Peppermint is a plant of the caramel family, from which menthol essential oil is obtained. It is menthol that gives the characteristic "fresh" smell and taste. In ancient times, mint was believed to refresh the mind, so scientists and thinkers wore wreaths of its branches on their heads. Now mint is widely used in cooking - it is added to salads, cocktails, roasts. It is also used in folk medicine, cosmetology and simply for aromatizing a room.
It is necessary
- - towel
- - container
- - package
- - tight-fitting jar
- - linen bag.
Instructions
Step 1
Cut mint will wither very quickly. So if you plan on using the herb an hour later, cover it with a damp towel.
Step 2
If you want to keep the mint for a short time, you can wrap the stems in a damp towel and put in the refrigerator, or put the mint in a container, cover with a waffle towel dipped in water and place in a cool place. This will keep the mint alive for 3 to 4 days.
Step 3
Pack the mint in a plastic bag, tie it tightly to keep air out of the bag, and put it in the refrigerator. This method will also keep the mint alive for several days.
Step 4
For long-term storage, mint can be frozen. Without removing the stems, place the mint in a plastic bag and place in the freezer. Mint saved in this way can be used for making cocktails, brewed tea with it.
Step 5
Most often, mint is dried. for drying in late July - early August, since at this time the leaves of the plant are richest in essential oils and have a pleasant taste. The cut stems of mint are collected in bunches and dried in a shaded area out of direct sunlight. Then they pluck off the stems and inflorescences, grind them and store them in linen bags or in jars with tight-fitting lids. As such, mint is commonly added to soups and stir-fries.
Step 6
In order not to suffer with the storage of mint, it can be grown at home. Mint is unpretentious, easily propagates vegetatively. Take a leaf or part of a mint stem and place it in water. After a few days, white roots will appear on the stem. After that, the sprout can be planted in the ground. The grass grows very quickly, and when you pluck the leaves from it, it begins to bush even more.
