Mint and Peppermint in the Fridge
What's the Difference?
Storing herbs in your fridge? Knowing the difference between mint and peppermint can make a big difference. Both are from the Mentha family, but they have unique traits that affect how you store, use, and taste them.
| Aspect | Mint | Peppermint |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Mentha spicata (Spearmint) | Mentha × piperita |
| Flavor | Mild, sweet | Strong, pungent, cool |
| Common Uses | Culinary, garnishes, beverages | Confectionery, medicinal, beverages |
| Menthol Content | Lower | Higher |
Mint, or spearmint, has a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for cooking, garnishes, and drinks. Peppermint, with its strong, cool taste, is great for candy, medicine, and some beverages.
Knowing how to store and use these herbs can up your kitchen game. For more on how different veggies and herbs do in the fridge, check out our articles on dill Vs. fennel in the fridge and parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge.
Mint in the Fridge
Benefits and Uses
Mint is a kitchen superstar. Its fresh aroma and flavor can make any dish pop. Here’s why you should love mint:
- Aromatic: Adds a fresh scent to your dishes.
- Flavor Boost: Enhances both sweet and savory dishes.
- Digestive Aid: Helps with digestion.
- Versatile: Great in salads, desserts, drinks, and sauces.
Adding mint to your meals not only tastes great but also offers health benefits. For more on mint’s nutritional value, check out our article on nutritional value of mint.
How to Store Mint in the Fridge
Keep your mint fresh with these methods:
- Damp Paper Towel:
- Rinse leaves gently.
- Wrap in a damp paper towel.
- Place in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- Store in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
- Glass of Water:
- Trim the ends of the stems.
- Place in a glass of water, like flowers.
- Cover with a plastic bag and secure with a rubber band.
- Store in the fridge, changing water every few days.
- Herb Keeper:
- Place mint in a herb keeper.
- Store in the fridge.
| Storage Method | Freshness Duration |
|---|---|
| Damp Paper Towel | Up to 7 days |
| Glass of Water | Up to 10 days |
| Herb Keeper | Up to 14 days |
These methods will keep your mint fresh longer. For more on storing herbs, see our article on parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge.
Peppermint in the Fridge
Benefits and Uses
Peppermint is known for its refreshing and cooling properties. Here’s why it’s awesome:
- Digestive Aid: Helps with bloating and indigestion.
- Respiratory Relief: Menthol helps with colds and congestion.
- Stress Reduction: Calming aroma reduces stress and anxiety.
Uses of Peppermint:
- Culinary: Great in desserts, drinks, and savory dishes.
- Aromatherapy: Essential oils are soothing and invigorating.
- Medicinal: Used in teas and tinctures for digestive health and headache relief.
How to Store Peppermint in the Fridge
Keep peppermint fresh with these steps:
- Rinse: Gently rinse leaves under cold water.
- Dry: Pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.
- Wrap: Wrap in a damp paper towel.
- Container: Place in a plastic bag or airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the crisper drawer.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Wrapped in damp paper towel and plastic bag | 1 - 2 weeks |
| In an airtight container | 1 - 2 weeks |
For more tips on storing herbs, see our articles on scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge and parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge.
Flavor Profile of Mint and Peppermint
Mint and peppermint have distinct flavors that can enhance your dishes.
Contrasting Flavors
Mint (spearmint) has a sweet, mild flavor with a hint of menthol. Peppermint is more intense with a strong, cooling menthol taste.
| Aspect | Mint (Spearmint) | Peppermint |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, mild | Strong, cooling |
| Menthol Content | Low | High |
| Aftertaste | Subtle | Pronounced |
Culinary Uses in the Fridge
Store mint and peppermint in your fridge to keep them fresh for cooking.
Mint (Spearmint):
- Fresh salads
- Mojitos and cocktails
- Yogurt and fruit dishes
- Middle Eastern cuisine (e.g., tabbouleh)
Peppermint:
- Desserts and sweets
- Peppermint tea
- Chocolate and mint pairings
- Holiday recipes (e.g., peppermint bark)
Choose based on the dish’s flavor profile and desired intensity. For more on storing and using herbs, see our articles on parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge and basil Vs. Thai basil in the fridge.
Nutritional Value
Mint and peppermint offer unique health benefits and differ slightly in nutrients.
Health Benefits
Both herbs are great for:
- Digestive Health: Help with bloating and indigestion.
- Respiratory Relief: Peppermint’s menthol helps with colds.
- Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduce inflammation.
- Oral Health: Freshen breath and reduce oral bacteria.
Differences in Nutrients
Here’s a comparison of key nutrients:
| Nutrient | Mint (per 100g) | Peppermint (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 44 | 70 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 8.41 | 15.56 |
| Dietary Fiber (g) | 6.8 | 8 |
| Protein (g) | 3.29 | 3.75 |
| Fat (g) | 0.73 | 0.94 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 4248 | 2124 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 31.8 | 31.8 |
| Calcium (mg) | 243 | 243 |
| Iron (mg) | 5.08 | 5.08 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 80 | 80 |
Peppermint has more calories and fiber, while mint has more Vitamin A. Both are rich in vitamins and minerals. For more comparisons, see our articles on sweet potato Vs. yam in the fridge and scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge.
Cooking with Mint and Peppermint
Using mint and peppermint in your cooking can elevate your dishes.
Complementing Dishes
Mint:
- Fresh in salads, drinks, and desserts.
- Pairs with lamb, peas, and potatoes.
- Adds a refreshing note to fruit salads and summer drinks.
Peppermint:
- Stronger, suitable for desserts and candies.
- Great in baking, especially with chocolate.
- Adds a cool flavor to teas and hot drinks.
| Herb | Complementary Dishes |
|---|---|
| Mint | Salads, lamb, peas, potatoes, drinks |
| Peppermint | Desserts, candies, chocolate recipes |
Substituting Between Mint and Peppermint
You can sometimes swap mint and peppermint, but adjust quantities:
- Mint to Peppermint: Use more mint since it’s milder.
- Peppermint to Mint: Use less peppermint to avoid overpowering the dish.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mint, start with 1/2 tablespoon of peppermint and adjust to taste.
For more herb comparisons, see our articles on parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge or basil Vs. Thai basil in the fridge.
Freshness and Shelf Life
Keep mint and peppermint fresh in the fridge to maintain their flavor and nutrients.
Keeping Mint and Peppermint Fresh
Follow these steps:
- Wash and Dry: Rinse gently and pat dry.
- Wrap in Damp Paper Towel: Helps maintain humidity.
- Store in a Plastic Bag: Prevents drying out.
- Refrigerate: Store in the crisper drawer.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Wrapped in Damp Towel | 7-10 days |
| In a Plastic Bag | 7-10 days |
| In Water (like flowers) | 2 weeks |
Signs of Spoilage
Look for these signs:
- Discoloration: Yellow or brown leaves.
- Wilting: Loss of firmness.
- Odor: Off or sour smell.
- Mold: Visible mold on leaves.
| Spoilage Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Discoloration | Yellowing or browning |
| Wilting | Loss of firmness |
| Odor | Off or sour smell |
| Mold | Visible mold on leaves |
For more tips on storing herbs, see our articles on scallion Vs. green onion in the fridge and parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge.
Growing Mint and Peppermint
Growing your own mint and peppermint can be rewarding. Here’s how to do it in the fridge:
Tips for Growing in the Fridge
- Containers: Use small pots with drainage holes.
- Lighting: Place in a part of the fridge with indirect light.
- Soil: Use well-draining potting mix.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Humidity: Use a humidity tray or place a water dish nearby.
- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature.
Harvesting and Storing Fresh Herbs
-
Harvesting:
- Use clean scissors to cut stems above a leaf node.
- Harvest in the morning.
- Don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.
-
Storing in the Fridge:
- Wrap stems in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.
- Store in the crisper drawer.
- Or place stems in a jar of water with a plastic bag loosely covering the leaves.
| Herb | Ideal Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | Damp paper towel, plastic bag | 7-10 days |
| Peppermint | Jar with water, plastic cover | 7-10 days |
For more on keeping herbs fresh, see our article on keeping mint and peppermint fresh.
By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh mint and peppermint from your fridge. For other herb comparisons, see our articles on parsley Vs. cilantro in the fridge and basil Vs. Thai basil in the fridge.
Get Your Upgrade or New Addition at Fridge.com
Whether you're searching for your perfect fridge, freezer, wine fridge, beer fridge, ice maker, or kegerator, we have what you need.
Shop the world's best brands at Fridge.com.
We also have tons of awesome articles about kitchen stuff and home news. Enhance your home, garage, backyard, patio, and office with the coolest essentials. With every necessary type of residential refrigerator or freezer in our collection, we've got you covered.
Elevate your game and shop now at Fridge.com!
