How To Freeze Mint 3 Ways | Whole Leaves, In Oil, In Water -

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Can you freeze mint? Heck yes! Learn how to freeze mint three different ways for long term storage and convenience! Have an abundance of mint? Read through this simple guide to learn all about freezing fresh mint leaves to quickly infuse all of your favorite drinks and dishes. Become an expert on how to store fresh mint in the freezer in oil, in water, and in whole leaf form so that you can enjoy it all year long.

Large ice cubes filled with frozen mint and water in a mason jar with a bundle of fresh mint in the background.

Jalapeno peppers arranged in a single layer including red and green peppers before being frozen.

Love freezing your fresh produce? Check out this guide on how to freeze jalapeno peppers and other varieties.

All About Mint 🌿

Mint (Mentha) belongs to the lamiaceae (mint family). There are countless varieties of mint including spearmint, mojito mint, orange mint, chocolate mint, upright mint, and strawberry mint. Check out this article from Plantura to learn even more about mint varieties. It grows well in moist soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and partial to full sun. Fresh mint can be preserved in a variety of ways including freezing, hang drying, and drying in a dehydrator. I love making homemade mint tea!

Mint is considered a perennial herb in warmer growing zones (USDA Zones 3-8) and is winter killed in colder growing zones (1-2). Some mint grows upright and some mint sprawls and creates ground cover making it a great companion plant. Fresh mint helps to deter unwanted pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and mice. It also deters animals and insects in the garden from feasting on more vulnerable plants like turnips. Check out this turnip companion planting guide for more information.

Tips + Tricks For Freezing Mint

Choose unblemished mint leaves and remove as much of the stem as possible before freezing.
Fresh is best! Choose freshly picked herbs to freeze when possible for optimal flavor and texture
Pick local! If growing your own mint isn’t possible, consider hitting up local farmers markets or CSA programs to stock up on home grown mint.

A wicker basket full of different varieties of mint with a garden in the backdrop.

How To Freeze Mint Leaves (Whole)

Perhaps the most popular way to freeze mint leaves, flash freezing mint leaves on a baking sheet is EASY!

Separate the mint leaves from the stem of the plant.
Wash the leaves and allow them to dry on a piece of paper towel or gently pat them dry.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the mint leaves in a single layer.
Flash freeze for 1-2 hours and then transfer to an airtight container(freezer safe container) such as a mason jar or zip top bag. Freezer bags in particular offer good protection against frost bite. You may also choose to vacuum seal small amounts. Remember to portion the mint into small bundles to ensure that you get the most convenience out of them!

How To Freeze Mint Leaves In Water (ice cube method)

Separate the mint leaves from the stem of the plant.
Wash the leaves thoroughly. At this point you may choose to leave the mint leaves whole for freezing or chop them smaller- it depends on your intended purpose for the mint after is has been frozen! If you plan on using the mint for garnish or water infusions, leaving them whole is best. If you want to add them to cooked recipes, finely dicing them is best.
Fill your ice cube tray with as many leaves as you can fit and fill to the top with water.
Freeze mint for 3 hours before popping the ice cubes out of the tray and then transfer to an airtight container(freezer safe container) such as a mason jar or zip top bag.

How To Freeze Mint Leaves In Oil

Separate the mint leaves from the stem of the plant.
Wash the leaves thoroughly. At this point you may choose to leave the mint leaves whole for freezing or chop them smaller- it depends on your intended purpose for the mint after is has been frozen! Usually mint leaves frozen in oil are used in cooked recipes with smaller pieces. If you are freezing a large quantity of mint, you may choose to use your food processor. Oil can be added to the food processor along with the leaves to make a slurry and then poured into ice cube trays.
Fill your ice cube tray with as many leaves as you can fit and fill to the top with olive oil or your favorite cooking oil. Avocado oil is also a great option.
Freeze mint for 3 hours before popping the ice cubes out of the tray and then transfer to an airtight container(freezer safe container) such as a mason jar or a zip top bag.

Recipes Using Frozen Mint

Check out these simple recipes that you can use your fresh frozen mint in. Freezing mint maintains both texture and flavor, allowing it to be used in almost any mint recipe as though it is fresh!

Two water bottles filled with ice, lemons, and sliced strawberries.

Mint Water Infusions

Perhaps the most obvious way to use frozen mint is to put it in water with other flavorful additions such as cucumbers, lemon, blueberries, strawberries, or even ginger. Frozen whole mint leaves or mint leaves frozen in water will work perfectly in any water infusion.

Watermelon salad including mint and feta chopped on a white plate.

Mint Salad

Check out this delicious mint summer salad. Full of protein and flavor, it is the perfect recipe to use up those frozen whole mint leaves. Alternatively you may want a lighter watermelon-mint salad with feta.

Pasta with mint, mushrooms and parmesan on a black stone plate.

Mint Pasta

Full of peas, mint and parm, this creamy mint pasta recipe is the perfect way to use mint frozen in oil or mint frozen in water.

FAQ About Freezing Mint

How long does fresh mint last?

Fresh mint can last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator before spoiling. Consider wrapping the mint in damp paper towel and placing it in a zip top bag.

How long does frozen mint last?

Frozen mint can last up to 6 months and even longer under the right conditions if stored properly! After 6 months the mint color, texture, and flavor of the mint may start to deteriorate but it will still be edible.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh mint?

Both freezing and drying mint are great methods of preservation for an abundant mint harvest. Drying makes mint shelf stable but tends to lose a bit of flavor and scent. Freezing mint ensures that more of the flavor and aroma are saved!

How To Freeze Mint Recipe Card