Peppermint cannot only be preserved by drying. You can also freeze the herbs to keep them for longer periods of time. However, frozen peppermint isn't quite as flavorful as dried herb.

Harvest peppermint at the right time

Peppermint that you want to freeze is best cut just before it blooms in June. Then the leaves contain the most essential oils.

You should only freeze peppermint harvested in autumn if the summer was very warm. After a rainy summer, the leaves have little aroma.

Clean and carefully wash the peppermint stalks

Do not pluck the leaves from the stems, leave the peppermint whole. It then loses fewer aromatic substances.

Remove wilted leaves and wash the herb very gently under a gentle stream of water.

First dry the cabbage with a salad spinner and then dab it off with some kitchen paper.

How to freeze the herb

To freeze you will need:

  • Fresh, cleaned peppermint stalks
  • freeze bag
  • Alternatively ice cube tray
  • Fastening clips or twine

Place a few stalks side by side in the freezer bag. If you store the peppermint too close together, it will be harder to pick later. Close the bag, label it with the word Peppermint and the date, and place it in the freezer.

Alternatively, put the peppermint in an ice cube tray, fill it up with water and freeze it. The cubes can later be used very well for soups and sauces.

Do not thaw before processing

Whenever you want to make a peppermint tea or need peppermint for a salad or a sauce, take out the desired amount.

Pluck the frozen leaves from the stems and add them to the food. You will thaw out there all by yourself. Throw away the stems.

How long can you store peppermint in the freezer?

Peppermint will keep for quite a while when frozen. You can keep the herb like this for at least six months.

tips and tricks

Whenever possible, use freezer bags that can be resealed. Then you can remove the required amount of peppermint and then put the bag closed again in the freezer.

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