The refreshing goodness that fresh mint leaves add to any drink or any dish is distinct and almost unmatchable by any other herbs. While much of this freshness depends on the knowing the right technique of preserving them, a lot of it also depends on knowing how to tear mint leaves to prevent browning. Strange, but true, tearing mint leaves in the proper way does prevent browning the leaves to a great extent.

How does Tearing Mint Leaves Prevent Browning:
You can always go ahead and cut your mint leaves with scissors or knives. But, culinary experts believe that this fastens the process of browning of the mint leaves. It is believed that cutting the mint leaves with knives or scissors breaks the leaves’ cell walls more. This, in turn, hastens the process of discoloration in the leaves and turns them brown much faster. Therefore, instead of cutting leaves, simply tear them with your hands before adding them to your drinks and dishes.

How to Tear Mint Leaves to Prevent Browning:
The process of tearing mint leaves to prevent browning is very simple. It does not need any additional equipments or gadgets. All you need is a set of expert, nimble fingers. Just keep these few points in mind while tearing mint leaves and get those perfectly, fresh looking, non-wilted mint leaves:

•    Try getting the leaves as fresh as possible. Storing them for a few days before you actually use them will steal away their freshness naturally. Hence, try buying the mint leaves at the last moment or on the day you would use them.
•    If you want to add finely chopped mint leaves to your garnished dishes, for example, sprinkling some on a plate of steamed, herbed rice, then simply tear the mint leaves into small pieces with your fingers. Similarly, for adding them to your salads, ensure that you tear the leaves with your fingers. However, if you are adding the mint leaves to dishes like meat balls, where color does not matter as such, then you can still consider cutting or chopping them with knives.
•    If you want to add a sprig of mint to a glass of drink, mainly for garnishing, then simply pinch off the leaves at their base. Also, ensure to add them just before serving it to your guests.
•    If you must store the leaves, then tear them off from their base and place them in a jar of water. Store this jar in the refrigerator, so that they remain chilled. You can also consider covering the mint loosely in a plastic cover.

Thus, tearing mint leaves to prevent browning is an effective way of retaining their freshness. So, just keep these few points in mind and add that color of green freshness and the aroma of fresh mint to all your recipes.

Photo Courtesy: rd.ca