When I planted my basil and tomatoes in the Spring, I imagined the tomato salad I’d make in the summer:
Unfortunately this year my tomato crops were sabotaged, and I only had a few small fruits to pick from the plant. As for the basil, I had the opposite problem. That fragrant plant grew like a wildfire. I hate to waste food, and I couldn’t just sit here and watch it die. There was a TON of basil left, and I couldn’t use it fast enough.
When you’ve got lots of basil, you make pesto – but I’d already been there, done that. I read about blending it up with oil and freezing it, but I wanted to do better. I wanted to cook with my fresh basil throughout the fall and even the winter.
I didn’t know until recently that you can freeze fresh basil. There really are few things you can’t freeze!
It’s so easy to do. All you need is a bunch of basil, a chopping knife, water and an ice cube tray.
Step 1: Chop your cleaned basil. Not finely, just enough to fit inside the cube in your tray.
Step 2: Cover completely with water.
Step 3: Pop it in the freezer.
Once it’s done, you’ll have these fragrant ice cubes that you can add to your pasta dish for a fresh summer meal even when there’s snow outside your window. You can even defrost the leaves and make your pesto later if you like. But at least you have the choice.
I too have many herbs that I have been trying to figure out how to store through the winter. This is a great idea. Could I use this technique on other herbs like oregano, parsley, thyme and mint?
ReplyDeleteI don't see why not. I thought of doing it with mint, for mojitos!
ReplyDeleteNext year I'll have to plant mint...
awesome idea thank you!!
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ReplyDeleteSarah.
This looks wonderful! My basil plant died before I could even use it 3 times, but I will definitely have to try this next time around!
ReplyDeleteMint for mojitos... YESSSSS!
Deanna
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ReplyDeletemalia
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I love basil and all the things you can do with it. I had been just drying my extra to save, but the freezing sounds like a great idea. Actually, DH and I make a Strawberry basil mojito that this would be great in.
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What a great way to preserve this overly abundant herb! I will have to remember this for next year...so tired of buying fresh basil for $3.00!
ReplyDeleteThat is AMAZING!!! Thanks for the wonderful tip. I'll definitely be using that in the future!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip : ) I am hoping to grow some things next summer. Will add this to the list.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! following you from FMBT :) hope you visit when you have time http://emmaslunch.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWow, I keep seeing this tip this week... Melissa D'Arabian mentioned it too.
ReplyDeleteOh yum, I like this idea!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI freeze mine in a plain glad container, skipping the water, sprinkled with a bit of salt. Works pretty well on a variety of herbs!
ReplyDeleteI going to try this next year. The last time I dried them in the oven. I think they lose a lot of flavor that way.
ReplyDelete