Preserving Fresh Flavour: Freeze Fresh Herbs in Ice Cube Trays
There’s nothing quite like the burst of fresh flavour that herbs add to your dishes. Whether you grow them in your garden or pick them up from the local market, having fresh herbs on hand is a culinary delight. But what do you do when you can’t use them all at once? Freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays is a simple and efficient way to preserve their flavours for later use. Let’s delve into this easy and effective method of herb preservation.
Why Freeze Fresh Herbs in Ice Cube Trays?
Freezing herbs in ice cube trays is a smart solution for several reasons:
Preserve Freshness: Freezing herbs locks in their flavours at their peak of freshness. This means you can enjoy the vibrant taste of your garden herbs even during the off-season.
Convenience: It’s incredibly convenient to have pre-measured herb cubes at your disposal. When you’re cooking, simply pop a cube or two into your dish without the hassle of chopping or thawing.
Reduce Waste: By freezing herbs, you can extend their shelf life, reducing waste. No more watching your herbs wilt away in the refrigerator.
Versatile:
This method is versatile and works well for a wide range of herbs, from basil and parsley to mint and rosemary.
How to Freeze Fresh Herbs in Ice Cube Trays
Here’s a step-by-step guide to freezing fresh herbs using ice cube trays:
Ingredients and Supplies:
Fresh herbs
Ice cube tray
Water
Knife or scissors
Instructions:
Prepare the Herbs: Start by washing and drying your fresh herbs thoroughly. It’s essential to remove any dirt, bugs, or excess moisture.
Chop or Leave Whole: Depending on your preference, you can chop the herbs finely or leave them whole. Chopping may be more convenient when you want to sprinkle the herbs directly into a dish, while whole leaves can be more visually appealing.
Fill Ice Cube Trays: Place the chopped or whole herbs into each section of the ice cube tray. Be generous with your portions, as one or two cubes typically equal one tablespoon of fresh herbs.
Add Water: Pour water over the herbs in the tray, ensuring that they’re fully submerged. The water helps preserve the herbs while freezing and makes them easy to remove from the tray.
Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the herbs to freeze completely. This usually takes a few hours.
Pop and Store: Once the herb cubes are frozen solid, remove them from the tray and transfer them to a labelled freezer bag or container. Don’t forget to write down the herb type and date to keep track.
Tips:
You can mix different herbs in one cube or create separate cubes for each herb, depending on your culinary needs.
Herbs like basil and cilantro can also be blended with a small amount of olive oil before freezing for a quick herb paste.
Use these herb cubes in soups, stews, sauces, or sautés, as they’ll melt and release their flavour beautifully.
Freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays is a brilliant way to enjoy their flavours all year round. It’s a simple process that maximises the use of your herbs and minimises waste. So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of fresh herbs, give this preservation method a try, and savour the taste of your garden or market herbs even when they’re out of season.
