What is a good way to use/preserve fresh mint?

I just started gardening, and my mint has blossomed and then some. I don't want it to go to waste, but I just don't use that much mint in my normal cooking (I usually use it as a drink ingredient/garnish). I'm looking for help on how to use it so it won't go to waste!

johnmackfreeman
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11 Comments

Antonio A. June 9, 2013
Make ravioli filling, purée mint, peas
Parmegiano Little cream ,
 
Kitchen B. June 9, 2013
Make mint tea daily! http://www.kitchenbutterfly.com/2013/05/29/travel-by-plate-tales-of-moroccan-mint-tea/

Make a paste with green chilies, spring onions, cilantro if you have it, ginger and garlic. Store in ice cube trays. Pop into rice, sauces and soups
 

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Daria F. June 8, 2013
mint pesto is good way of using it and it freezes well top
 
cookbookchick June 8, 2013
Make mojitos!
 
bigpan June 8, 2013
We made mint jelly. Next time I will cut back on the sugar a bit, but you need pectin for it to set. Due to the sugar content it keeps in the fridge for a long time. The color is not the green you see in the store - ours is more of a golden color - but a full mint taste.
Or, chop up and dry in a slow oven and bottle for future use.
 
ellenl June 8, 2013
Also, epicurious has a "recipe" for a minted citrus salad (something like that)----in blender or processor combine fresh mint and sugar, sprinkle over mixed citrus fruits. Minted pea soup (Bittman, maybe?). Mint tea. So many things.
 
SeaJambon June 8, 2013
We had a very similar question recently (mint is clearly growing!!). Check out this thread...http://food52.com/hotline/20306-i-have-a-lot-of-fresh-mint-growing-what-are-some-ways-i-can-use-it
 
ellenl June 8, 2013
I love this---thinly sliced cucumber with juice from 1 lime. Let sit 30 mins. Squeeze another lime in and mix with good amount of chopped mint. And can also do this and toss with chunks of watermelon.
 
Mr_Vittles June 8, 2013
You can cut large branches off the plant, and leave them in the sun for a few days to dry the mint for use later.
 
inpatskitchen June 8, 2013
To keep it for the winter, pack it in ice cube trays and pour a little water over. Freeze and then put the cubes in freezer bags. When you need some mint for a soup or stew take a cube or two out for your recipe.
 
No need to hoard your mint by storing it. Once it gets a start in your garden it will take over the place.
 
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