Drying Mint 4 Ways

Drying mint is so easy to do and a great way to have mint flavor all year long! Learn the secrets of drying and storing mint for optimum flavor!

Mint, of all types, is so easy to dehydrate. There are quite a few ways to accomplish it, even without a dehydrator.

How to Dry Mint

For all processes below, first wash your mint - whether it's storebought or homegrown, it's best to wash off any impurities.

For large batches, you can use a salad spinner (I use the OXO salad spinner) to quickly spin away most moisture before drying. Or you can choose to put on tea towels and let air dry or gently pat dry.

Note: I'm using spearmint as an example in this post. But you can dry all mints the same way.

Dehydrator Instructions

1. Place on dehydrator trays (no need to remove stems)
2. Dehydrate at 95F/35C for 4-10 hours
3. Strip leaves from stems
4. Condition
5. Store in airtight containers

If you happen to use a Sahara Folding Dehydrator, it has an air-dry feature (no heat) that makes drying herbs even better!

Air Dry Instructions

1. Bundle into small bundles and tie off with twine, string, rubber bands
2. Place into a paper bag (with a few holes), a milk bag, or other protective bag with airflow, and hang in a cool, dark, place with plenty of air flow.
3. Dry for up to two weeks
4. Strip leaves from stems
5. Condition
6. Store

Oven Drying Instructions

1. Place on cooling racks on a cookie sheet. Use parchment paper if desired.
2. Prop the door open to allow excess heat and moiture to escape (please be cautious if you have mobility impaired individuals in your home).
3. Dry in oven overnight with light on or pilot light going. This may take up to up to two hours.
4. Alternatively, set your oven temp to its lowest possible temperature, dry mint, and turn off the oven after the first hour and let the residual heat finish. If you can't get below 200F, I recommend air drying instead, so as not to burn the mint.
5. Strip leaves from stems
6. Condition
7. Store.

Microwave Instructions

1. Place leaves on a microwave-safe plate. You may use a paper towel if desired.
2. Run on high for thirty seconds.
3. Then run in five-second intervals until leaves are dried like paper. Remember, they will be hot, so it will affect the feel.
4. Cool
5. Condition
6. Store.

When is Mint fully dried?

When the leaves crumble easily in your hand.

Uses for Dried Mint

• Add to tea blends
• Use in recipes as you would other herbs
• Use as an infused flavor in hot or cold tea. I happen to use this tea infuser, but you can use a tea ball as well.
• Add to Asian dishes
• Use in Pesto for a bright uplifting flavor
• Use in capsules to help regulate digestion. Learn more about creating capsules at home with this handy tutorial.

Drying Mint FAQ's