The easiest way to preserve lemon thyme is by freezing it in olive oil ice cubes. This method retains the flavor and aroma of the herb for later use in cooking.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to preserve lemon thyme using this method:
- Harvest and Wash: Harvest fresh lemon thyme sprigs. Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris and pat dry.
- Prepare the Herb: Remove the leaves from the stems. You should aim for approximately 1 tablespoon of leaves per ice cube.
- Fill Ice Cube Tray: Place the lemon thyme leaves into the individual compartments of an ice cube tray.
- Cover with Olive Oil: Top each compartment containing lemon thyme with olive oil, ensuring the herbs are completely submerged.
- Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and let it freeze completely.
- Transfer to Storage: Once frozen, remove the olive oil and lemon thyme cubes from the ice cube tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-lock bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the date and contents. This allows you to reuse the ice cube tray.
- Store: Store the bag in the freezer. The lemon thyme and olive oil cubes can be stored for several months.
When ready to use, simply take out the desired number of cubes and add them directly to your cooking. The olive oil will melt, releasing the flavor of the lemon thyme into your dish.
