Many people love to eat curry leaves in their daily curry. Mint is regularly served in sorbets or chutneys. As a result, there is a supply of these two at home. But if you open the fridge at the right time during cooking and see that the leaves are wilted, blackened or completely dry, what to do then?
As curry leaves and mint spoil very quickly, many times after buying a bunch, half of it is thrown away. If water is left on the leaves, especially after washing, it accelerates decomposition. But if stored properly (Curry-Mint Leaf Storage) it is possible to keep it well for several months!
1. First separate the curry leaves from the stem. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves. Rinse well and spread on a clean cloth or paper towel, dry completely. This step is very important. If water remains on the leaves, then fungus may develop.
Once completely dry, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag and seal as much air as possible. Then put it in the freezer. Curry leaves can be used for about 4 to 6 months if stored in this way.
2. Use the ice cube method. Mint loses its aroma quickly. After washing and drying it completely, you can keep it in an airtight bag and freeze it like curry leaves. Or you can crush the leaves and put them in an ice cube tray and freeze them with a little water. These mint cubes are very effective in chutneys, smoothies or teas. Cubes can be added directly to food or drinks as needed.
3. If you don't want to keep it in the freezer, curry leaves and mint can be dried and stored. After washing, dry well and spread on a clean cloth or tray in a shaded, ventilated place. Turn the pages occasionally. When completely dry, store in an airtight container in the shade. However, keeping it dry reduces the mint aroma a little.
4. If you don't plan to keep it for a long time, it's easy to keep it in the fridge. Wrap unwashed leaves loosely in a dry paper towel and place in a partially opened plastic bag or container. There will be little air movement and the leaves will not dry out too much.
But as with any food, it is better to eat it fresh than to preserve it. So if possible, buy a small quantity, use it and buy again next time.