The avid herb gardener who is also an accomplished cook might ponder the question: Can you freeze parsley? The short answer is yes, but questions remain as to why and how to refrigerate this versatile herb. Here are some tips experts recommend for successfully freezing, thawing, and cooking with parsley.
Parsley is among those plants that produce such a bountiful harvest that no household can fully utilize it in a single growing season. This applies to both flat-leaf and curly parsley.
Can you freeze parsley?
Yes, be sure to add it to your soups and hot dishes, meatballs and hummus, and use it as a garnish on anything you put on the table. Then pass it on to neighbors and friends. After you’ve done all that, you sure have too much fresh to use.
In order not to waste this colorful and tasty plant, make room for it in your freezer. Unlike fresh parsley, which only lasts about 2 weeks, frozen parsley can last up to 6 months. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze parsley:
How do you freeze parsley?
Freezing parsley isn’t rocket science. In fact, it’s one of the easiest kitchen chores to prep, pack, and freeze.
Preparing the Parsley for Freezing
Harvest your crop with pruning shears in the late morning, after the sun has burned away the dew. Bring them inside to wash. Take small tufts and gradually wash them under cold running water. Be sure to remove dead or discolored parts and dirt that may have stuck to the plant.
Allow the parsley to dry on paper towels spread out on the kitchen counter or in a large colander. This makes working with the herb easier. Some cooks even use a salad spinner to ensure the plants are thoroughly dried.
Freeze uncut parsley
When dry, you have several options. One is to double bag the parsley in freezer bags, being careful to remove as much air as possible. Some people use food sealing equipment.
Read Also: Can you freeze tamales?
Freeze Dried Parsley
The other option is to finely chop the parsley or puree it in a blender or large food processor. Add a small amount of water or olive oil to the chopped herbs. Pour this puree into ice cube trays prepped with non-stick spray, or use small plastic containers for storage.
Freeze and store in the trays or containers. Alternatively, you can remove the parsley cubes or blocks and store in freezer bags.
Don’t expect frozen parsley to look the same as fresh frozen parsley. It will wilt a little when bagged, and of course diced parsley isn’t a great decorative garnish.
How do you thaw frozen parsley?
Thawing frozen parsley couldn’t be easier, just pop the product in the fridge. Let the frozen herbs thaw overnight for optimal flavor. Once the parsley is completely thawed, it’s ready to use.
There are many uses for this colorful herb. Parsley lovers love its texture, flavor, and aroma, and routinely add it—fresh or frozen—to soup and salad dressings and as a binding agent in meatloaf and meatballs. Nutritionists also praise parsley for its high vitamin C content.
summary
Any herb that yields so plentifully is meant to be enjoyed in many ways. So use your imagination and experiment with the different ways to freeze, eat and enjoy parsley. Now that you know how to freeze parsley, you can extend the shelf life of this delicate herb for future cooking!