Mint – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is mint?

Mentha, more commonly known as mint, is a type of aromatic herb. Mint is used around the world and is available in hundreds of varieties, including (but certainly not limited to):

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Apple mint
• Lavender mint
• Grapefruit mint
• Basil mint
• Citrus mint
• Corsican Mint
• Pennyroyal

Mint leaves are often used as a flavoring in everyday items like toothpaste and chewing gum because of their fresh taste. However, with different varieties come different flavors and leaf colors. Mint is typically green, but some varieties can have green-gray, yellow, or even blue leaves.

Where did mint originate from?

Wild mint is a fresh herb that is native to areas worldwide, from North America and Europe to Asia, Southern Africa, and Australia. Mint has been cultivated since the time of the Ancient Greeks, who believed that they would become stronger by rubbing mint on their arms.

Today, different varieties of mint are grown and sold fresh and dried around the world. They’re used for both culinary purposes and for the plant’s essential oils and fragrant smell.

What is the nutritional value of mint?

As a fresh herb, mint is relatively low in calories (approximately 5 calories per 2tbsp of chopped fresh mint), protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. Because of this, it’s a great addition to meals and drinks as a garnish or for a pop of flavor where you might least expect it.

How is mint grown?

Mint is a perennial herb, meaning that it will continue to grow back year after year once planted. Mint is typically planted in March, April, and May and is harvested between May and October. The plant enjoys well-drained soil and sunny exposure. Because of its many varieties, mint is incredibly invasive and should be confined to its own area. When harvested, mint is cut off at the stem and is sold in bunches or in packages with the stems removed.

When is mint in season?

Because it is a relatively hearty plant, mint is typically in season between May and October, making it the perfect summer and early fall herb. Mint can be used in many summer dishes like salads, salsas, cocktails, and desserts.

What should I look for when buying mint?

Mint can be purchased in bunches or as a full plant, leaves, or dried. When purchasing fresh mint, it’s key to look for leaves that are evenly colored (typically green) without any brown or yellow patches. Leaves should not be wilted, and the smell of the mint should be fairly powerful when close to the herb.

If you are looking for fresh produce delivery, you can easily shop for mint via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop mint for your next meal now!

How to store mint

Depending on how much fridge, freezer, or countertop space you have available, you can store mint in various ways. First, if you would like to store your mint in the fridge, use a wet paper towel to wrap the stems before placing the mint into a loosely sealed plastic bag. The mint will last for about 5 days.

To store mint on the counter, fill a cup with about an inch of water (enough that it covers a decent amount of the stems but does not touch the leaves) and place the bunch of mint into it. You can also store mint like this in the fridge with a loose plastic bag over the top. Again, it should last about 5 days.

To freeze mint, remove the leaves from the stems. Then, place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it into the freezer. After a few hours, remove the leaves and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Alternatively, mint leaves can be chopped and placed with water into icecube trays and frozen.

Finally, you can dry your own mint to lock in the flavor for months to come. To dry mint, first wash and pat dry the fresh mint before removing all of the stems and any bad leaves. Next, preheat your oven to 180°F and lay the mint leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave the mint in the oven for at least 2 hours, although it may need up to 4. Once completely dry, the leaves can be stored in an airtight container or crumpled up for more compact storage.

How to tell if mint has gone bad

You can tell if mint has gone bad by examining the leaves. Those that are wilted or discolored have likely reached their end. Giving the leaves a sniff is a key indicator to tell if the mint can still be used. If the mint smells fresh with the standard mint smell, it’s likely fine, but if the smell has faded or there’s a rotting odor, it’s time to get a fresh bunch of mint.

What can I substitute for mint?

Fresh or dried mint can always be substituted for one another, just take care to remember that dried mint is more concentrated than fresh mint. Other substitutes for mint include:

• Rosemary
• Basil
• Marjoram
• Parsley
• Tarragon
• Oregano
• Cilantro

If you’re really in a bind, check your cupboard for mint tea. Cut the teabag open and use the dried mint leaves inside.

Start cooking with mint today

Mint really is the ultimate herb! With its fresh taste that can be used in any number of your favorite dishes, it needs to be a staple in your kitchen.

Stock up on fresh bunches of mint today!

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