freezing fresh herbs - any problems?

[bossy]

Hi all - am clueless about so much to do with cooking! Are fresh herbs (and while we're about it cheeses) easy to freeze? Anything need to be done for preparation and are they just as good (or almost as good) when thawed? Thanks!

[Tiger]

I always freeze cheese and herbs. I just put them in freeze bags. I don't even defrost. I just throw them in the dish. Of coarse I did this with Shredded cheese.

[SHERRY]

I don't think basil will work this way, it turns black. For it, I just put on the counter wrapped loosely in a paper towel until it is crispy....make sure it is completely dry. then store in a baggie in my spice drawer.

[Gail]

Here's a previous thread with some suggestions about freezing herbs. www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/001579.html (http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/001579.html)

I suspect if you run a search, you may come up with additional suggestions and comments about freezing cheese.

Good luck!

[MicheleF]

A block of parmesan works great with freezing. I just take it out, grate what I need and then throw it right back in the freezer until next time. As for the herbs, can't help you with much on that. I tried growing herbs for the first time last year and was semi successful. I will try it again this year.

[bossy]

thanks all - should have thought to do that search first http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif. Your suggestions are great!

[laughsandlaughs]

An Italian friend of mine swears she and her family always freeze fresh basil in freezer bags!