How to Store Parsley and Keep it Fresh For one Month
Spices and aromatic plants are indispensable companions in the kitchen, ideal for adding zest and elevating the taste of any dish. A bouquet garni made of thyme, bay leaves, and tied parsley can be added to infuse your sauces or broths. To fully capture the essence of these plants, it is crucial to maintain their freshness. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to keep parsley fresh for up to two months.
Essentials of Preserving Fresh Aromatic Plants It is entirely possible to maintain the freshness of aromatic plants with the correct techniques. If the thought of preserving parsley seems daunting, fear not. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to keep your parsley fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
Steps to Preserve Parsley in Stems • Select parsley that is vibrantly green and has a fresh aroma. Steer clear of any parsley that is wilted, brown, or shriveled. • There are multiple methods to preserve this fragrant herb.
- Preservation in an Airtight Container • In a Glass Jar: Chop the parsley finely and store it in a sealed glass jar. This method retains the freshness of parsley better than storing it as stems. • In the Refrigerator: • Rinse the parsley thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or insects. • Remove excess water by shaking it off and then finely chop the parsley, discarding the stems. • Spread the chopped parsley on a plate and place it in the refrigerator. • Stir the parsley daily to ensure even drying. • Once dried, transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
- Preservation in a Jar with Water • Treat the parsley as you would a bouquet of flowers. • Trim 12mm from the bottom of the stems and remove any brown leaves. • Ensure the leaves are dry. Only rinse them just before usage. • Place the parsley stems in a jar filled three-quarters with water. • Store in the refrigerator with a plastic bag loosely covering the jar, secured with a rubber band. • Replace the water every two days to maintain freshness. • Prior to use, rinse and pat dry with a paper towel or salad spinner.
- Preservation Using Paper Towel • Dampen a paper towel (unprinted preferably) and wrap it around the parsley. • Place in an airtight bag and store in the refrigerator. Re-wet the paper towel as needed.
Preserving Chopped Parsley in the Freezer For extended storage, the freezer is the optimal choice. • Before Freezing: Make sure the parsley is clean and dry to avoid freezing any dirt or insects.
Using Oil for Preservation • Option 1: • Clean and dry the parsley. • Chop finely and distribute into ice cube trays. • Drizzle olive or a neutral vegetable oil over the parsley and freeze. Utilize the cubes to enhance the flavors of soups and stews. • Alternatively, place chopped parsley in a freezer bag, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, remove air, and seal. • Option 2: • Process the parsley finely in a food processor. • Combine with 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag.
Preservation in Water • Clean and dry the parsley. • Separate leaves from stems, place in ice cube trays, cover with water, and freeze.
Blanching Parsley for Extended Preservation • After rinsing, briefly boil the parsley. • Once it begins to lighten in color, remove and rinse with cold water. • Remove stems, chop finely, and distribute into ice cube trays with a bit of water. Freeze for 24 hours, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag.
Conclusion Enhancing dishes with parsley is simplified with these preservation methods. Employ the appropriate techniques, freeze if necessary, and savor the freshness of parsley whenever desired.
