How to Freeze Dill So It Stays Fresh Longer
This herb is too good to let it go to waste.
Fresh dill is like any fresh herb: Most recipes are better for them. Dried herbs are still handy in a pinch, but if you can get your hands on the freshest dill possible, you’ll taste the benefits in your food.
Always having fresh dill on hand can be a challenge, though, even if you’re a green thumb. But freezing whatever you do have can be a great solution if you’re harvesting a lot at once or buying more than you can cook. Thankfully, the process is simple.
How to Freeze Fresh Dill
Dill, which includes the stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers, is completely edible—but what is used most often in cooking are the dark green dill leaves attached to the stem. This part is also known as dill weed, and these are the fine fronds often used as a garnish or seasoning in cooking. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Wash the dill, shake off any excess moisture, then pat dry.
Place the dill in an airtight container or plastic bag. If you have a large mason jar or upright container, stand the dill up in the jar and cover with the lid.
Store dill in the freezer for about 6 months. If stored properly, the dill can last up to a year, but the flavor won’t be as strong after the 6 month mark. .
From the Editor
To avoid a freezer burn or any excess moisture in the bag while storing in the freezer, simply line an airtight plastic bag with a couple paper towels, then place your dill inside. This will catch any excess moisture from the dill.
How to Chop and Freeze Dill
If you want to keep dill as fresh as possible, keep the dill leaves on the stem. However, if you want to get ahead on some preparation and make cooking easier, chopping up fresh dill and freezing it will still bring a fresher-tasting result than dried dill:
Wash your dill, shake off any excess moisture, then pat dry.
Remove the dark green dill fronds from the stem and clump together in a pile. As best you can, hold together these dill leaves with your other hand and cut to your desired size.
Place in an airtight container and freeze until ready to use.
Fresh herbs benefit from a sharp knife. Herbs will hold more flavor if they are cut fewer times. The more time you spend cutting herbs, the more they will bruise and lose their spunk.
From the Editor
After you remove the dill leaves from the stem, save your dill stems to use in stock, a pot of boiling water when cooking potatoes, or chop the stems and add to a leafy salad. For all the ways to use herb stems, see what Sara Tane recommends.
Related: 45 Fresh Dill Recipes (That Go Way Beyond Pickles)
Read the original article on All Recipes.
