of 40 degrees celsius can dry leaves in 1.5-4 hours. A temperature of 80 degrees celsius can dry leaves in 1-2.5 hours.

It’s always a good idea to prop your oven door open. This will allow the resulting steam from your leaves to dissipate which will help your leaves dry faster. Leaves can be flipped every hour for faster drying as well.

Here are step-by-step instructions on drying mint leaves in the oven:

  1. Harvest your mint
  2. Rinse and dry
  3. Layer a baking sheet with parchment paper
  4. Lay the leaves on the parchment paper in a single layer with no leaves touching
  5. Put the leaves in the oven with a temperature below 80 celsius
  6. Drying can take between 1-4 hours
  7. Prop the oven door open with a fireproof utensil or potholder
  8. Flip leaves every hour

How to Dry Mint Leaves In the Microwave

This is a somewhat controversial method of drying mint, and while I’m not a fan, I’m including the details of how to do it. It’s a fast method, but you’ll need to keep a close eye on your mint during the process.

  1. Harvest your mint leaves
  2. Wash and dry the leaves
  3. Remove the stems from the leaves
  4. Lay a piece of baking paper inside your microwave
  5. Lay the leaves evenly across the paper. Make sure no leaves are touching each other.
  6. Microwave the leaves at full power for 30-60 seconds
  7. Check on your leaves after 30 seconds. If they need more time, you can microwave them further.
  8. You’ll know the leaves are finished when they’re crisp and crumble when you touch them

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This excellent food dehydrator is perfect for drying all your favourite fruits, vegetables and meats. It’s a great efficient machine.

How to Store Your Dried Mint

Before trying to store your new dried mint, you’ll want to make sure that the leaves are completely dried and have cooled. You’ll also want to make sure that your leaves aren’t damaged. Even when dried, the leaves should remain green with a strong aroma. If they appear darkened, they’ve probably been burnt.

Leaves can be left whole, crumbled up, or ground into a powder.

From there, you can simply store it in an airtight container that’s going to keep it dry and safe from the elements. Glass is also better than plastic because some plastics are porous. Porous products will absorb the essential oils in the mint so that there will be no scent or flavour left in your leaves.  Essential oils play a big part in keeping your leaves fresh. They are what gives the leaves their smell and taste. So, if you have the option, stick with glass.

Keep your spices in a cool, dark area.

For the first few days after storing, you should keep an eye on the container. If you see any condensation in the containers, then the leaves need to be dried further.  Avoid storing leaves that have any moisture at all costs. If your leaves aren’t completely dry, they can grow mould which will ruin your leaves.

Dried mint is typically ok for one year. After a year, it’s still technically ok, but you will notice that they lose most of their flavour and aroma.

Herbs rarely go bad when dried, but they will begin to lose their flavour and aroma. I don’t recommend keeping your herbs for more than 12 months. Ideally, you’ll use all your herbs within 6 months. After 6 months, your herbs quickly begin to lose their flavour and aroma, making them less effective.

Guides to Drying Herbs

Want to dry more herbs? Here are my guides to herb drying and herb dehydrating.

FAQs about drying mint

Got questions about drying mint? Or want to know more about how to dry mint and we haven’t answered your questions?  Check out our frequently asked questions about oven-drying mint below, or ask us yours in the comments.

What temperature do you dry mint in the oven?

Set your oven to a temperature of about 80 degrees to dry out the mint.

Should I wash mint before drying it?

It’s best practice to remove all dirt and contaminants before dehydrating, so I recommend washing the herb carefully. 

When should I dry mint?

Mint is at its peak flavour just before flowering.  It’s best to harvest then for maximum continued flavour. 

How long does it take to dry mint leaves?

How long it’s going to take you to dry your mint leaves really depends on which drying process you choose. If you use the microwave method, you can have dried leaves in less than 2 minutes.  If you use the air drying method, it can take 2 days up to 2 whole weeks before you have dried leaves.

Usually, the time it takes to dry is somewhere in the middle. Most people dry their leaves using the oven or dehydrator method.

In the oven, your leaves will dry in 1-4 hours depending on how hot the temperature of your oven is.

In a dehydrator, it can take between 2-5 hours, depending on the model you have.

All in all, drying mint leaves is a fairly quick process.

Top PRODUCT PICK

The Best Food Dehydrator

This excellent food dehydrator is perfect for drying all your favourite fruits, vegetables and meats. It’s a great efficient machine.

Final Words on How to Dry Mint

Drying mint leaves is very easy. You can air dry them, dry them with a dehydrator, or dry them in the oven.  You can even try drying them in the microwave.  Drying your own mint leaves takes a bit of effort, but overall, it’s quite simple. Even better yet, anyone can dry fresh mint no matter what appliances they have in their kitchen. If you love using mint in your cooking but want to save some money, try preserving your fresh mint by drying it.

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