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How to Make an Herb Paste to Freeze

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Get the Most From Your Herb Garden

I have always loved growing culinary herbs, but struggle with ways to preserve them so that they retained the fresh flavor that drying takes away. One day while shopping in the produce isle of my local grocery store, I saw tubes of herbs that were in an oil base. Thinking this was a great idea, I looked for a way to make my own paste from the herbs that I grew. This method is oil based too. Freezing it helps with the shelf life of the paste and the oil does not freeze solid so that removing from the container the amount of herb paste you need for a recipe is easy.

Things You Will Need

  • Culinary herb of your choice
  • Canola oil
  • Food Processor
  • Freezer Safe Container

Need a Food Processor?

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Easy Steps to Make an Herb Paste

  1. From the garden, harvest the herb of your choice. The fresher the herb, the better it will taste.
  2. Wash the herb to remove any dirt or grit. Place on a dry paper towels and pat dry.
  3. Remove any woody stems. The fine connecting stems can be left intact.
  4. Place herb in a food processor. For every cup of fresh herb you will need to pour in 1/4 cup of canola oil. Process this mixture until a paste is formed.
  5. Pack the herb paste into a clean freezer safe container and put immediately into your freezer.
  6. To use, spoon out or scrape herb paste with a knife for the amount needed and return container to freezer.

Some Helpful Tips!

If you do not have a food processor, you can use a blender or chop by hand. The amount of oil used may vary by this method.

Herb pastes are concentrated. Try using only a third of what you normally would use if fresh. Adjust amount to taste for your favorite recipes.

Cooking with Herbs

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by

gypsiedream

Welcome! I am a work at home, computer loving, herb junkie.  Please visit my blog at http://www.theworkfromhomemother.com . Oh, and don't forget... more »

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