People have long enjoyed the wonderful aromas of mint, but not everyone knows how to dry the mint and store it for the winter at home so that it does not lose its beneficial qualities.
Few of the beneficial properties
It is not by chance that this plant is so in demand - the whole world knows about the beneficial properties of mint.
Mint since ancient times is used as one of the main medicinal plants. Her healing properties are recognized by almost any doctor. At the same time a large number of medicines are made from it. 
Mint has a diuretic effect. A simple mint tea will remove excess fluid from the body. The harm from the use of large amounts of salt is also leveled with the help of decoctions from this plant.
Safflower, lycra, asparagus, jujube, hops, lavender, and cornflower have a slight diuretic effect.It is used for dietary purposes, but very carefully, as an excess of water can easily turn into a deficiency.
Did you know? Legend has it that mint got its name in honor of the Roman goddess of reason and common sense Cops.It is recommended to drink mint infusion to people with bile problems to prevent nausea and sudden vomiting.
But the soothing properties of mint have gained universal fame. Enough and a couple of leaves, added to regular tea, to bring the nerves in order. 
From peppermint is made many anti-inflammatory ointments. Wild mint is effective for intestinal disorders and flatulence. It is also used against tuberculosis and rheumatism.
Familiarize yourself with the healing properties and contraindications of peppermint.Peppermint tinctures are taken with a severe headache. Essential oils from the extract of this plant are used to restore damaged hair and split ends.
Collection rules
There are a number of recommendations and tips that describe the best time of year to collect mint, as well as in which places the most useful mint grows and which ones should be avoided.
When to collect?
Only the first two months of the month are suitable for collecting mint. For the maximum manifestation of aromatic properties, it must be cut off after the final flowering. 
But in the event of the appearance of buds in young processes, individual leaves can also be taken. For drying, both stems and leaves are used.
Important! An important factor in collecting is the humidity of the air. By collecting mint a day, when dew was even on the leaves late in the morning, you can get a brown color instead of green when drying.It is also necessary to protect the collected workpiece from direct sunlight. In hot weather, the leaves evaporate and look faded. Therefore, it is best to collect in the morning or in the evening. This ensures the freshness and juiciness of the stems.
When the plant is too dusty, it is better to shake it vigorously than to wash it with water. External moisture will not allow to produce high-quality drying, causing mold and browning.Most people probably more than once confused mint with melissa.It is better not to collect mint until the buds appear due to insufficient accumulation of essential components. Young mint will dry out much when dried, but there will be no more good from the old good. Rough stems and leaves will not give the necessary aromas.
Top places
The place where mint is collected is also of great importance. It is logical that it as a medicinal plant should not be plucked near the industrial zone, highway or landfill. To do this, it is better to choose environmentally friendly places with unsuitable soil with various chemicals.
Did you know? Mint is mentioned even in the Bible among the products that were going to be filed.
Mint preparation
Before drying mint at home for tea or other purposes, it is necessary to prepare the harvested herbs. 
Sometimes it is necessary to rinse the branches with cold tap water. Paper towels will help dry them to a completely dry state so that you can move on.
After that, spread one layer on a towel and leave for some time to completely dry the stems and leaves.
You can also use a centrifuge. But still after it will have to dry the mint with towels. When using other methods, it is necessary to separate the leaves and stems before drying. 
This can be done either with your fingers or with a knife. Get rid of the damaged and painful leaves, and leave the good ones.
How to dry mint at home
There are several ways to dry mint, but you need to know how to do it at home.
In the open air
Group the greens in bunches. Tying the twigs tightly with thread or twine, take care of the free space for the leaves. 
To dry, use a dark, warm enough place with free access to fresh air.
Suspension of plants must be leaves down to the aromatic oils flowed to them, and not accumulated in the trunks.
If you do not have a room with minimal access to light, then carefully put paper bags on the bundles so that they do not suffocate. The temperature in the room should be from 20 degrees. 
After a week or two, the mint will dry out. Tear off the leaves, passing a hand from the tip of the stem to the top. You can tear off the top leaves yourself.
In the microwave
Mint leaves are laid out in one layer on a microwave saucer. This will allow to dry faster and smoother than in the form of a heap.
Turn on the dryer for short periods of 10 seconds, checking when they start to curl and become friable. 
On average, you spend about half a minute. Try to keep the leaves green, they will have more flavor and aroma.
If you want to dry a bunch, then stir the grass every half a minute. For two minutes, mint should dry out, but not the fact that evenly.
Important! Mint can be harmful to men. With intensive use there are problems with potency.
In the oven
Almost everyone has an oven at home, so it will be helpful to know how to dry the mint using this unit at home.
Bring the temperature to 65 degrees. In essence, ensure the lowest possible temperature. At high temperatures, the mint will dry out too quickly and lose its flavor. 
The temperature limit for drying is 99 degrees. Turn off the oven after 4-6 minutes. The drying conditions of the grass should be warm, but not hot. Separate the leaves along the baking sheet so that they do not touch one another.
This will protect against uneven results, where burnt leaves next to wet ones can turn out. According to this logic, dry approximately the same plants.
It will be useful for you to learn, than each of types of mint is useful.It is not necessary to pour anything on the baking sheet, you can only lay it with parchment. It will take about 10-15 minutes to dry. Do not let the mint overheat.
In the electric dryer
If you have an electric dryer, then you will be interested in how to dry the collected mint using this device at home. 
Put the grass on the electric dryer tray in one layer. This will give a uniform drying, as in a pile they will have to constantly interfere.
Drying is necessary at the lowest temperature conditions. Mint needs a minimum of heat to dry.
You will probably be interested to read about the dryer Ezidri Snackmaker FD500 and Ezidri Ultra FD1000.If you cannot establish a constant temperature, then check every few minutes to prevent grass burning out.
As a result, the leaves should turn out a little tucked and crumbly, but keep the natural green color.Product Storage Rules
There are several guidelines on how to store dried mint. Store the mint in a clean container without moisture. To do this, use jars with sealed lids, plastic containers, resealable or vacuum bags.
Important! Do not use cardboard or paper containers; they will absorb leaf oils that will quickly lose their flavor.Mark the date, content and quantity in containers.
It is better to keep the mint whole leaves, and chop up just before use. Make sure that moisture does not appear inside the first time.We recommend to learn about the methods of harvesting pears, apricots, currants, apples, garlic, parsley, dill, spinach, ceps, celery, cilantro for the winter.If necessary, dry the grass in the same way as before. Choose a cool and dark place for storage. Do not store this plant for more than a year - it will corny lose its qualities.
Winter use
In winter, mint is usually made delicious flavored tea. Leaves can also be added to black or green tea as an aromatic additive. 
This drink will help from intestinal problems, emetic symptoms. To prepare it, just pour a small amount of leaves with hot water and insist for a few minutes.
Honey can be added to tea to prevent heart problems. Mint can make aromatic baths, which is useful for problem skin.
Thanks to these recommendations, you can properly dry the mint for the winter period and enjoy its aromas in the winter cold evenings.
