If you planted mint this season hoping for just a handful of fresh sprigs to liven up your iced tea, you’re not alone—and you may have found yourself with far more mint than you bargained for! This hearty herb is known for its vigorous growth, often leaving gardeners delightfully overwhelmed. But don’t let all that green goodness go to waste. Here are ten clever and enjoyable ways to use your plentiful mint harvest that go well beyond the classic summer beverage garnish.
1. Refresh Your Drinks
Mint’s bright, cool flavor makes it the perfect addition to a wide range of beverages. Whether you’re mixing up classic mojitos, mocktails, iced tea, or homemade lemonade, a few sprigs of fresh mint can elevate your drink with refreshing zest. Toss some leaves directly into your glass or pitcher and enjoy the invigorating aroma and taste.
2. Brighten Up Fresh Spring Rolls
For a light, healthy summer meal, fresh spring rolls are hard to beat. Mint adds a delightful pop of flavor and pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and tender proteins wrapped in rice paper. Next time you make spring rolls, be generous with your mint leaves—they truly make the dish sing.
3. Freeze Mint into Ice Cubes
Want to add a decorative and tasty twist to your summer drinks? Freeze individual mint leaves in ice cube trays—silicone trays work best for easy removal. These mint-infused ice cubes will chill your beverages and release bursts of minty freshness as they melt, impressing guests at your next gathering.
4. Brew Your Own Mint Tea
While store-bought mint tea bags are convenient, nothing beats the flavor and aroma of freshly steeped mint leaves. Simply steep a handful of fresh leaves in boiling water for about five minutes. Sweeten with a bit of honey if you like. Mint tea not only tastes great but also aids digestion, making it a soothing post-meal ritual.
5. Add Mint to Fruit Salads and Salsas
Mint pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits, lending a bright contrast to sweet flavors. Sprinkle chopped mint over fruit salads or blend it into fruit salsas for an extra layer of refreshment. It’s a simple way to make your fruit dishes more vibrant and intriguing.
6. Craft a Homemade Mint Oil Rub
Mint’s cooling and soothing properties make it an excellent remedy for sore muscles. To create your own mint-infused oil, crush fresh mint leaves with a mallet or mortar and pestle to release their oils. Place the crushed mint in a jar and cover with about 2 ounces of a neutral carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil. Let it sit in a warm spot for 24 hours, then strain. Apply this fragrant oil topically to tired muscles for relief.
7. Whip Up a Healthy Tabouleh Salad
Tabouleh, a classic Middle Eastern salad, relies heavily on fresh herbs—especially mint—to deliver its signature bright flavor. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and lots of fresh mint, it’s a nutritious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer. Plus, you can easily swap bulgur for quinoa to make it gluten-free or add chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
8. Create a Sachet of Homemade Mint Potpourri
Don’t let your mint go to waste when it’s too abundant to eat. Dry fresh mint leaves in a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven. Once crisp, chop them up and fill small cloth bags to make sachets. These fragrant bundles can freshen drawers, closets, or serve as charming, homemade gifts with a personal touch.
9. Use Mint as a Natural Bug Repellent
Many insects dislike mint’s strong aroma, making it a handy natural pest deterrent. You can make a mint spray by boiling fresh mint leaves with citrus peels in water, letting it steep overnight, straining, and mixing with rubbing alcohol before spraying on skin (avoid clothing to prevent staining). Crushing fresh leaves and rubbing their oils on your skin is another quick option. Mint leaves scattered near ant trails can disrupt their path indoors. Just be cautious—garden mint isn’t safe for pets.
10. Blend a Healthy “Shamrock” Milkshake
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day—or simply enjoy a nutritious treat—by blending mint into a green milkshake. Combine 2½ cups of your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based), a cup of fresh spinach, a banana, half an avocado, and 8 fresh mint leaves in a blender. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired. Top with whipped coconut cream and cacao nibs for a decadent, yet wholesome delight.
Final Thoughts
Mint is more than just a pretty garnish—it’s a versatile herb bursting with flavor, health benefits, and practical uses. From refreshing drinks and salads to natural remedies and pest control, your garden’s bounty can brighten meals, soothe muscles, and even freshen your home.
With these ten creative ideas, you’ll never be at a loss for what to do with your surplus mint. So grab those scissors and start experimenting—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy this timeless herb.
