Mint takes off in May and thrives so tirelessly that even the most diligent hobby gardeners can hardly keep up with picking. We have put together everything you need to know about harvesting and the best way to deal with the harvest surplus here.
When and how should you harvest mint?
Mint is best harvested shortly before the first flowers, on an overcast or mid-morning day, without rain or dew. Cut entire stems with sharp scissors, leaving at least one pair of leaves on the plant to allow for further growth.
Choose the time carefully – that’s what matters
The choice of harvest date has a significant influence on the quality of your mint. If you pick the leaves in the weeks of May, you will miss the inimitable aroma later. When prepared into tea, peppermint, for example, does not develop nearly the desired taste. You will really harvest premium quality mint at this time:
- the first bloom is about to begin
- it hasn't rained in the last few days
- the morning dew has evaporated
- the weather is overcast or the sun is not yet at its zenith
Essential oil content is at its highest when the buds are about to open. As soon as the mint flowers, the leaves take on a bitter taste. If the plant was exposed to pelting rain, it is contaminated with disturbed earth crumbs. The valuable ingredients evaporate under blazing sunshine, which has a negative impact on quality.
Skillful harvesting technology makes the difference
When the chosen day for the harvest has come, experienced gardeners don't just start picking. This approach has two disadvantages. Constantly bending over puts unnecessary strain on your back. If you pull too hard just once when picking, you will have the entire shoot with roots in your hand. This is how you harvest correctly:
- cut off entire stems with sharp, disinfected scissors (€3.00 on Amazon)
- at least 1 pair of leaves remains on the plant so that it can sprout again
- Picking individual leaves puts unnecessary stress on the remaining shoots
- Do not mix different types of mint, but always harvest the same variety
Ideally collect the mint stalks in a wicker basket. This not only looks appetizing, but also prevents harmful condensation.
This is how the surplus harvest is perfectly preserved
If you harvest mint correctly, the fresh shoots will pile up just before flowering. What you don't eat straight away can be preserved using the following simple methods:
- Gather mint sprigs into small bundles
- tie with raffia ribbon and dry upside down in the attic
- wash whole shoots, place on a plate and freeze in the freezer
- transfer into bags or cans and freeze
Tip
Freeze mint in portions straight away. To do this, the washed leaves are cut up and placed in the compartments of an ice cube tray. Filled with water, they transform into mint cubes in the freezer for preparing food and drinks.
Tips & Tricks
Bright sun and mint do not make a dream team. It starts with choosing the location, which is ideally partially shaded. Even if you harvest the herb plant correctly, the sun will ruin your aroma calculation. If you dry the leaves under the warm midday sun, the refreshing taste will disappear shortly before closing time.
