Yes, you can freeze dandelion greens. Blanching them before freezing will help to preserve their color and nutrients.
How To Freeze Dandelion Greens?
Step 1: Prep the Greens
- Start by giving those dandelion greens a good rinse in cold water.
- Trim away any tough stems or leaves.
Step 2: Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
- Chop the greens into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy freezing.
Step 3: Quick Blanching
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the greens to the boiling water and blanch for just 30 seconds.
Step 4: Cool Them Down
- Immediately remove the greens from the boiling water and dunk them in a bowl of ice water to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.
Step 5: Drain and Dry
- Allow the greens to drain and pat them dry.
Step 6: Pack for the Freezer
- Pack the greens into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out excess air to maintain freshness.
Step 7: Freezing
- Place the packed greens in the freezer, where they can stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Using Frozen Dandelion Greens
- To use the frozen dandelion greens, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Incorporate them into your favorite recipes, like soups, stews, stir-fries, or smoothies.
Pro Tips for Freezing Dandelion Greens
- Opt for young, tender greens for the best results.
- Blanching helps preserve the color and nutrients.
- Pack greens tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Label containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Use the frozen greens within 6 months for the best quality.
Dandelions are wildflowers that grow in the spring and summer. They’re also known as weeds because they grow everywhere. They’re not usually grown in gardens because they’re wildflowers that grow on their own.
Can You Freeze Dandelion Greens?
Dandelions can be frozen for up to 1 year. You should wash your dandelions before freezing them. Then you can put them in bags and store them in the freezer.
4 Ways To Make Dandelion Greens Less Bitter?
How To Freeze Dandelion Greens
You should wash them thoroughly before freezing them. Make sure to leave them out to dry before putting them into freezer bags.
How Long Can You Freeze Dandelion Greens?
Dandelions are safe to freeze for up to 12 months. Frozen dandelion greens should be thrown out after a year because they lose flavor and texture.
Making Dandelion Pesto From Spring Greens
Dandelions are edible, and they make great pesto! Pesto is a sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese. It tastes great!
Joybilee Farm’s Dandelion Pesto
This recipe uses fresh herbs and vegetables, but it also includes some processed ingredients. Put chives in the food processor with half a cup of virgin olive oil. Then add two cups of toasted nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), two whole garlic cloves, tamarind sauce, sesame oil, and dandelions—process on low for thirty seconds. Add more olive oil or more chopped greens until you get a paste consistency. Taste and adjust with extra salt if you want.
How Do You Defrost Dandelion Greens?
Dandelion greens are very nutritious but should not be prepared fresh or used in meals requiring them to be fresh. They must be defrosted before being used in salads or other dishes. Thawed dandelions are soft and easy to eat. You should use them in dishes that require them to be cooked right after being frozen.
