My herbs needed a haircut.
So I cut back the parsley, oregano, thyme and dill and cleaned them. I removed the leaves and discarded the stems. I then threw the leaves in freezer bags and flattened the air out of the bags. I’ll store in the freezer until I’m ready to use.
I decided against drying them, because I read that freezing will hold their flavor better. When I’m ready to use, I will chop up and use as if they are fresh, following fresh measurements. 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 tsp dried herbs.
I also froze whole parsley sprigs. I’ll use those for my homemade chicken stock that I make through out the year. Now I won’t have to buy parsley in the middle of winter.
Now I won’t have to buy any herbs in the middle of the winter, I’ll have fresh herbs right in my freezer.
How do you preserve herbs? Let us know in the comments.
visiting from Tuesday Garden…
I do the same thing with herbs I grow, but I’ve never had the measurements between dried and fresh — that was really helpful! Fresh herbs (in the winter or any other time) really do perk up any recipe!
I am freezing dill and parsley sometimes, but after reading this article I will try to freeze other herbs as well.
I was just pondering freezing/drying my parsley, oregano and basil this morning as I was out in the garden with the dogs. I will definitely follow your directions and freeze some now.
You don’t chop it first prior to freezing? Does it get mushy frozen whole and then chopping?
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Shirley – with the parsley, I break them up into pieces in the bag while it is still frozen. The leaves are large enough to do that and I have never had a problem. I have been freezing parsley for years. This is the first year that I have frozen the other herbs and I don’t think there will be a problem if you chop immediately after taking out of the freezer. The herbs will still be crunchy frozen, but probably not for long. You could chop before freezing, I was just being lazy. I’ll just chop what I need when I need it. Thanks for your comments.
Popping in from Tues Garden Party….thanks for the tips for freezing herbs.
great post!
i freeze mine also, dry them, hang them, ice cube tray them, nuke them, dry in oven, lots of ways!
but my favorite is the paper bag or just hang them on my drying racks.
http://mygardenofweeds.blogspot.com/p/how-i-preserve-my-herbs.html
debbie
I’m so glad you posted this, because I did not want to dry all of my herbs when it’s time to harvest before winter. I am so excited about this! Thank you so much!
http://livingsoabundantly.blogspot.com/p/give-back-thursday.html
This is a good reminder that I don’t have to drag the dehydrator out when I have little bits of herbs to harvest. 🙂 Thanks!
-Jami
An Oregon Cottage
Those herbs are beautiful. Are herbs difficult to grow?