Omar Khalid
Freezing is a great way to preserve fresh dill. It is recommended to freeze dill in plastic bags, glass jars, or airtight containers. Before freezing, dill should be washed, dried, and chopped. Some people also recommend freezing dill with oil in ice cube trays for easy use in sauces or stews. Frozen dill will last for about 4-6 months and can be used in various dishes to add flavor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freezing dill in plastic bags | Possible |
| Freezing method | Wash, dry and package in Ziploc bags, freeze |
| Freezing time | 1-2 months, 4-6 months, 6 months, 1 year |
| Advantages | Extends dill's shelf life and flavour |
| Disadvantages | May lose potency after 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing dill for freezing
Step 1: Harvesting Dill
Start by harvesting dill, preferably when it is young and tender, before flower heads have formed. Pick dill at peak freshness, usually later in the morning after the dew has evaporated, as the plants tend to be more flavourful at this time.
Step 2: Cleaning and Drying
Wash the dill thoroughly in cool water to remove any dirt or insects. You can also rotate the dill while rinsing to ensure that the fronds are evenly soaked. Shake the herb gently to remove excess moisture, and then lay it on a paper towel or hang it upside down to dry completely.
Step 3: Chopping
Once the dill is dry, use a sharp knife or herb chopper to cut the dill into coarse or fine pieces, depending on your intended use. You can chop it as finely as you would use it fresh, or coarsely if you plan to use it in soups or stews.
Step 4: Freezing Techniques
There are several ways to freeze dill:
- Freezing in Containers or Bags: Place the chopped dill into small containers or freezer bags. If using bags, spread the dill on a baking sheet or wire rack and freeze for about an hour until it's completely frozen, then transfer it to the bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing and returning them to the freezer.
- Freezing with Oil: Mix chopped dill with oil (such as canola or olive oil) in a freezer-safe bag. Flatten the mixture before freezing, then break off a piece when needed for sauces or stews.
- Freezing in Ice Cube Trays: Combine chopped dill with oil and pour the mixture into ice cube trays. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze overnight before transferring the dill cubes to freezer bags.
- Freezing Whole Sprigs: If you intend to use the dill in canned goods, you can freeze the intact dill sprigs. Rinse and dry the sprigs, then place them directly into freezer bags or containers.
Step 5: Storage and Shelf Life
Store your frozen dill in the coldest part of your freezer. Frozen dill can last for about six months to a year, retaining its flavour and aroma.
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Choosing a container
When choosing a container to freeze dill, there are a few options to consider. Freezer bags are a popular choice, as they are convenient and allow for easy storage. You can use Ziploc bags, vacuum-sealed bags, or any other type of freezer-safe plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn and prolong the freshness of the dill.
Another option is to use airtight containers made of plastic or glass. Glass jars, in particular, are a good choice if you want to avoid the smell of dill permeating your freezer. Look for containers that are specifically designed for freezer use and make sure they have tight-fitting lids to prevent air and moisture from getting in.
If you plan on using smaller portions of dill at a time, consider using ice cube trays. You can fill the trays with chopped dill and cover them with water or a neutral oil like canola oil before freezing. Once frozen, pop out the dill cubes and store them in a freezer bag or container. This method makes it easy to grab a small amount of dill as needed without thawing a large batch.
Lastly, consider the size of the container. Choose a container that is small enough to fit in your freezer and allows for efficient use of space. If using a bag, look for one that is the right size for the amount of dill you plan to store. If using a container, consider using several small containers instead of one large one, as this will make it easier to thaw smaller portions of dill as needed.
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Freezing dill in oil
Step 1: Prepare the Dill
Wash the dill thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Rotate the dill while rinsing to ensure all parts are cleaned. Gently shake off any excess water and lay the dill on a paper towel or clean cloth. Blot with another paper towel to ensure the dill is completely dry. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Chop the dill into coarse pieces or fine bits, depending on your preferred method and intended use.
Step 2: Prepare the Oil
Choose an oil that suits your preference and intended use. Neutral oils like canola oil work well, but you can also use olive oil or any other oil of your choice. You can even use a combination of oils if desired.
Step 3: Combine Dill and Oil
In a bowl, combine the chopped dill and oil. Ensure that the dill pieces are thoroughly coated in oil. You can adjust the ratio of dill to oil depending on your desired concentration and consistency.
Step 4: Freeze in Ice Cube Trays
Spoon the dill and oil mixture into ice cube trays. Fill each compartment evenly. Cover the trays with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place the trays in the freezer for at least 3 hours or until the mixture is completely frozen.
Step 5: Transfer to Freezer-Safe Bags or Containers
Once the dill and oil cubes are frozen solid, pop them out of the ice cube trays. Transfer the cubes to freezer-safe plastic bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them tightly. Label the bags or containers with the date and contents.
Storage and Usage:
Your frozen dill in oil will stay fresh and flavourful for 3 to 6 months. When cooking, simply grab a cube from the freezer and add it directly to your dish. It's perfect for soups, stews, sauces, or any recipe that calls for dill. You can also thaw the cube by turning on the heat and letting it melt for a few seconds. Frozen dill may have a slightly different texture from fresh dill, but it will still add a delightful fragrance and flavour to your meals.
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Freezing dill in water
- Start by rinsing the dill in cool water to remove any dirt or insects.
- Gently shake the dill to remove excess moisture, or pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Chop the dill into coarse pieces or fine pieces, depending on your preference and intended use.
- Combine the chopped dill with water in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray. You can also use a vacuum-sealed bag or a Ziploc bag designed for freezer use.
- Flatten the bag to remove excess air and seal it tightly.
- Place the container or bag of dill and water in the freezer. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 months.
It is important to note that freezing dill in water may not be suitable if you want to sprinkle it on top of dishes as a garnish. In that case, you may want to freeze the dill on its own, without water, or use one of the alternative methods described below.
Alternative Methods
There are several other methods you can use to freeze dill:
- Chop the dill finely and freeze it in small vacuum-sealed bags or Ziploc bags. This method works well if you want to sprinkle the dill on top of dishes.
- Use a meat grinder to process the dill stems and freeze the mush in small ice cube trays. This option is perfect for soups, stews, and sauces where you want the dill flavour but don't need the herb's appearance.
- Freeze dill with oil in an ice cube tray for easy use in sauces or stews. Combine chopped dill with canola oil or another neutral oil, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray, and freeze it overnight before transferring the cubes to a freezer bag.
- Freeze dill without any water or oil. Simply chop the dill, place it on a baking sheet, and put it in the freezer for about an hour. Once the dill is frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
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How long dill lasts in the freezer
Freezing is a great way to preserve dill for longer. It is recommended to use it within six months to a year. One source suggests that dill will last for 4-6 months in the freezer, while another suggests 1-2 months. After six months, the flavour may start to fade, but it should remain edible for up to a year if stored properly.
To ensure that dill lasts longer in the freezer, it is important to prepare it before freezing. First, rinse the dill under cool water and let it dry completely. One source suggests spreading the dill out on a wire rack over a sheet pan and putting it into the freezer for an hour and a half. Then, place it into a freezer bag. Another source suggests laying the dill on a paper towel and patting it dry. Once the dill is dry, chop it into coarse pieces and place it on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put the baking sheet in the oven for 12 hours, then transfer the dill to a freezer bag. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag before sealing it.
Another method of freezing dill involves mixing chopped dill with oil and freezing it in an ice cube tray. This method is convenient for adding dill to sauces or stews. The dill-oil mixture can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag and broken off in pieces as needed.
It is worth noting that dill dries quickly and can be stored for up to a month, but it loses its flavour within that time. Freezing is a better option for retaining the flavour of dill for longer periods.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can freeze dill in plastic bags. 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.
Frozen dill will last for about 6 months. If stored properly, it can last up to a year, but the flavor won't be as strong after 6 months.
Combine 2 cups of washed and chopped dill with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of canola oil or another neutral oil. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze overnight. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe plastic bag.
Yes, you can freeze fresh dill without chopping it. Wash the dill, shake off any excess moisture, and pat dry. Place the dill sprigs on a baking sheet or wire rack and put them into the freezer for about 1-2 hours until completely frozen. Then, transfer the frozen dill to a freezer bag.
Yes, you can freeze dill seeds. First, clip ripe seed heads from the dill plant and place them in a brown paper bag. After one week, sift the seeds to remove any plant particles. Let the seeds dry in the paper bag for another week, then transfer them to a glass jar with a tight lid and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
