Frozen Basil

[Cassie-Jane]

Can you freeze Basil and other herbs,I have a big herb garden and I think most of it wil lgo to waste when summer ends!

[KarenB]

I usually dry my herbs. It's easier to store and not taking up freezer space and hydro. In the fall I start my fireplace with dried lavender or sage. Nice scent inside and out. I have frozen some herbs with no problem. Some put it in a blender with 1 c of water and freeze in ice cube trays. That way you have a measured amount to add to your cooking. Or lay them out on a cookie sheet and freeze individually, then stack them in a freezer bag. That way they don't come out in one big lump.

[Clove]

Can you freeze Basil and other herbs,I have a big herb garden and I think most of it will go to waste when summer ends!

C-J,

I have frozen basil a few times but you can't put it straight into the freezer unless you want "brown" frozen basil.
Here's what I've done:

• Pick the fresh basil leaves
• Blanch in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds
• Shock by plunging the leaves into ice water
• Dry throughly
• Place the leaves on sheet trays and freeze
• After they are frozen, bag in air-tight freezer bags.

When you are ready to use them, they defrost pretty quickly and retain their green color (because of blanching and shocking) after you use them, even in a pesto.

Sounds like a lot of work but really isn't when you get touch of summer in the winter.

[KarenB]

Thanks Clove, this is one I haven't tried to freeze. I'm growing it on my window sill and will need to do this. Thanks for saving me from a disaster!

[Cassie-Jane]

Thank you Karen and Clove you both helped me!1

[CM]

Try making a fresh basil conserve - it's how we've always stored it at the end of Summer. You can fit a great deal of basil into 1 jar. And it keeps most of its fresh flavor.

And check this thread for more ideas!