Fresh dill is a wonderfully aromatic herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor to many dishes-from salads and dips to fish and soups. But dill is also quite delicate and perishable, so if you have more than you can use right away, freezing is the best way to preserve its vibrant flavor. In this article, I’ll walk you through easy, effective methods to freeze fresh dill so you can enjoy it anytime.
Why Freeze Fresh Dill?
Dill is an annual herb that grows quickly but doesn’t last long once harvested. While refrigerating dill can keep it fresh for a week or two, freezing extends its usability for several months without losing much flavor. Unlike drying, which can diminish dill’s delicate taste, freezing locks in the herb’s natural oils, keeping it closer to fresh.
Preparing Dill for Freezing
Before freezing, it’s important to prepare your dill properly to maintain the best flavor and texture:
– Wash thoroughly: Rinse the dill fronds and flower heads gently to remove dirt or bugs.
– Dry completely: Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can cause clumping and freezer burn.
– Remove tough stems: Trim away any thick or woody stems, as these don’t freeze well and aren’t usually used in cooking.
Methods to Freeze Fresh Dill
1. Freeze Whole Sprigs
This method is perfect if you want to keep the dill intact for garnishing or recipes that call for whole sprigs.
– Spread the cleaned and dried dill sprigs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
– Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to freeze the sprigs individually.
– Once frozen, transfer the sprigs to airtight freezer bags or containers.
– Label and date the bags, then store in the freezer for up to 6 months to a year.
Freezing sprigs this way prevents them from sticking together, so you can grab just what you need without thawing the entire batch.
2. Freeze Chopped Dill in Ice Cube Trays
If you often use dill chopped in recipes like dips, dressings, or sauces, freezing it in ice cube trays is convenient.
– After washing and drying, chop the dill to your preferred size.
– Place the chopped dill into ice cube trays, filling each compartment about halfway.
– Add just enough water or olive oil to cover the dill.
– Freeze completely, then pop the cubes out and store them in labeled freezer bags.
– When cooking, simply drop a cube into your dish and let it thaw during cooking.
This method is great for portion control and helps preserve the flavor in a ready-to-use form.
3. Freeze Chopped Dill Loose in Bags or Containers
If you prefer a quicker method without the ice cube step:
– Chop and dry the dill well.
– Place it in small airtight containers or resealable freezer bags.
– Try to spread the dill out evenly so it freezes in a loose, crumbly form.
– Freeze and use within 6 months for the best flavor.
If the dill is still wet, let it air dry for an hour before freezing to avoid clumping.
Tips for Using Frozen Dill
– Frozen dill works best in cooked dishes, soups, stews, and sauces.
– It can be added directly from the freezer without thawing.
– For fresh salads or dips, use the ice cube method or freeze chopped dill loose so you can sprinkle it easily.
– Avoid refreezing thawed dill as it will lose flavor and texture.
Other Ways to Store Dill
If freezing isn’t your preferred method, you can also:
– Refrigerate dill: Wrap in damp paper towels and store in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to two weeks.
– Dry dill: Hang dill upside down in a warm, dry place or use a dehydrator. Dried dill lasts about a year but loses some flavor compared to frozen.
Summary
Freezing fresh dill is a simple and effective way to preserve its bright flavor for months. Whether you freeze whole sprigs, chopped dill in ice cube trays, or loose chopped dill in bags, the key is to wash, dry, and store it properly. This way, you’ll always have this fragrant herb on hand to brighten your meals all year round.
Enjoy your dill fresh from the freezer anytime you want a burst of garden-fresh flavor!