What causes dried mint to crumble into powder?

Question

Learn what makes your dried mint leaves crumble into a fine powder. Discover how over-drying and handling can affect their final texture.

Answer 1

Dried mint crumbles into powder primarily due to its fragile, brittle nature when completely dehydrated, coupled with physical handling and environmental factors like humidity fluctuations.

Detailed Explanation:

When mint leaves are dried, the moisture content is significantly reduced. This process makes the leaves very brittle and susceptible to breaking. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Dehydration: The primary reason is the loss of moisture. Fresh mint leaves are pliable because of their water content. Drying removes this water, leaving behind a very fragile structure.

2. Handling: Even gentle handling can cause dried mint to crumble. The dried leaves are easily crushed or broken during storage, transportation, or even when simply reaching for them in a spice rack.

3. Environmental Factors: Fluctuations in humidity can also play a role. If dried mint is exposed to moisture, it can become slightly pliable, but when it dries again, it becomes even more brittle. Repeated exposure to humidity changes weakens the structure of the leaves.

4. Storage: Improper storage can accelerate crumbling. Storing dried mint in a container that allows air and moisture to enter will degrade the leaves faster.

Pro Tip:

To minimize crumbling, store dried mint in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid frequently opening and closing the container, as this exposes the mint to humidity.