Full Answer
Can you fry mint?
Wash and dry mint leaves…they must be completely dry or won't fry up well. In a saucepan, heat up a 1/4” of vegetable oil. The oil is ready for frying once it sizzles. Drop a few mint leaves in at a time and fry for 10-15 seconds on each side or until the leaf takes on a stained-glass look.
Can mint leaves be cooked?
Dried mint leaves can be added to a sauce or stew as it simmers. Add dried mint early on when cooking a dish so that the herbs have time to release their flavor, but add fresh mint at the end so the flavor stays bright.
Which herbs can be fried?
Try flash-frying:rosemary sprigs.basil leaves.thyme sprigs.sage leaves.tarragon leaves.mint leaves.lavender sprigs.even cilantro stems!
What can you do with fresh mint leaves?
7 Tasty Ways to Use Fresh MintMint Tea. Add a sprig or two to a mug and cover in hot water. ... Mint Ice Cubes. Brew your mint tea extra strong then freeze it into ice cubes! ... Chocolate Dipped Mint Leaves. ... Watermelon Salad. ... Mint Pesto. ... Hugo Cocktails. ... Chickpea, Barley, and Zucchini Ribbon Salad.
Is it OK to eat mint leaves Raw?
Are mint leaves edible? Yes, mint leaves are edible, whether raw or cooked. When you think of mint, you probably think of peppermint. However, there are a variety of delicious mint variations that you can try.
How do you cook with mint?
Mint is one of the most versatile of herbs: it works just as well in savory and sweet recipes! Add it to drinks and cocktails for the best refreshing flavor. Pull off beautiful leaves to garnish desserts, or throw it into salads to make a beautiful green pop. You can even use it to make pesto.
Can you pan fry basil?
Method. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and briefly fry 8 basil leaves just for a moment until they crisp up, then lift out of the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
Can you deep-fry basil leaves?
Strip Leaves from stem. Heat 2 cups oil in wok until almost smoking and drop in handfuls of leaves so they turn brilliant green and crisp in seconds. Lift onto paper towels with a slotted spoon. Serve quickly, sprinkled over other dishes just before serving so the leaves don't have time to lose their crispness.
How do you make fried herbs?
To fry the herbs, place the oil into a small fry pan or pot and heat over medium heat. Make sure the herbs are clean and thoroughly dry. Once the oil is between 275 to 300ºF (or 135 to 150ºC), fry the herbs. Using a slotted spoon, lower the herbs into the oil.
What is the best way to dry mint?
Hang the bunch of herbs upside down in a paper bag, keeping it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. The total drying time can range anywhere from two days to two weeks depending on your climate. Look for a crumbly texture to the mint leaves to indicate they are ready to brew in tea or store for later use.
How do you eat mint leaves?
You can easily add mint to green salads, desserts, smoothies and even water. Peppermint tea is another popular way to incorporate it into your diet. However, many of the studies showing the health benefits of mint didn't involve eating the leaves with food.
Does mint leaves help you lose weight?
Mint leaves play an essential role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint leaves promote digestion and boost metabolism to help in losing weight. Mint tea is a great refreshing calorie-free beverage to promote weight loss.
How do you eat mint leaves?
You can easily add mint to green salads, desserts, smoothies and even water. Peppermint tea is another popular way to incorporate it into your diet. However, many of the studies showing the health benefits of mint didn't involve eating the leaves with food.
Are all mint plants edible?
Are All Types of Mint Plants Edible? No, not every type of mint is safe to eat. Some are grown as trees or shrubs, while others are purely decorative. The best way to tell if it's edible is by seeing how it smells.
What meat goes well with mint?
You could try lamb, chicken, beef, or pork. All of these meats go well with the fresh taste of mint, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. If you want to keep things simple, you could just grill or roast your meat of choice and then top it with a dollop of mint sauce.
Can we drink mint water daily?
You can drink refreshing mint water all day to stay healthy and hydrated. You may also notice improvements in your digestive system if you favor mint water over other higher calorie beverages.
1. Mint Ice Cubes
Although you have to make them in an ice tray, mint ice cubes make a drink look special. Put a leaf into each cube mold, and fill it with water. They add a little flavor to ice water and complement iced tea beautifully.
3. Simple Mint Garnish
Mint leaves are pretty. The vibrancy of the leaves adds color to the platter and makes the presentation appealing. Use them attached to their sprigs to tuck around meat, chops, or fish.
5. Minty Salad or Fruit
Add mint leaves to a green salad. The crisp flavor complements lettuce leaves, cucumber, and tomato well. Drizzle a quality balsamic vinegar on top.
6. Mint Salsa
I am not a fan of mint jelly, but salsa with a hint of mint is a family favorite.
8. Beverages That Use Mint
Steep a few leaves in hot water. Mint tea is delicious plain or with a squeeze of lemon. A cup can also help freshen your breath.
9. Floral Bouquet
Although this is not an idea that involves eating the mint, it takes advantage of the beauty of the plant. Vibrant mint leaves can add interest to a floral arrangement. Their soft, minty aroma can keep the bouquet smelling fresh.
When to Harvest Mint
Pick mint it in the morning before the sun has a chance to evaporate away essential oils. The rule with harvesting herbs for drying is to take the plant material when it’s at its prime. For mint, this will be late spring for its first harvest.
Rinsing and drying mint
Before you proceed with any of the drying methods below, make sure to clean the mint. It will have been outside and may have dirt, insects, and whatever else on the leaves. First, lay the mint on a cloth outside in the shade for thirty minutes. This gives bugs a chance to fly off.
How to air dry mint
There are two main ways to air-dry mint. You can tie bunches of it with string and hang upside down in a warmish, dry, dim, and airy place. It could be inside or even be on a protected porch. To keep dried leaves from scattering on the floor below, loosely tie a paper bag over the bunch.
Food Dehydrator Method
To dry mint quickly, use a food dehydrator. I use mine for drying all kinds of herbs, fruit, and veggies especially if they have high water content.
Oven Drying Method
If you have a drying rack or dehydrator, it’s easy to dry mint. But what if you don’t have either and need to dry a bunch now? Fortunately, there’s another method to dry mint that doesn’t require specialist equipment and is quick too!
Storing dried mint
High quality dried mint is still green in color and the scent and flavor will be very minty. If it’s black or is lacking in aroma, it’s likely that it spent too much time being heated. Try for smaller batches next time and I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.
Instructions
Before you proceed with any of the drying methods below, make sure to clean the mint. If you've grown it yourself, it will have been outside and may have dirt, bugs, and whatever else on the leaves. First, lay the freshly picked mint on a cloth outside in the shade for thirty minutes. This gives insects a chance to fly off.
