Content
- Freeze herbs - the best alternative to fresh
- Why freeze?
- Suitable herbs
- Freshness is crucial
- Prepare herbs
- Tips
- Freeze herbs in ice cubes
- Use directly from the chest
- Shelf life of frozen herbs
Cube-shaped frozen herbs can be well portioned
Freeze herbs - the best alternative to fresh
Fresh herbs are characterized by an intense aroma. In summer they grow more than abundant or are cheap to get in the supermarket. Can this taste be saved for the winter? Does the freezer get you well?
Why freeze?
For each dish a herb has grown. But as soon as the frost approaches, the herb season in the garden is over. If you do not want to forego the fine seasoning by spring, you need to fill your freezer in good time. Frozen herbs retain most of their ingredients and often taste better than dried ones from the spice jar.
Suitable herbs
The herbal family in this country is huge. Typical native herbs grow harmoniously with immigrant specimens. The following known herbs are particularly suitable for freezing:
Oregano and thyme, which are often used in the popular Mediterranean cuisine, retain their intense flavor more in the dried version.
Freshness is crucial
The fresher the herbs are, the higher their content of essential substances. If the herbs thrive in the garden, ask when the best time for picking is. Do not wait too long afterwards for freezing.
Prepare herbs
All herbs can be prepared in no time for the freezer. A few simple steps are enough.
- Wash the herbs thoroughly under running water. Dry the herbs with kitchen paper. Even a salad spinner is ideal for this. Chop the herbs small, pas for the intended use. Portion the herbs into suitable containers or freezer bags. Immediately after labeling the containers, the herbs must be frozen. The longer you wait, the more flavors are lost.
Tips
Oxygen destroys the aroma of the herbs. Therefore, push the air out of the freezer bag. It is even better if you use a vacuuming device.
Freeze herbs in ice cubes
A common way to freeze herbs is to put them in an ice cube container with water and to freeze to ice. This results in handy portions, which are also easy to remove.
Use directly from the chest
Herbs need not be thawed before use, the small leaves are thawed by itself quickly anyway. They can be given directly in cooking dishes. Here is only to be noted that some herbs do not tolerate long cooking and are added only at the end.
Shelf life of frozen herbs
Frozen herbs retain their aroma in the freezer for up to 12 months. Icy herb cubes should be used within 6 months. Some Mediterranean herbs take a deep-frozen brownish color. That looks ugly, but does not diminish the taste.