Chives Freezing Method: The Secret to Keeping Them Fresh for Longer
Chives Freezing Method: Reveal the Secret to Enjoying Freshness for Over 3 Months!
Bought a bunch of chives and worried about how to store them? They tend to get soggy quickly in the refrigerator, and it can be even harder to store them properly if you live alone. Today, I’m sharing a method for long-term storage: freezing! This allows you to keep them fresh for over 3 months, ready to be used in your cooking anytime.
Key Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh chives
- Several resealable freezer bags
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, untie the bunch of chives and check for any heavily wilted or damaged parts. Remove any subpar stems to ensure only fresh chives are stored, which will help them last longer.
Step 2
Rinse the chives thoroughly under running water. This step is crucial for removing any residual dirt, impurities, or remaining soft spots that might have been missed earlier. Ensure they are well-rinsed before shaking off excess water.
Step 3
After washing, don’t let them air dry. Instead, gently shake the chives with your hands to remove the excess water. This initial shake helps to get rid of the bulk of the moisture.
Step 4
Use paper towels to pat the chives completely dry. It’s essential to remove all remaining moisture to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing, which can degrade the quality. Ensure every part is dry.
Step 5
Once completely dry, cut the chives into your desired size. Consider how you plan to use them – for kimchi, pancakes, or stir-fries – and adjust the length accordingly. A common length is about 1.5 to 2 inches (3-5 cm).
Step 6
Slice the chives into manageable pieces based on your intended culinary use. For stir-fries or side dishes, 3-5 cm lengths are typically good. For pancakes or kimchi, you might prefer them a bit longer. Cut them neatly to your preferred size.
Step 7
If you find any chive blossoms while preparing them, you can either use them in your cooking or store them separately. Chive blossoms add a lovely fragrant note to dishes.
Step 8
Finally, place the cut chives into resealable bags or airtight containers and freeze them. Stored this way, chives can last for over 3 months, remaining fresh and ready for use in various dishes, except for raw consumption.
Step 9
I’ll briefly share how to use these frozen chives in a simple dish. Take them directly from the freezer when you start cooking. Crucially, do NOT thaw them beforehand! Thawing will make them mushy and wilted, similar to how they might be if stored improperly for too long.
Step 10
For example, if you’re making an omelet or chive pancakes, add the frozen chives directly into the beaten eggs or the batter. There’s no need to thaw them first; you can cook them straight from frozen.
Step 11
Cook them as they are, until golden brown, and your delicious chive dish is ready! Using frozen chives allows you to enjoy their fresh flavor without any hassle.
