Mint leaves are a popular herb used for cooking, drinks, and garnishes. While fresh mint has the best flavor, it’s not always possible to use mint immediately after purchasing. Knowing how long mint lasts in the fridge can help you reduce waste and have mint on hand when you need it.
Quick Answer
Properly stored, fresh mint leaves will usually last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, store mint leaves unwashed, dry, and wrapped loosely in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge.
How Long Does Mint Last Refrigerated?
In general, you can expect fresh mint to last around 3 to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. However, that window can vary based on a few different factors:
- Storage method – How you store your mint makes a big difference in how long it lasts. Keeping leaves dry and wrapped in damp towels inside the refrigerator crisper drawer helps preserve freshness.
- Leaf integrity – Bruised or damaged mint leaves won’t keep as long. Inspect leaves for signs of wilting or dark spots before refrigerating.
- Herb variety – Spearmint and peppermint tend to last longer than more delicate varieties like chocolate mint or orange mint.
- Temperature – Colder refrigerator temperatures (around 34°F to 40°F) extend mint’s shelf life compared to warmer fridges.
No matter what variety you have, mint that is stored properly in the fridge should retain good flavor and aroma for 3 to 4 days before wilting or spoiling.
Does Mint Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, mint eventually goes bad in the refrigerator. Signs that refrigerated mint has spoiled include:
- Wilting, shriveling, or browning leaves
- Slimy or mushy leaves
- Dry, crumbly leaves
- Loss of original green color
- Bitter, unpleasant minty flavor
- Off odors
Once mint shows any of these signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it. Eating spoiled mint leaves can potentially make you sick.
How to Store Mint Leaves in the Fridge
Storing mint properly is key to keeping it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for maximizing mint’s shelf life in the fridge:
- Start with fresh, undamaged leaves. Avoid buying mint with dark, bruised, or wilted spots.
- Do not wash mint before storing. Moisture speeds up spoilage.
- Wrap leaves loosely in a couple layers of damp (not soggy) paper towels.
- Place the wrapped leaves in a resealable plastic bag with air removed.
- Store mint in the high-humidity crisper drawer set to the coldest setting.
- Check leaves daily and remove any that are spoiled. Re-wrap remaining fresh leaves.
Storing mint dry, wrapped in paper towels, sealed in plastic, and placed in the refrigerator crisper allows air to still circulate while retaining moisture and preventing water from pooling on leaves to cause decay.
Can You Freeze Fresh Mint Leaves?
Yes, freezing is a great long-term storage method for mint. To freeze mint leaves:
- Pick fresh, undamaged mint leaves.
- Gently rinse leaves and pat completely dry.
- Lay leaves flat in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze leaves on the tray until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen leaves to an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Remove air and seal tightly.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
Frozen mint leaves can be crumbled directly into recipes or used for drinks. Allow to thaw slightly before using for best flavor.
How to Use Up Mint Before It Spoils
To avoid wasting mint that is close to spoiling, here are some delicious ways to use it up:
- Make pesto or chimichurri sauce – Blend mint, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan in a food processor. Stir into pasta, spread on bread or sandwiches, or drizzle over chicken, fish, or vegetables. Freeze extras.
- Blend into smoothies – Add a handful of mint to fruit smoothies for a refreshing flavor.
- Make tabbouleh – Mince mint and stir it into bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Toss into grain salads – Wilting mint adds a pop of flavor to salad made with quinoa, farro, rice, or couscous.
- Infuse into water or tea – Add mint to a pitcher of water or iced tea. Can also infuse mint into lemonade or cocktails.
- Make mint sauce – Simmer mint leaves into apple cider vinegar with sugar for an easy sauce to pair with lamb.
Using up excess mint in frozen and refrigerated items like pesto, smoothies, and infused drinks allows you to enjoy the flavor even after the leaves have wilted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mint last longer refrigerated or at room temperature?
Refrigeration extends mint’s shelf life significantly. At room temperature, mint will only last 1-2 days before wilting and losing flavor. Refrigerated, it lasts 3-4 days if stored properly.
Should mint be refrigerated or kept on the counter?
For best results, mint should be refrigerated, not left at room temperature. The cold environment of the refrigerator slows moisture loss and respiration, preserving mint’s freshness longer.
Can you freeze mint without drying it?
It’s best to thoroughly dry mint leaves before freezing them. Any moisture or water droplets on the leaves will cause them to freeze into a solid clump. Make sure leaves are completely dry before freezing to retain texture and separate leaves.
What does mint look like when it goes bad?
Rotting mint leaves turn slimy, mushy, and brown or black. Dry, crumbly mint and leaves with white-ish mold are also signs mint has spoiled. Bad mint may develop an off or sour smell.
Can you get sick from eating old mint leaves?
It’s possible to get sick from eating spoiled mint leaves. Moldy mint can cause allergic reactions or food poisoning. Stick to fresh mint within its prime refrigerated shelf life of 3-4 days.
Conclusion
With proper refrigerated storage, fresh mint leaves can retain good flavor and aroma for 3 to 4 days before deteriorating. Wrap dry mint loosely in damp paper towels and place inside an airtight plastic bag in the fridge crisper. Look for signs of spoilage like wilting, browning, or sliminess before eating. Frozen leaves can also preserve mint for months. Using mint soon before it wilts will allow you to enjoy its cooling, refreshing flavor without waste.
