How to Freeze Fresh Herbs as Leaves and Ice Cubes
Freezing fresh herbs as leaves or in ice cubes is a great way to preserve their flavor and aroma for later use. Here’s how you can do it:
Freezing Fresh Herbs as Leaves:
Harvest and Clean: Pick fresh herbs from your garden or store-bought bunch. Wash the herbs gently under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Prep for Freezing: Remove the leaves from the stems. You can do this by gently sliding your fingers along the stem to strip the leaves. Discard the stems.
Blanch (Optional): Some herbs, like basil, can develop a better texture when blanched before freezing. To blanch, briefly dip the leaves into boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with paper towels.
Portion and Freeze: Place the clean, dry leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours or until the leaves are frozen.
Transfer to Bags or Containers: Once the leaves are frozen, transfer them to airtight freezer-safe bags or containers. Label the bags with the herb name and date. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.