How to stop mint flavor dying when cooking?

How to stop mint flavor dying when cooking? - Flat lay of glass of fresh beverage with slices of lemon and leaves of mint placed on white background

I notice albondigas recipes involve adding chopped mint leaves to the meatballs. Whenever I do this the minty smell is amazing coming from the freshly rolled uncooked balls however after cooking I cant taste the mint at all, I have used a LOT of mint but even so I still cant taste it. Having read that the mint flavor fades when exposed to heat, how would the meatballs be cooked whilst retaining the flavor? At the moment I brown them in the pan with a bit of oil then add them to the sauce and cook them for about 20 minutes. Thanks



Best Answer

While it is true that the mint flavor will fade with cooking, it is still there to some degree. I bet you would be able to identify the difference if you left it out. However, whenever you want to highlight a fresh herb, such a mint, it is good practice to chop some of that herb at the last possible moment before serving, and garnish your finished product. That will greatly enhance the flavor and the aroma.




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How to stop mint flavor dying when cooking? - High angle of fresh black tea with green mint leaves in oriental cup with saucer on straw mat



How do you stop mint from oxidizing?

Just steep the defrosted mint for a long time in the water (or alcohol, or mix of both), and then use without adding acids or heating. Again, adding a bit of baking soda may help with the color.

How do you release the Flavour of mint?

Get the most flavor out of the fresh herb with this simple trick. To get the most flavor from fresh mint, bruise the leaves. Place the sprigs in a plastic bag and smash them with a meat mallet. This releases their oils\u2014perfect for lemonade and iced or hot tea.

Why do you blanch mint?

Blanch whole mint leaves for 30-45 seconds prior to chopping. This ensures the leaves won't turn black once partly cooked. Mint's a very hearty herb, so it will retain its shape beautifully when blanched taking on an even more vibrant green colour.

How do you prepare mint for consumption?

Add a sprig or two to a mug and cover in hot water. Let steep for a few minutes then enjoy! I like mine with a dash of honey. Here's how to make Fresh Mint Tea and Moroccan Mint Tea.



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