Homemade Mint Extract

This year, my mint has grown wonderfully. It has been a hot summer with little rain (so we have watered often!!) and the mint grew so well that I ended up with far too much mint!! So, I decided to make mint extract!

I love using mint extracts in desserts like mint nanaimo bars or as a lovely mint frosting on chocolate cake or even adding a bit in hot chocolate for a wonderfully minty peppermint hot chocolate to enjoy on those cold frosty winter days! But I find store-bought mint extract to be quite strong and lack the right mint flavor. It can often taste like toothpaste or have a soapy feel if you accidentally use too much! I have added too much before and mint extract can literally ruin anything! That is what I like about homemade extracts — they always have such great flavor and won’t ruin whatever tastiness you are creating!

Mint placed in any alcohol like vodka (or vinegar) can also make a tincture if you add a lot of mint and allow it to sit several weeks. I have been enjoying learning about herbal medicine and all the different uses of herbs like mint. I love mint for upset stomach – I usually chew on mint leaves or add it to a glass of water with a bit of lime and ice which not only soothes the belly, but also makes a delicious drink on a hot summer’s day!

Mint has various nutrients which are also great for the digestive tract, helps with bad breath, improves cold symptoms, supports brain health as well as an array of other benefits. But to obtain all these benefits, using herbs like mint every day will aid the body in extracting the nutrients it needs.

Leaving some mint flower and go to seed is an excellent way to replenish your seed stash! Once the mint is no longer flowering and the blooms have turned brown, pick them from the plant and store until completely dry, about 2 to 3 weeks. Once dry, crush them with your fingers to release the seeds and separate them from the chaff.

I picked all this wonderful mint from our garden plot, even though its starting to flower. The mint leaves are so fragrant that I could not help but turn it into an extract to use all winter long!

I then rinsed the mint and tossed the leaves into a jar.

I then poured vodka over top the mint and placed a lid on.

The mint smells simply amazing — its going to make a wonderful mint extract!

Mint Extract

Several Mint Leaves
Vodka

Toss leaves into a jar. Top with vodka and let sit several days. I leave it until the mint has browned and then strain and add more mint leaves until you have the desired minty taste you like.

This is such a fabulous way to use up some mint from your garden! Make this delicious mint extract (or even mint tincture) instead of buying it. No artificial flavors, no artificial dyes or yucky ingredients. Just a couple simple items to making the best mint extract you will ever use!

enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours