How to Dry your own Mint: Easiest, Cheapest and Fastest Way - Make it Monday

I really love the aroma of fresh mint and I use it in tons of recipes. Though "fresh-one" is my first choice it is sometimes hard to find it when you need it the most. 

Well one option is to grow it yourself, but that is not always possible! You can Air-dry but it is a slow process and in places like Singapore where there is high humidity that never works. You can also get a dehydrator, but if you don't use it that often why waste money. You can dry it in oven but that will take hours!

    

So this week on "Make it Monday" let's learn "How  to Dry your own Mint". Here is the best option and also the Easiest, Cheapest and Fastest way to dry Mint - Do it in your microwave in a few easy steps...

• Wash and dry the mint leaves nicely.
• The leaves must be free of water droplets before you begin, so either use a towel or give it time.
• Take a microwave safe plate and cover it with tissue paper.
• Arrange the leaves apart from one another, as in the picture. They shouldn't be overlapping or touching each other.
• Microwave for 30 Seconds on full power.
• Remove and cool.
• Do a few batches in the same way.
• 5-6 batches are enough to fill small bottle, anyways you will be using less amount of the dry version so it should last long enough.
• When all batches are done check once again, crush between your fingers to see if the are completely dry or not, if not you can do all the dry leaves together once again for 10-20 seconds.
• Remember they should remain green even after drying and shouldn't blacken or turn brown, if you spoil a batch it is best to discard it.
• Once they are dry, crush or simply grind them, Remove any large pieces.

• Store in an air tight container.
• Due to high humidity I prefer to store it in refrigerator.
• Your mint will not loose the flavor or color when drying with this method. It may take time in terms of no. of batches needed, but still you will be done in less than 10 Minute!
• Certainly much better than the store bought ones.

Do you like Mint?
Do you have any favorite recipes in which use it?