How do you freeze fresh parsley and other herbs? Our simple methods
If you have created a small herb garden at home, you will surely have a large amount of herbs that you cannot consume under any circumstances. In addition, they must be harvested periodically to prevent the plant from reseeding. So what should we do to avoid waste? Your freezer will be your best ally! Today you will learn how to freeze parsley and other herbs to use later in your favorite recipes.
What aromatic herbs promote freezing?
There are several ways to freeze herbs, but before delving into them, it is important to first reveal the plants that support freezing. They are usually varieties with thin green leaves such as basil, parsley, mint, chives, dill and cilantro. Marjoram and tarragon were added to this list. Keep in mind that aromatic plants freeze best when freshly cut.
Regardless of which freezing technique you choose, it is important to clean and wash your herbs thoroughly. Then dry them carefully with paper towels or a kitchen towel, being careful not to damage the delicate leaves. It is also possible to let them air dry.
How do you freeze fresh parsley?
If you have decided to grow parsley in pots indoors, you will definitely get a good and abundant harvest. Can you freeze fresh parsley? Yes, this plant tolerates frost excellently and this applies to all its varieties. So how can you freeze parsley successfully and without making mistakes to avoid waste? Decoding in the following paragraphs.
To freeze fresh parsley you have two options. The first is the easiest and involves using reusable freezer bags. Since they come in different sizes, choose the one that corresponds to the amount of parsley you want to freeze. Remove the stems, wash and dry the leaves before cutting. Then simply place them in the bag and seal it, removing as much air as possible. It is also possible to freeze fresh parsley without cutting the leaves.
The second option is to freeze the parsley in ice cubes. As ? Nothing is easier. Wash the herbs well, dry them and dry them well. Remove the stems and add the leaves to the blender jar. Pour in enough water or olive oil to create a thick, smooth puree. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary. Then put the puree in an ice tray and freeze for 24 hours. Squeeze the herbal ice cubes, place them in a freezer bag, and put them back in the freezer. This means you can easily measure the amount you need when preparing a dish. For more specific instructions, watch the video below:
How do you freeze other aromatic herbs?
Freezing herbs is a super simple process that eliminates 100% of waste. The ice cube and reusable freezer bag method is suitable for all types of herbs that can be frozen. Here are more detailed instructions for freezing fresh chives and basil, two herbs we love incorporating into our dishes.
How do you freeze fresh chives?
Freezing fresh chives perfectly preserves their bright green color. First wash the chives in cold water and absorb the water well with a cloth before chopping them finely. To freeze it as ice cubes, distribute it evenly between the cells of the ice cube tray and fill them with water and olive oil. Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove them and store them in an airtight bag. To freeze fresh chives another way, place the chopped (and definitely completely dried) herb in a jar or freezer bag and place in the freezer. It can be used for up to six months.
How do you freeze fresh basil?
Here is the easiest and fastest technique to freeze fresh basil. First, cut the leaves and rinse them well. Then spread them out on paper to dry completely. To speed up drying, don’t hesitate to tap the paper lightly. Once the basil leaves are completely dry, place them in a ziplock bag and freeze.