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Keeping greens fresh in summer, even in the refrigerator, is a task. When the mercury is on the rise, you can witness fresh green leaves transforming into a dull flower in a couple of hours, as if dementors (reference from Harry Potter) were near it. You get 100 grams of coriander or mint, and soon it will reduce to a 20-gram bunch.
To keep the leaves fresh, you have to follow a few kitchen tips for cleaning and storage. This will allow you to keep using the leaves for over a week without compromising the freshness and flavours. This short kitchen guide is for all the cooking newbies out there who are trying to improve one ingredient at a time.
Cleaning Pudina
Washing Mint Leaves
Once you purchase a bunch of pudina, quickly rinse it under tap water to remove dirt and dust on the leaves as well as the stems. This process will also help you get rid of any chemical residue that can cause you harm if consumed directly.
Get Rid Of Dirt
While washing the leaves, avoid rubbing them harshly, else you will end up with broken ones. During this process, you should also eliminate any broken or spoiled leaves, so they don’t end up ruining the good ones.
Dry Mint Leaves
When you are done washing, gently shake the leaves in a colander to get rid of excess water. Moisture is the enemy of green leaves, and it can ruin them quickly. Spread the leaves on a paper towel and pat them dry with a tissue or kitchen towel. You can also spin them in a salad spinner to make sure you get rid of every drop of excess water.
Storing Mint Leaves
Bouquet Method
The bouquet method is grandma’s style to keep mint leaves fresh in summer. You trim the ends, place the bunch in a glass bottle filled an inch with water, loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and close the refrigerator door. If you change the water every couple of days, you can keep them fresh for more than a week.
Keep In Damp Tissue
Pick the leaves and store them in a plastic mesh bag lined with tissue paper. They should be damp when you add them to the bag. Keep the leaves in it and ensure that aeration is possible. Make sure to keep the bag in a crisper drawer and spray water on the tissue every couple of days. This will keep the mint leaves fresh for at least 5 days.
Store In Airtight Container
If you are using an airtight container, line it with dry tissue rolls. Add the leaves and cover them with a single layer of tissue paper. Cover the lid and refrigerate. The tissue will absorb excess moisture, keeping the leaves fresh for at least a week. Whether you want to add these to a blender for chutney or garnish chilled beverages, you will find the leaves fresh and green.
