How to Use Mint Extract to Elevate Your Recipes
Mint extract adds a delightful flavor to dessert recipes. It also works well in beverages, such as lemonade and iced tea.
Studies have shown that mint extracts exhibit strong antioxidant activities (DPPH scavenging and inhibition of secondary oxidation) and are able to control the growth of bacteria responsible for spoilage in meat.
Flavor
Mint extract is a popular ingredient used to add refreshing mint flavor to various sweet and savory recipes. It is made from the leaves of the mint plant (Mentha spicata or Mentha piperita), which are known for their aromatic and distinctively fresh taste. It is often used in baking projects to elevate desserts, candies, beverages, and savory dishes, including mint chocolate chip cookies and mojitos. It can also be added to iced tea and hot cocoa for a soothing and refreshing drink.
Making mint extract at home is an easy and convenient way to enhance the flavors of any meal or beverage. This recipe utilizes fresh mint leaves, alcohol, and a sterilized jar to create a homemade extract that is a healthy alternative to store-bought varieties, which may contain artificial additives and preservatives.
To make this mint extract, first pick your mint leaves and pat them dry. Then, use a muddler or wooden spoon to lightly bruise the leaves, so they start to release their natural oils. Next, place the leaves in a glass jar and fill it up with vodka until they are completely covered. Finally, close the jar tightly and shake it every few days for a few weeks. Store in a cool, dark place.
As the mixture steeps, it will develop a strong, delicious mint flavor. Once the extract reaches your desired strength, you can remove the leaves and bottle it for use or gifting.
Preparation
Mint extract is a natural way to add a refreshing mint flavor to Mint Extract all your favorite recipes. It can be used in baking, tea, cocktails, and even as a natural breath freshener, thanks to its natural menthol content. It also has many health benefits, including relieving toothache and muscle aches, as it is a mild anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. Using homemade mint extract allows you to avoid additives, preservatives, and other unnecessary chemicals found in store-bought versions.
The preparation of this mint extract is simple and straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients and a little time to make. The star of the extract is the fresh mint leaves, which are the key to creating an authentic and delightful flavor. It is important to select high-quality, fresh mint leaves that are free of wilting, discoloration, or pests for the best results.
Next, the ingredients are added to a sterilized jar for steeping. Vodka is often used in extract-making, as it is neutral and has a high alcohol content that efficiently pulls and preserves the flavor compounds from the herbs or fruit. If you prefer to not use alcohol, this recipe can be made using water and food-grade glycerin instead.
The jar is stored in a cool, dark location for 6-8 weeks, during which the flavors and scents will intensify and develop. Once the mint extract has reached your desired flavor, it is ready to be bottled.
Storage
Making your own mint extract is a quick and easy project. The only drawback is that it takes a month or two for the mint leaves to infuse. However, it’s worth the wait since homemade extracts are cost effective and make for very classy gifts.
Place the crushed leaves into a clean jar, and fill with alcohol. Pour enough to cover the mint leaves completely. Place in a dark, cool spot, and shake daily to help the leaves seep into the liquid. After a month or two, strain the mint leaves out, and bottle in cute little jars. This mint extract is a great addition to any cocktail or can be used in cooking.
Mint extracts are known for their antimicrobial properties. They have been shown to inhibit endogenous and microbial lipolytic enzymes, thereby reducing lipid hydrolysis (Viji et al., 2015). Furthermore, the synergistic effect of vacuum packaging and mint extract treatment significantly reduced TVB-N levels in chill stored Indian mackerel (Ucak et al., 2015).
Homemade extracts also make very classy gifts, especially around the holidays. A cutely labeled jar of mint extract, along with some homemade Artificial butter flavoring vanilla, is sure to impress any recipient.
Gifting
Mint extract makes a lovely gift for any occasion. It is easy to prepare and will impress the recipient. It can be combined with other homemade gifts like vanilla extract. Package it in a cute bottle and you have a lovely homemade gift set.
This mint extract can be made using fresh or dried leaves. If you use fresh leaves, harvest and rinse them. Then, squish the leaves in your hands or use a tool called a pickle packer to mash them up a little bit. This helps release some of the oils and jump starts the steeping process. Place the mashed leaves in a pint jar and pour in alcohol.
Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake it often, or at least once a week. After a few weeks the mint extract will be ready to use or gift. The color of the mint will turn a little brown as it steeps, but this is fine.
If you don’t want to make alcohol based mint extract, you can use food grade vegetable glycerine in place of the vodka. This will give you a slightly different flavor, but it is still quite delicious. It can be used in the same ways as the alcohol based mint extract, including a delicious minty hot chocolate mix or in cookies and ice cream. This mint tincture can also be used as a natural remedy to soothe digestive issues. It can help reduce bloating and gas, as well as freshen breath.