How can I freeze some of my herbs to use during the winter months?
Question:Someone on tv froze some in ice cube trays and then put them in a plastic bag to keep, but did they use water, oil, butter? I have a real abundance this year and would like to preserve some for the winter. Thanks
Answers:
Method 1:
1.Harvest the freshest, heathiest leaves
2.Wash and pat dry with paper towels
3.Spread the individual leaves on a small tray or cookie sheet.
(Freezing the leaves flat and individually will prevent them from freezing together into a brick.)
4.Cover and place the tray of leaves into the freezer
5.When frozen solid, place in airtight containers and return to the freezer. Once frozen individually, the leaves will not meld together.
Method 2:
1.Harvest the freshest, heathiest leaves
2.Wash and pat dry with paper towels
3.Stuff 2-3 individual leaves in ice cube trays. Pack them in so that at least half the cube is herb leaves.
4.Fill the tray with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can, and place in the freezer.
5.The the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zip closure bags.
6.When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favorite stew or dish.
They probably used water. Stuff the ice cube trays with the herb then add water and freeze. When frozen, transfer the cubes to a zipper bag.
I think that drying them in a dehydrator (or low oven) works better for most herbs.
I have had the most success with basil. What I do is pick the leaves, wash them, and pat dry. Put in food procesor and stream some olive oil in as you are using the processor. I put about a teaspoon full in individual baggies. Put in the freezer. When you want to use just throw baggy in microwave on defrost for a few minutes. Last winter I used it mixed in with the cheese filling for manicotti. Yummy! I also did this with cilantro. The results were just as good.
I've found that drying works much better for most herbs. Hang them in your attic for a few days, use a dehydrator, or put them between two furnace filters, then strap that whole contraption to a box fan for a day or two. You can then store the herbs (once COMPLETELY dried) in ziploc bags or jars.
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