How to process mint leaves?

1. Harvest the mint leaves. Mint is best harvested in the morning when the essential oils are at their peak. Cut the leaves just above the base of the plant.

2. Wash the mint leaves. Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Dry the mint leaves. Gently pat the mint leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel.

4. Strip the mint leaves from the stems. Hold a bunch of mint leaves in one hand and use your other hand to strip the leaves off the stems. Discard the stems.

5. Chop the mint leaves. Finely chop the mint leaves with a sharp knife.

6. Store the mint leaves. Store the chopped mint leaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze mint leaves for up to 6 months.

Tips for Processing Mint Leaves

* To preserve the flavor of the mint leaves, do not wash them until you are ready to use them.

* If you are using fresh mint leaves in a recipe, add them at the end of cooking so that they do not lose their flavor.

* Mint leaves can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and desserts.

Here are some additional ideas for using mint leaves:

* Add mint leaves to your favorite iced tea or lemonade.

* Use mint leaves to make mint sauce for lamb or chicken.

* Add mint leaves to a fruit salad.

* Sprinkle mint leaves on top of yogurt or ice cream.

* Make mint-infused simple syrup for use in cocktails or mocktails.