How do you extract juice from mint leaves?

Pour alcohol over the leaves. Using a spoon, mash leaves down until completely covered. Cover jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in a dark cabinet for 3-4 week, shaking occasionally. When the extract has reached the depth of flavor that you prefer, strain the the leaves from the extract.

Can you use fresh mint leaves?

Mint is one of the most versatile of herbs: it works just as well in savory and sweet recipes! Add it to drinks and cocktails for the best refreshing flavor. Pull off beautiful leaves to garnish desserts, or throw it into salads to make a beautiful green pop. You can even use it to make pesto.

What do you do with fresh mint leaves?

7 Tasty Ways to Use Fresh Mint

1. Mint Tea. Add a sprig or two to a mug and cover in hot water.
2. Mint Ice Cubes. Brew your mint tea extra strong then freeze it into ice cubes!
3. Chocolate Dipped Mint Leaves.
4. Watermelon Salad.
5. Mint Pesto.
6. Hugo Cocktails.
7. Chickpea, Barley, and Zucchini Ribbon Salad.

Is peppermint extract the same as mint extract?

Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, whereas peppermint extract is just that. Mint brings a bright, bold flavor to recipes. On the savory side, spearmint is usually the mint of choice, however when it comes to sweet, peppermint is the herb of choice as it pairs well with chocolate and citrus flavors.

How much alcohol is in mint extract?

Important information. Ingredients: Alcohol (85\%), water, oil of spearmint, oil of peppermint. Use as any pure mint extract.

How do you make mint extract from dried mint leaves?

Crush and smash the leaves in your hands–this will help to release some of the oils and give the process a jump start. Place the leaves in a pint-sized glass jar, and fill the jar the rest of the way with vodka. Give it a shake and set aside in a cool, dark place. Allow the mixture to steep for one to two months.

What type of mint is sweet mint?

Spearmint
Spearmint. “Spearmint is grown on every continent except the poles, so it’s readily available in every cuisine you can imagine,” says Belsinger. With much less menthol than peppermint, spearmint is naturally sweet and refreshing, which is why it finds its way into many fruit dishes and cocktails.

How long does homemade mint extract last?

about 3 to 4 years
Properly stored, mint extract will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years. To maximize the shelf life of mint extract, keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

What are the side effects of mint leaves?

Peppermint leaf is possibly safe when taken for up to 8 weeks. It’s not clear if peppermint leaf is safe to use for longer than 8 weeks. Peppermint can cause some side effects including heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting.

Is mint an insect repellent?

The pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.

Can I use fresh mint instead of peppermint extract?

Use it in a 1:1 ratio as you would storebought peppermint extract. It’s great for cooking, in Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, or Virgin Mojitos. If giving this as a gift I like to strain the finished extract from the old leaves, decant to another bottle, and add a few fresh mint leaves.