Fresh mint loses its aroma within days once it is off the stem, but turning those leaves into a fine powder locks in the flavour for months without needing any chemical preservative. Making this powder at home is simple, and the result turns out purer and more fragrant than the packaged versions sold in stores, since nothing artificial goes into it.
Washing and separating the leaves
Start by plucking the mint leaves off their stems and rinsing them under clean water two to three times. This step washes away any soil, dust or grit still clinging to the leaves. Once rinsed, drain off the excess moisture using a strainer, or pat the leaves dry with a kitchen towel, since leaves that go into drying while still wet take far longer to dehydrate properly.
Drying the leaves in the shade
Spread the washed leaves out in a single layer on a clean cloth or a tray and leave them to dry in a shaded spot for two to three days. Turn the leaves over every so often so both sides dry evenly and no damp patches remain underneath. In particularly humid weather, a short spell of mild sunlight can speed the process along. Either way, the leaves need to turn completely crisp and brittle before the next step, because even slightly damp leaves will clump together instead of turning into a fine powder.
Grinding it into a fine powder
Once the leaves are fully dried, put them into a mixer grinder and blend until they turn into a powder. Running the ground mixture through a sieve afterward filters out any coarser bits, leaving behind a smooth, even mint powder ready for storage.
How to store it and how long it lasts
Transfer the finished powder into an airtight glass jar and keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct heat and sunlight. Stored this way, it stays usable for four to six months without losing its aroma or flavour.
Where this mint powder comes in handy
This homemade mint powder can be stirred into chaas, raita, curd, chutney and salads, besides sandwiches, spice blends and all kinds of snacks. It turns everyday meals fresher and more flavourful without any artificial additive going anywhere near the food.
