Pleasure in the middle of winter: ways of mint harvesting for the winter

The delicate, refreshing aroma of mint is familiar to each of us. This herb has always been popular in the kitchens of the peoples of the world for several centuries. Fine aftertaste allows you to use piquant leaves in all sorts of pastries, desserts, cocktails, first courses. About how to keep the mint until the winter, we will tell in this article.

Dried mint: harvest for the winter for all occasions

Each hostess cares to save more spices and preparations, which can be pampered by the household in the winter. Among these products, there is always a mint. The collection of this plant falls on the summer period, however, with proper processing, it retains freshness throughout the winter. As a rule, for this purpose, drying is chosen. this method is simple and fast, and harvested grass saves its fragrance for several years.

You will need to prepare:

• mint - the quantity you need;
• Sealed container or zip-lock bag.

Recipe:

1. If you decide to prepare mint with stems, then it must be collected and tied in small (approximately 3-4 cm diameter) bundles.
2. Then they need to hang out on a tight rope, fastened with a clothespin. The distance between the beams should be at least 5 cm.
3. The optimum place for drying is an attic space or a canopy where there is no direct sunlight, but a high enough air temperature is maintained.
4. In this condition, keep the dried peppermint until it is ready, then gently remove and shift into a sealed zip-lock bag.
5. If you want to prepare only the leaves of this spice, then they should be separated from the stems and spread evenly on clean paper or a towel.
6. When drying, it is necessary to periodically turn the peppermint so that it is not banned. Optimal conditions for harvesting - a shady place on the street, where there is a good flow of air.
7. After having prepared the crumpled leaves, chop and transfer them to a plastic container, where the grass will retain its aroma for several years.

When choosing options, how to dry grass for the winter, you should take into account the fact that the plant is strictly not recommended to be subjected to heat treatment, i.e. cook it in the oven or spread it on the windowsill. In this case, the grass loses useful properties and precious aroma.

Mint syrup: a sea of ​​pleasure in one spoonful

A spoonful of fragrant syrup in winter - what could be better? Thanks to the menthol, the plant is extremely valuable for preparing various dishes and drinks. Consider the original method of preserving mint, which will allow you to enjoy the extraordinary taste of spicy grass, and also to use as a remedy for winter colds. Keeping the whole vitamin and mineral complex, the herb will become a home healer for your household.

Ingredients:

• mint (leaves) - 1 kg;
• granulated sugar - 1 kg;
• water - 200 ml.

Recipe:

1. The first thing to do is to thoroughly rinse the mint leaves and chop them.
2. Then put on a slow fire container, which should be poured sugar and pour a specified amount of water.
3. Fill the mint.
4. Boil the syrup until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. When the liquid boils, remove to plates and leave under the lid for 1 hour.
6. After the syrup becomes room temperature, strain it and pour it over the bottles.
7. Seal with lids and store in a dark, cool place.
8. Mint syrup is ready! Use as an aromatic essence or a remedy. If desired, you can dilute with water, adding honey or lemon.

Ice bliss of menthol: maximum utility and aroma

Frozen mint leaves are usually used for brewing tea or herbal decoction. And for fans of spicy cocktails, frost will be an excellent potion for creating beautiful and fragrant ice. In addition, with this treatment, peppermint completely preserves the vitamin complex and useful microelements, which allows you to make not only sweet but also healing tea in the winter evenings.

You will need to prepare:

• mint (leaves) - 1 kg;
• sealed bags or containers.

Recipe:

1. Initially, it is necessary to separate the leaves from the stems and rinse them in cold water.
2. Then they should be spread out on a paper towel or towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Discuss the crumpled leaves and shred through the containers. It is desirable to fold tightly, so that there is practically no air left inside.
4. Optimal conditions for storing mint - dry frost with a temperature of -18 ° C to -23 ° C. After freezing spices, store them in the same mode.

Lemon-mint whim: we prepare appetizing jam

Mint is an excellent ingredient for culinary experiments. For this reason, many housewives try to always keep a couple of jars of spices at hand, so you can surprise your loved ones with delicious dishes. Mint jam is an amazing preparation, which can be used as a supplement to pancakes, pancakes, baked goods, as well as watering ice cream or adding to tea. Consider the recipe for cooking in more detail.

Ingredients:

• lemon - 1 piece,
• mint - 150 g,
• water 300 ml,
• sugar - 300 g.

Recipe:

1. The first thing to do is to thoroughly wash the plant and grind it. You can take it with the stems.
2. Lemon also cut into thin slices.
3. Take a deep container and pour the ingredients into it, filling the bay with water.
4. Put on a slow fire and boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Collecting lemon stones and tapes should be removed with a screwdriver.
5. Then remove from the plate, cover and remove until completely cooled. Then put the mass in the refrigerator for the night.
6. In the morning mint-lemon decoction strain through a double gauze.
7. Then pour into a saucepan, add sugar and stir.
8. Boil on low heat for 5 more minutes.
9. Done! Pour the jam into sterilized jars and seal.

Thus, we have considered several delicious and original ways that will help to enjoy the piquant taste and unsurpassed aroma of mint, which retained its properties in the cold winter.