How to Steam Mint Leaves

Mint has long been known and loved for its wonderful, powerful fragrance. Many people consider it not only a delicious additive to food items, but also an herbal remedy noted for its palliative effects on different ailments. Any healthful components of mint are contained in the oil, menthol, locked in the leaves of the plant. This oil is best extracted by steaming the leaves. Steaming mint leaves is easy and produces a strong, effervescent mint concentrate.

Things You'll Need

• Large boiler
• Steamer basket or large metal strainer
• 1 pound mint leaves
• Mortar and pestle

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Fill the large boiler with 4 cups of water. Place the steamer basket or strainer over the water and turn the burner to high.

• 2

  Add the mint leaves in batches to the mortar (bowl) and bruise them slightly with the pestle.

• 3

  Place the leaves in the steamer basket and cover the boiler with its lid

• 4

  Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.

• 5

  Steam the leaves for 30 minutes or until they have thoroughly wilted. The water remaining in the boiler should have taken on a slight green color and will smell strongly of mint.