Cool Idea: Freeze & Preserve Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil

[Lucinda]

http://www.thekitchn.com/freeze-herbs-in-olive-oil-173648

[MADem]

1. My puerto rican relatives do this in ice cubes with just water.

Near as I can tell (I haven't done it myself) this is what they do:
http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/FreezeHerbs.htm

Harvest the freshest, healthiest leaves
Wash, if necessary, and pat dry with paper towels
Stuff 2-3 individual leaves or a spoonful of chopped herbs in ice cube trays.
Fill the tray half way with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can. They will tend to float, but we'll fix that with the next step. Place the half filled tray in the freezer.
Once the ice cubes are pretty much frozen, finish filling the try with water. The leaves will no longer be able to float and should be completely surrounded with water. Now place the tray back into the freezer to freeze solid.
Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zip closure bags.
When ready to use, toss the whole ice cube into your favorite stew or dish.

[Lucinda]

4. Thanks for adding this!

It gives a nice alternative to the oil method!

[MADem]

6. Cilantro is the biggie that they freeze--PR food calls for it a great deal! nt

[Lugnut]

2. That's a great idea!

My thyme and sage are growing like mad. I have way too much of both to use right now. I'm going to try this.

Thanks Lucinda!

[Lucinda]

3. I thought so too!

Would have never occurred to me to use olive oil and freeze!

[pinto]

5. What a great idea. My herbs are going great, yet I never dry them successfully.

This would work for me.

[Callalily]

7. Oh gosh . . . I've

been freezing herbs in ice cubes trays (sans olive oil) for years!