Dill is a herb that grows when the weather is warm. This herb is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. If you enjoy using dill in your cooking, you may want to store them to use year-round. Would freezing dill be an option?
Can you freeze dill? Yes, you can freeze dill. This herb can be frozen either in a freezer bag or in an ice cube tray. Using the ice cube tray, you can freeze the dill alone or along with other herbs. Properly stored, dills will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Does Dill Freeze Well?
When it comes to dill, this herb freeze very well. Properly stored, the flavor of the herb will remain the same just as when it was fresh.
However, the texture of the dill may not freeze that well. Once it’s frozen and thawed, the herb will become mushy and dark green to brown.
If you’re going to use frozen dill to garnish a salad, it will not work. On the other hand, using frozen dill in soups, stews, and other recipes that require cooking, this herb will work.
How To Freeze Dill
There are two methods to freezing dill. You can either freeze them in a plastic bag or in an ice cube tray.
Both methods will help preserve the dill while it’s frozen.
Freeze Dill In Bags
Preparation
Start by cleaning the dill thoroughly. This will remove any pests, diets, and debris that may be on the herb.
Flash Freezing
On a tray, lay a sheet of parchment paper on it. Place the dill onto the tray keeping them separated.
Once all the dill is on the tray, place it into the freezer. Flash freeze the dill for about 2-3 hours or until it’s completely frozen.
Storage Container
Once the dill is completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the herb to a freezer bag. You can also use an airtight container if you want.
Place the dill into the bag, leaving them some room. Squeeze the bag to remove any excess air from it and seal it tightly.
If using an airtight container, check the seal on the lid for any damage. If there are not any, secure the lid to the container tightly.
Label and Freeze
Using a marker, write down the date of freezing on the container or freezer bag. Then place them into the freezer for storage.
Freezing Dill In Ice Cubes
Freezing dill in ice cubes is a better method to freezing them. It gives you more versatility and lasts much longer.
Below are the process of preparing and freezing dill:
Preparation
Start by cleaning the dills thoroughly with water. You’ll want to remove any dirt and grimes from the herb.
Then remove the fronds from the stems and dice them up finely.
Fill The Ice Cube Tray
With an ice cube tray, give it a good cleaning first. Then place the diced up dill into each slot. Fill each slot to about 50% of the way up.
Then with olive oil or water, fill the slot the rest of the way up.
With a cling film, wrap the tray entirely around.
Flash Freezing The Dill
Place the tray of dill into the freezer. Let it sit for about 2-3 hours or until it’s completely frozen.
Transfer to Freezer Bag
Once the dill is completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the dill cubes to the freezer bag.
Squeeze out all the air from the bag and seal it tightly.
Label and Freeze
With a marker, write down the date of freezing on the bag. Then place them into the freezer for storage.
Can You Freeze Dried Dill?
You can freeze dried dill, but it’s not necessary to do so. Since all the dill no longer has any moisture in it, you’re better off storing them in the pantry.
Freezing dried dill could run the risk of them losing its flavor due to condensation during freezing. As the dill is being thawed, the moisture will cause the dill to become wet.
How Long Can You Freeze Dill?
Whether you freeze them in a bag or ice cube tray, dill will last for about 6 months. After that time, the quality of the herb will start to decrease. You’ll still be able to use them though, but it won’t taste as fresh as it should.
You should try to use the dill within 6 months for the best quality.
How Do You Defrost Dill?
The great thing about dill is that they don’t need to be thawed. Dill is so delicate and thin that it will instantly thaw once it’s removed from the freezer.
For a recipe that needs to be cooked, you can add frozen dill to it while it’s being cooked. You can either use dill frozen in the freezer bag or the ice cubes.
Can You Refreeze Dill?
Due to their thin texture, I would highly recommend you do not refreeze dill. Freezing the dill once will already degrade the flavor.
If you refreeze it once more, the flavor of it will degrade even further. Also, the leaves will become very mushy and separate.
Other Questions about Dill
Can you freeze dill dip?
Yes, you can certainly freeze dill dip. The dip will freeze just fine, but when it thaws, the texture and consistency may change a bit. However, the dip will be safe to eat.
Can you freeze dill sauce?
Dill sauce can be frozen, and it will freeze quite well. After the sauce is made, let it cool down to room temperature. Then place them into an airtight container. Leave about an inch of space at the top. This will allow room for the sauce to expand during freezing. Then place them into the freezer. You can keep dill sauce in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Can you freeze dill butter?
Yes, you can freeze dill butter. After making the butter, add the dill and mix it together. You can form them in molded shapes using small butter mold trays or into a long roll of parchment paper.
Once the butter is formed, place them in an airtight container. Secure the lid onto the container, label them with the date of freezing, and place them into the freezer. Dill butter can last for several months in the freezer.