Freezing & Thawing Wild Garlic - How to Do It Right!

Wild garlic is a species of plant from the genus Allium that grows in forests and has a strong garlic flavor. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes but can be difficult to find commercially. If you have an abundance of wild garlic, you might be wondering how best to preserve it.

Can you freeze wild garlic?

The answer is yes! Wild garlic can be frozen whole or chopped. To freeze whole wild garlic, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Chopped wild garlic can be frozen on a baking sheet and then transferred to a freezer-safe bag once solid.

Advice: We recommend suitable freezer containers with glass lids for environmentally friendly freezing of your wild garlic:

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Frozen wild garlic can be stored for up to 6 months. If you want to use frozen wild garlic, you don't need to thaw it; you can add it directly to your recipe. Keep in mind that the strong flavor of wild garlic can become even more intense after freezing.

How to blanch and freeze wild garlic

To blanch wild garlic, simply bring a pot of water to a boil and add the wild garlic leaves for a few seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and preserves the color and flavor of the wild garlic. Once the leaves have cooled, drain them thoroughly and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the baking sheet for several hours, or until the wild garlic leaves are completely frozen. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Blanching and freezing wild garlic is an easy way to enjoy this flavorful herb all year round!

Freezing or drying wild garlic?

Wild garlic can be used fresh, freeze-dried, or dried. Freeze-drying wild garlic preserves most of its nutrients and aroma. Freeze-drying also has the advantage that no special equipment is needed. To freeze-dry wild garlic, place the leaves on a baking sheet and freeze them for 24 hours. Then, place the leaves in a dehydrator or an oven set to the lowest temperature. Drying wild garlic removes more nutrients than freeze-drying, but it is still a good method to preserve the herb.

Tip: Our recommendation for the right freezer containers with plastic lids for your wild garlic:

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Can fresh wild garlic be frozen?

Fresh wild garlic can be frozen, but it should be used within three months for the best flavor. To freeze, wash the garlic and remove any brown or discolored leaves. Cut the wild garlic into pieces and then place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure there is enough space in the container for the wild garlic to expand when freezing. When you want to use the wild garlic, thaw it in the refrigerator and use it as desired.

How long does frozen wild garlic last?

Wild garlic can be stored whole in the freezer for up to six months. The leaves can be chopped and frozen in freezer-safe containers or bags. When using frozen wild garlic, it is best to add it to recipes towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Here are our wild garlic freezing tips summarized for you at a glance

Wild garlic is a versatile and flavorful herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. If you have wild garlic in your garden, you should freeze it for later use.

Our FAVORITE freezer containers for every use:

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Here are some tips for freezing wild garlic: - Cut the wild garlic into thin slices with a sharp knife - Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper - Freeze the wild garlic for 2-3 hours, or until firm - Transfer the frozen wild garlic to an airtight container or freezer bag - Label the container with the date and contents - Wild garlic can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months With these tips, you can enjoy the taste of wild garlic all year round!

Thawing wild garlic correctly

If you want to use frozen wild garlic, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also place it in a bowl of cold water to speed up the process. Once thawed, squeeze out any excess moisture and use it like fresh wild garlic. When thawing, make sure not to leave it out for more than two hours, otherwise it will start to spoil. Wild garlic is excellent for flavoring soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. If you freeze and thaw it correctly, you can enjoy its flavor all year round!