How to dry mint leaves

Step-1 Preparation

1. Separate the leaves from the stems. Rinse them thoroughly with water. Let them sit in a strainer for 10 minutes to drain completely.

Step-2 Drying

1. Gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel before proceeding with one of the following drying techniques:
2. Air drying - Spread the leaves on a paper towel at room temperature, ensuring they are spaced apart for even drying. Let them sit for 1–2 days or until they crumble easily.
3. Microwave drying - Microwave on low power in 20-second intervals, checking frequently. Repeat until leaves are dry and crumble easily (usually within 1-2 minutes). Let them cool before crushing.
4. Oven drying - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread leaves on the parchment and dry at the oven’s lowest temperature with the door slightly open. It usually takes 35-45 minutes, depending upon the quantity of leaves.
5. Stovetop drying - Spread the mint leaves in a single layer in a dry pan. Avoid stacking them. Set the heat to a minimum to prevent burning. Stir or flip the leaves every 30 seconds. It usually takes 5-8 minutes for the leaves to become crisp and brittle.

Step-3 Crushing

1. Crush the dried leaves by hand or using a food processor/grinder.
2. If you like a powder-like consistency, go for the grinder; otherwise, crumble with your hands.

Setp-4 Storage

1. Store in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.
2. Dried mint leaves are ready to use in any recipe you like!