???'s about garlic and basil

[WDWMom]

Does anyone know if I can chop fresh garlic and then freeze it??? How long will it stay if I do??


Also, I grew my own basil this year and now I have no idea what to do with it. I have chopped it up and used it, but can I pick and freeze it too??

 

[DeborahA]

Hello WDW Mom,
I have never frozen garlic, however I don't see why you couldn't. You should do very small batches so you wouldn't have to thaw it all to use a little. Maybe freeze in ice cube trays with a little water in each. Fresh garlic in it's natural state will keep for a very long time if you store in a cool ,dry spot. If you don't have a huge amt. I might just store it in its "husk".
As for basil, I have lots!! and I do freeze it. I process in my food processor as pesto and store in jars. The oil keeps it from freezing solid and it is yummy in all kinds of things.
Deb

 

[WDWMom]

As for basil, I have lots!! and I do freeze it. I process in my food processor as pesto and store in jars. The oil keeps it from freezing solid and it is yummy in all kinds of things.
Deb

Can you explain how you freeze? I need details as I am directions challenged. I do not have a food processor but I have a little chopper, will that work? What do you freeze it in? Thanks for the help.

 

[DeborahA]

I use regular canning jars but I cover the jar with plastic wrap first to prevent any smell from escaping. You would have a tough job processing with a chopper--maybe you have a blender or could borrow a food processor?
Pesto has alot of things in it that need to be made into a paste. I use parmesan cheese, garlic,walnuts,basil and olive oil. I can tell you exactly if you like?
Deb

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Hey Sue, I've never frozen herbs but a number of years ago I did put lots of end of the season leftovers into small (jelly size) jars. I left the lid off until they'd dried a bit and then put a standard lid and ring on. Used it off the shelf that way for quite a while.

Deb

 

[liamandcaili]

Does anyone know if I can chop fresh garlic and then freeze it??? How long will it stay if I do??


Also, I grew my own basil this year and now I have no idea what to do with it. I have chopped it up and used it, but can I pick and freeze it too??

I have never frozen garlic, but my mom grows fresh basil in her garden every year. She just picks it, washes it, then stacks the leaves into piles to make about a 1-inch across by 12-inch roll. She wraps it tight in plastic wrap, then cuts off whatever she needs throughout the winter. It's great to use in pasta sauces or other cooked dishes. However, you can't use it as a garnish because it blackens a bit.

Enjoy!

 

[WDWMom]

Hey Sue, I've never frozen herbs but a number of years ago I did put lots of end of the season leftovers into small (jelly size) jars. I left the lid off until they'd dried a bit and then put a standard lid and ring on. Used it off the shelf that way for quite a while.

Deb

How much did you put in the jar? Full or just in nicely? Where did you store it? and how long did it last?

Thanks everyone.

 

[heathrow42]

We chop it up and put it in ice cube trays with enough water to cover, then freeze. Just drop them in any dish you are making. A friend puts it in the food processor with butter and other herbs, to make a yummy herb butter.

 

[piratesmate]

Does anyone know if I can chop fresh garlic and then freeze it??? How long will it stay if I do??.......

I had bought a bunch of garlic last year when it was on a major sale. I couldn't use it all before it started to grow on me. So I roasted the cloves first and then peeled them, tossed them into a freezer container & kept them over 6 mos in my refrigerator's freezer. We pulled out a few cloves at a time & spread them on bread or to use in recipes.

The taste is different from "fresh" garlic, but was actually like it better. I have the "recipe"/directions if you want them - just let me know. I don't have a special roasting jar, although they sell them.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I didn't stuff it by any means but the jars were full. Some of it sort of naturally crushed. I had that stuff for years - probably much longer than it was really at its peak!

 

[WDWMom]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just dry it and keep it in a jar like Deb suggested.

 

[Twigs]

I have never frozen garlic, but I freeze basil a lot. I chop 1 c. fresh basil leaves in in my food processor and just add a little olive oil (about 1/8c. or less). Then I put that in a ziplock freezer bag. I have kept it frozen up to a year like this with no problem, and it doesn't take up too much room.

 

[WDWMom]

One more question about basil...

My leaves are turning yellow. The lush green look has disappeared. Can a put a little Miracle Grow on it or have I over watered/under watered. How do I get the lush look back or can I just use as is? The aroma is still stong. What did I do wrong?

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I just made 3 batches of Pesto this morning, and have at least that much basil still in the garden. I freeze it in the 1/2 cup glad containers. it will thaw in under a minute in the micro. the top layer will oxidize/darken but it's still good to use. my 5yo loves "green noodles" so I always like to have a small container in the fridge for a quick and easy side dish. you do need a food processor for this, I've tried the blender and the mixture is just too stiff.


2 cups basil leaves, packed - it's at least 4-5 cups of loose leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (not the stuff in the kraft can - get the good stuff, I buy a chunk and grate my own)
1/4 cup grated romano cheese (ditto)

put everything except cheese in a processor, chop finely. stir in cheese by hand. if the mixture is too stiff, add a bit more oil. place into small containers and freeze.

 

[heathrow42]

One more question about basil...

My leaves are turning yellow. The lush green look has disappeared. Can a put a little Miracle Grow on it or have I over watered/under watered. How do I get the lush look back or can I just use as is? The aroma is still stong. What did I do wrong?

Are you snipping it back before it goes to flower? You should cut it back right when you see it start to flower (just pinch off below the flower part) and then it will keep growing 'basil leaves'

If you used a good nutrient rich soil, you shouldn't need miracle grow.. and that stuff isn't really great for plants anyway (it gives them a nitrogen high, and then they start 'jonesing' for it!) if you must, look for slow release fertilizers and if you decide to go the miracle grow route, really dillute it, it's strong stuff!

--heather