Using herb ice cubes is a great way to have fresh herbs on hand all year round, even when they are out of season. Whether you have an abundance of herbs from your garden or you want to take advantage of a sale at the grocery store, making herb ice cubes is a simple and convenient way to preserve their flavor and aroma.
To start, gather your fresh herbs of choice. Popular options include basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, and thyme, but feel free to experiment with other herbs as well. Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent ice crystals from forming on the herbs.
Next, finely chop the herbs. You can use a knife and cutting board for this task, or for a quicker option, you can use a food processor. Just make sure not to over-process the herbs, as you want them to retain their texture and not turn into a paste.
Now it's time to fill the ice cube tray. Spoon the chopped herbs into each compartment, filling them about halfway. You can choose to mix different herbs together or keep them separate, depending on your preference. Once the compartments are filled, carefully pour water over the herbs, filling each compartment to the top. This will ensure that the herbs are completely covered and won't be exposed to freezer burn.
Place the ice cube tray into the freezer and allow the herbs to freeze solid. This usually takes around 4-6 hours, but it's best to leave them overnight to ensure they are completely frozen.
Once the herb cubes are frozen, remove them from the tray. One handy tip is to briefly run the bottom of the tray under warm water to loosen the cubes, making them easier to pop out. Transfer the herb cubes to a ziploc bag, removing any excess air before sealing it. Label the bag with the herb type and date of freezing for easy reference later on.
Now you have herb ice cubes ready to use whenever you need them! The beauty of these cubes is that you can simply add them directly to a skillet when cooking or thaw them first if adding to a cold dish, such as a pasta salad. The heat will quickly melt the cubes, releasing the fresh flavors and aromas of the herbs into your dish.
To use the herb ice cubes, simply pop out as many cubes as you need for your recipe. One cube is usually equivalent to about one tablespoon of fresh herbs. You can also adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences. If you find that the herbs are too strong, you can dilute them by adding a little water or oil to the skillet.
The herb ice cubes can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. This makes them a convenient option for times when fresh herbs are not readily available or when you want to cut down on waste by using up excess herbs before they spoil.
Using herb ice cubes is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors and aromas of fresh herbs. By following a few simple steps, you can have a stash of herb cubes ready to enhance your dishes throughout the year. Give it a try and discover the convenience and versatility of herb ice cubes in your cooking adventures!