Have you ever purchased a beautiful bundle of herbs, only for them to wilt within a few day? Well, don’t throw them away, because this simple kitchen hack will teach you how to repurpose wilted herbs, so you can get the most out of your produce and reduce your food waste!
When it comes to cooking, using fresh herbs is essential. Not only do they add a color and texture that instantly makes any dish more appealing, but they also can make (or break) the flavor. Dishes like my Copycat Hillstone Emerald Kale Salad, or my Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice, wouldn’t be the same without the use of fresh herbs. And, let’s be honest: good herbs = LIFE!
But with that said, if there’s one thing that I don’t enjoy about herbs, it’s that they tend to wilt so quickly. Sure, you can try certain kitchen hacks, like placing your green onions in a mason jar full of water, but even then, they tend to only last a little bit longer. And once your herbs have already wilted, there’s little left that you can do. That is… until now.
This simple and easy hack is one you can do both before AND after your herbs have wilted, so you can not only extend the life of fresh herbs, but avoid throwing out wilted ones. After all, it’s 2022, and we ALL can do so many small and easy things to prevent food waste. This hack is another step forward in the right direction!
How to Save Sad, Wilted Herbs
This hack truly couldn’t be more simple! Simply take your wilted (or fresh, if using) herbs and dice them into small pieces.
Next, take an empty ice cube tray and place the diced herbs into each category. If you’re using a variety of different herbs you can opt to mix them, or just stagger which ones you use!
Once your herbs are placed, simply pour olive oil (or avocado oil… or any oil you like to use!) on top of the herbs, so they’re fully submerged in the oil.
Freeze overnight, then when they’re done, pop them out of the freezer and add them to any recipe! This blend of olive oil and herbs is perfect to toss into soups, stews, pasta sauces, or anywhere that you would use oil and herbs!
What to do With Your Oil & Herb Cubes
And if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to use these herby little cubes, then fear not, because I’ve got you!
For a plant-based dish that’s packed with herbs, my Lemony Lentil Soup is a perfect fit. Or, if a little lemon and chicken is more your speed, try my Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup for the perfect pairing with this hack.
Not feeling soups? No worries! My Creamy Lemon Butternut Squash Pasta is a delicious pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh herbs. And for the gluten-free crowd, you have to try my Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken Breasts. Talk about the easiest one-pan meal!
I hope you guys love this simple and easy kitchen hack! If you decide to try it out, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx
Ingredients
- 1 Bundle Herbs of Choice, this "hack" works well for any herb!
- 2 Cups Olive Oil
Instructions
- Start by dicing your herbs into small pieces. Remove the stems if desired.
- Next, take an empty ice cube tray and place your herbs inside each cavity.
- Fill each cavity to the top with olive oil, making sure that the herbs are fully submerged.
- Place the ice cub tray in the freezer overnight, so that the oil fully solidifies.
- Once they're done, remove them from the freezer and add them to any recipes that you would ordinarily use olive oil and herbs in. Enjoy!
Recipe In Action
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