Mint is a refreshing sweet herb available in many varieties, with spearmint being the most common. It is used to flavor sweet and savory dishes and is sold fresh in sprigs or dried as minced leaves. Store fresh mint in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper towels and enclosed in a plastic bag. Dried mint, found with other seasonings in all supermarkets, should be stored away from light, heat, and moisture for up to 1 year. Crush dried mint in the palm of the hand to release its flavor.
To chop, mince, or snip fresh mint:
Pull the leaves from the stems. Gather the leaves into a compact bunch. Using a chef's knife, cut with a rocking motion until the desired fineness is reached. Or, put the leaves in a glass measuring cup or deep bowl and snip with kitchen scissors.For other herb varieties, see basil, bay leaves, borage, bouquet garni, chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, epazote, fennel, fines herbes, garlic chives, herbes de Provence, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, summer savory, tarragon, and thyme.