Once you have selected your mint plant, cut several young, green stems that measure approximately 4 to 6 inches. Strip the bottom half of the stem, removing all foliage. Following this ...

Essential oil can be extracted from the leaves and used as a flavouring. Mint plants possess erect, branching stems and oblong to ovate or lanceolate leaves arranged in opposing pairs on the stems.

Once the mint plants reach a height of about 6-8 inches, you can start harvesting the leaves. Pinch or snip off individual leaves or stems as needed, starting from the top of the plant.