How do I cut mint leaves so that I don't kill the plant?

Question

I'd like to make some tea from my peppermint leaves, but I don't know which way to cut them so that I don't kill it. Also, do you have any other ideas on how I could use my mint leaves? Should I dry them?

Answer 1

you can cut branches and tie them together to dry , as long that you don't pull out the roots ,mint will keep coming back year after year. You can make mint Jelly , it's really good , dry some and store the leaves into a tall glass jar to make tea .

Answer 2

Unless it's just freshly planted, don't worry about killing mint.  It's considered "invasive".  That means you might be able to get rid of it with a flame thrower, maybe. (Actually, RoundUp works, if necessary, but I digress ....)

If you want to be careful, don't take more than maybe half the stalks off each plant.  Drying them is a good idea. Dried leaves make tea that's not quite as good as fresh leaves, but still good.

Some people make mint sauce or jelly to go with lamb.

I like to freeze them loose, in an airtight container, for garnishing salads and desserts.

I understand they're a necessary part of mint juleps, and I like one or two crushed in a tall glass of cold water.

Answer 3

Every answer here is correct, cut, cut ,snip away... In a couple of months you will be back here asking how to kill 90% of the mint growing in your yard.... It's a tough plant and keeps coming back, so enjoy it!!!