How to keep mint fresh for longer: 4 easy pudina storage tips to keep mint fresh for weeks

There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for fresh mint to finish a chutney or glass of nimbu pani, only to find the leaves wilted, slimy or blackened in the refrigerator. With proper storage, however, fresh pudina can stay usable for one to two weeks, while freezing can preserve it for several months.

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Dry the Mint Before Storing

Moisture is one of the biggest reasons fresh mint deteriorates quickly. If you wash the leaves before storing them, make sure they are completely dry.


Spread the mint on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and allow it to air-dry, or gently pat it dry. Avoid storing wet leaves in a sealed bag or container, as excess moisture can cause them to become slimy and dark.

Store Mint in a Jar of Water

One of the easiest ways to keep mint fresh is to treat it like a small bouquet.

Trim the bottom of the stems and place the bunch upright in a glass or jar containing about an inch of water. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and keep the jar in the refrigerator.

Change the water every two to three days to keep it fresh. This method can help mint remain fresh for around one to two weeks.

Use a Damp Paper Towel

If the mint has already been separated from the stems, a paper towel method can work well.

Place the leaves in a single layer on a paper towel and roll them loosely. Put the roll inside a storage container or bag, leaving it slightly open to allow some airflow.

Check the paper towel regularly. If it becomes too wet, replace it with a fresh, lightly damp towel. Properly stored mint can stay fresh for around a week to 10 days using this method.

Freeze Mint for Long-Term Storage

If you have more mint than you can use within a couple of weeks, freezing is a practical option.

Wash and thoroughly dry the leaves, then roughly chop them and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the compartments with water and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a labelled freezer bag and use them as needed.

Frozen mint can last for around three to six months and can be added directly to curries, dals, teas and other cooked dishes.

For whole leaves, spread them separately on a tray and freeze them before transferring them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent the leaves from sticking together.

Which Mint Storage Method Should You Choose?

For short-term use, storing mint stems in a jar of water is a convenient option. If the leaves have already been separated, the damp paper towel method can help keep them fresh for several days. For longer storage, freezing mint in ice cubes or as individual leaves is a better choice.

With a little preparation, you can reduce food waste and keep fresh pudina ready for chutneys, drinks and everyday cooking for much longer.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Storage times can vary depending on the freshness of the mint at purchase, humidity, and refrigerator or freezer conditions.

[With TOI inputs]