Lions, and Tigers, and Frozen Herbs, Oh My!

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those fresh herbs left over at the end of the gardening season?  Maybe, like me, you've been making tomato soup in the middle of winter and you've wanted to add fresh basil but you didn't have any.  Well, the answer is ...... FREEZE THEM!

I am honestly mad at myself for not doing this sooner.  It's very simple to do and will save you money over the winter months from buying fresh herbs at the grocery store.  Below is a simple how-to tutorial that explains what to do, how to do it, and there are even pictures to show you the way!

This is what you will need:
Ice Cube Trays
Water
Olive Oil
Herbs
Knife or scissors
Cutting board
Zip Lock Freezer bags
Marker

Tip:  You can freeze your herbs in Water or Olive Oil.  

Tip:  If you are freezing basil, it is best to chop your basil in a food processor along with a tblspn of Olive Oil.  Then, remove the chopped basil and place in your ice cube trays and freeze the herb in Olive Oil instead of water.  Basil tends to bruise easily and if handled a lot, it will turn black.  Using a food processor will help with the handling and bruising of your sensitive herb. :)

You will see that I used water to freeze my herbs, except for my basil (I used Olive Oil).

I froze the following herbs:
Lemon Thyme
Chives
Parsley
Oregano
Basil
 
Instructions:

First, wash your herbs and let them dry completely.

Next, chop your herbs.

Then, place your herbs in the ice cube trays.  The trays should be about 3/4 of the way full.

Next, fill your ice cube tray with water or olive oil.

Then.... FREEZE!

Lastly, take your frozen herbs out of the trays and place them in individual freezer zip lock bags with the date and name of the herb on the bag.

You will be so happy during the winter months when you can just drop an herb cube into your recipe and delight your senses with fresh herbs!  With summer coming to an end, this is 'just an idea' to preserve some of those fresh herbs to last you all winter long!  Happy freezing!