Peppermint tea, made from fresh peppermint from the garden, is very refreshing on hot summer days. But it's not just the English who value it as a spice in their mint sauce. Tips on how to properly harvest and process your peppermint.
When is the best time to harvest peppermint?
Peppermint is best harvested shortly before flowering in June, as this is where the proportion of essential oils is highest. You can pick small quantities on an ongoing basis and a second main harvest takes place in autumn. Pruning is possible if necessary.
When is the best time to harvest peppermint?
There are three ways to harvest fresh peppermint
- Small quantities ongoing
- First harvest time shortly before flowering in June
- Second main harvest in autumn
- Prunes whenever necessary
Harvest peppermint correctly
As soon as the peppermint has developed enough leaves, you can pick a few of them to make tea or to add to delicious dishes.
Since peppermint is usually drunk as a tea or processed into peppermint oil in this country, the main harvest should occur when the plant begins to bloom. This is when the proportion of essential oils in the leaves is highest. The flowering period lasts from June to August.
Shortly before winter, you can grab the scissors or knife again and cut the plants down completely. However, the harvested stems are only suitable for consumption if the summer has been very warm. After cool, rainy summers, it is not worth processing the peppermint because the leaves were not able to produce enough aroma.
How to cut peppermint?
Simply pluck individual leaves from the stems with your fingers. However, make sure that the stems do not tear, as pest infestation can quickly establish themselves here.
For the main harvests, it is best to cut the peppermint just above the ground with sharp scissors. The plants tolerate vigorous pruning and sprout again reliably.
Even in between, you have to use scissors every now and then to shorten the peppermint. The plants tend to overgrow and can only be kept under control by pruning.
Processing peppermint after harvest
Peppermint should under no circumstances be left lying around for long after harvest. The faster you process them, the higher the proportion of essential oils in the leaves.
Peppermint is most aromatic when you brew the freshly harvested leaves as a tea or add them to dishes.
Peppermint goes wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks. Dried, you can build up a supply of peppermint tea for the winter and you don't have to buy ready-made tea. This is particularly advantageous because purchased peppermint tea is often contaminated with harmful substances.
Different ways to preserve peppermint
- Drying
- Freezing
- Soak in oil
- Peppermint oil
- Herbal s alt
- Peppermint jelly
- Peppermint liqueur
Tips & Tricks
Peppermint is a universal herb that you can use for many things. Peppermint oil is known for its healing effects on headaches. It even drives mice away if you put a few drops in the mouse holes.