Peppermint leaves have a strong, minty flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and desserts. Fresh peppermint can also be used to make tea or infused water. When using fresh peppermint for tea, it is best to steep the leaves in hot water for 3-5 minutes to extract the maximum flavor. If you are using fresh peppermint for infusing oil or water, it is important to bruise the leaves slightly to release the essential oils. Otherwise, the minty flavor will be too weak. Dried peppermint is more concentrated than fresh peppermint and therefore has a more potent flavor. It is typically used in baking or to make tea. When making tea with dried peppermint, it is important to use the best quality ingredients to ensure the best tea.