I start everyday with a cup of tea. Do you? It can be warm or cold, it doesn’t really matter. Most green and black teas have enough caffeine for that morning boost. My morning always starts with a yawn. Then I waddle out of the bedroom with my comfiest bed shirt on and make myself a cup of tea. I then continue to have a few cups of tea throughout the day. The kind of tea depends on the season and my mood. In Winter I might start with English Breakfast or Earl Grey. In the Spring it’s all about Green Jasmine. A nice spiced tea is great for autumn.
Homemade Mint Tea
But the Summer is dedicated to Mint tea. And drying mint is so easy! Mint tea can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s not uncommon for me to make a cup while I’m making dinner to start to calm down for the day. It’s also not uncommon for me to make a cup of this in the afternoon when it’s “go time” with work but I need to stay sane. It has no caffeine but is naturally invigorating due to it’s flavor and natural “chill” from the menthol, making it perfect for a good start in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. This lack of caffeine also makes it perfect for an evening or pre-bedtime tea. It’s also great for after meals to aid digestion. It helps to sooth upset tummies and calm nausea as well. Mint tea also helps many pregnant women, especially helping with morning sickness during the first trimester (here’s my peppermint tea recipe). It’s garden season so if you have a herb or vegetable garden chances are you might be growing mint. Mint is one of those plants that have a life of their own when it comes to growing all over. It’s technically a weed, so it can easily take over entire gardens or yards if not contained. But it is easy to get plenty of it! It’s best to keep it in its own area or a container to prevent it from taking over, but it can be managed in a garden plot. If you plan on making a lot of tea just keep trimming and drying your expanding plant.
How to Dry Mint
I found 2 mint plants recently that somehow survived our brutal winter and were happily growing and getting ready for Summer. Mint is a hardy plant! Is there anything sweeter then the smell of when you touch of your fingers on fresh mint? Mmmm. Mint can be easily dried to use for tea leaves. There’s really nothing to it. Many people hang their mint to dry but I’m both inpatient and sometimes out of space. With this method below you’ll solve all that as your mint will be ready in 2-3 hours. It will also show you how to do so without burning it up, as sometimes happens if you rush it. Have fun drying your mint and enjoy that next cup of tea! Make sure to serve with some tea sugar cookies!
How to Dry Mint Leaves
It’s as simple as spreading a layer of fresh mint on a cookie sheet. Here’s a before and after of drying mint. Set the oven on a low enough temp and let it sit for 2-3 hours. Crumble it up and store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
How much dried mint for tea?
To make a single cup of mint tea, use a teaspoon of dried mint. Let steep for 3 minutes in hot water. And now you know how to make peppermint tea! Enjoy! Looking to dry more herbs? Here’s how to dry parsley in the microwave and here’s how to dry basil in the oven. Looking for more tea recipes? Try my Cucumber Peppermint Tea, Earl Grey Tea Popsicles and Tomato Tea. Looking for more mint recipes? Try my Cast Iron Chicken with Mint Chutney and Pea Shoots Pasta. Pin for later:
