How to freeze greens for the winter - making useful supplies
What is a salad or borscht without a fragrant sprig of dill and parsley? We all try to keep such herbs in the kitchen and one of the ways to stock up on them is to freeze them. There are several ways to freeze greens for the winter, but in general they are all simple. The most important thing is that the house has at least a fridge / freezer that will keep the spices until next season. After picking up in the garden or purchasing plants on the market that are used in your kitchen, you can safely start freezing.
Can all herbs be frozen
So, they "behave" well when freezing and after:
- parsley;
- dill;
- celery;
- sorrel;
- spinach;
- nettle.
But frozen green onions lose their piquant taste and become watery. Turns into tasteless grass and thawed lettuce leaves.
How to freeze greens for the winter
There are several ways to freeze herbs and each housewife has her own favorite. There are no clear recommendations here, it all depends on what you like best and whether you have free time. However, before you start harvesting, do not forget to thoroughly wash the herbs and let them dry. Absorbs excess moisture well with a paper or cotton towel. Spread the washed greens on them, and then there will be no pieces of ice on it.
So, you can prepare greens in the freezer:
- Sliced. This is a very convenient method, but it takes a lot of time, especially if the volumes are large. Cut the spices as you would normally use them and arrange in small bags.
- In ice. Place the chopped greens in an ice cube tray and cover with water. Such spicy cubes are stored for a long time, and the greens in them are the freshest.
- Bunches. It is quick and convenient not only to procure, but also then to use. Sort the dill and other spices into small bunches. Wrap them in foil or a sausage-shaped bag. When you need it, just open it, chop it up a bit, and pack the rest back. You can immediately spread the twigs on a tray, and put them in bags already frozen.
Store frozen herbs with vegetables. But it is not advisable to put it on meat and fish, so as not to saturate their smell.