Love fresh mint?
Don’t let simple mistakes ruin its flavor!
Discover 9 easy-to-make errors and how to avoid them. Harvest mint like a pro and enjoy the best taste.
Let’s get started!
1. Not Harvesting at the Right Time
To get the best flavor from your mint, timing is everything. You should harvest mint just before its flowers bloom.
This is when the leaves have the most essential oils and aroma. If you wait too long and the plant flowers, the leaves won’t be as tasty.
Keep an eye on your plant and try to pick it when the buds are just starting to form but haven’t opened yet.
2. Using Dull Tools
Using dull scissors or shears can damage your mint plant and reduce its lifespan. Sharp tools make cleaner cuts, which helps the plant heal faster and keep producing those lovely, flavorful leaves.
So give your scissors a quick sharpen before you head to the garden.
3. Harvesting Too Much at Once
It’s tempting to grab a bunch of mint at once, especially if you’re planning a big recipe. But taking more than a third of the plant at a time can stress it out.
Stick to small, frequent harvests and your mint will keep growing back lush and healthy.
4. Ignoring the Upper Leaves
Don’t just go for the big leaves at the bottom! The upper leaves are often more tender and flavorful.
Plus, picking these encourages the plant to become bushier, giving you even more mint in the long run. So mix it up and pick from all over the plant.
5. Not Washing Properly
Mint can catch a lot of dust and bugs in the garden. Always rinse your fresh mint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or tiny critters before using them.
Shake the leaves gently and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your dish.
6. Storing Mint Incorrectly
Storing your freshly harvested mint the wrong way can make it wilt and lose flavor. The best method is to place the stems in a glass of water like a bouquet and cover the leaves with a plastic bag in the fridge.
Alternatively, you can wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag.
7. Cutting Too Close to the Ground
When harvesting mint, avoid cutting the stems too close to the soil. Leave at least a few inches of the stem above ground.
This helps the plant continue to grow and produce more leaves. Cutting too low can stunt the plant’s growth or even kill it.
8. Ignoring Regular Pruning
Don’t forget about regular pruning! Regularly trimming your mint plant helps it stay healthy and vigorous.
If you let it grow unchecked, it might become leggy and less flavorful. Aim to prune it every few weeks, even if you don’t need the leaves right at that moment.
9. Throwing Out the Extra Harvest
Mint grows like crazy, and sometimes you might end up with more than you need. Instead of tossing the extra, dry it or freeze it!
Lay the leaves out in a single layer to dry, or pop them in an ice cube tray with a bit of water to freeze. This way, you’ll have mint ready to go whenever you need it.