When is the best time to harvest peppermint?
There are three ways to harvest fresh peppermint
- Small quantities running
- First harvest time just before flowering in June
- Second main harvest in autumn
- Cut back whenever necessary
also read
- When is the best time to cut peppermint?
- These tips will help you plant peppermint properly
- The side effects of peppermint
Harvest peppermint properly
As soon as the peppermint has developed enough leaves, you can continuously pick a few off to make tea or taste delicious dishes.
Since peppermint is mostly drunk as tea in this country or made into peppermint oil, the main harvest should take place when the plant begins to bloom. Then the proportion of essential oils in the leaves is highest. The flowering period lasts from June to August.
Just before winter, you can use the scissors or knife again and cut the plants all the way down. The harvested stems are only suitable for consumption when the summer has been very warm. After cool, rainy summers, it is not worth processing the peppermint, as the leaves could not develop enough aroma.
How is peppermint cut?
Simply pluck individual leaves from the stems with your fingers. Make sure, however, that the stems do not tear, as pests can quickly establish themselves here.
For the main crops, it is best to cut the peppermint just above the ground with sharp scissors. The plants can tolerate strong pruning and sprout reliably again.
In between, you have to use scissors every now and then to cut the peppermint. The plants tend to overgrow and can only be kept in check by pruning.
Process peppermint after harvest
Peppermint should definitely not lie long after harvest. The faster you process them, the higher the percentage of essential oils in the leaves.
Peppermint is most aromatic when you brew the freshly harvested leaves as tea or add them to the food.
Peppermint goes wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks. When dried, you can stock up on mint tea for the winter and not have to buy ready-made tea. This is particularly advantageous because purchased peppermint tea is often contaminated with harmful substances.
Different ways to preserve peppermint
- dry
- Freeze
- Soak in oil
- peppermint oil
- Seasoned Salt
- Peppermint jelly
- Peppermint liqueur
Tips & Tricks
Peppermint is a universal herb that you can twist for many things. Peppermint oil is known for its beneficial effects on headaches. It will even scare mice away if you put a few drops in the mouse holes.
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