Gardeners and foodies alike know that nasturtiums are a total backyard superfood. Not only are they packed with health benefits, but they also have that amazing peppery kick that levels up almost any dish. However, if you’re looking to save your harvest for later, freezing nasturtiums can be a little tricky. You can’t just toss them in a bag and call it a day—there are a few things you need to know first.
What You’ll Need
Freezing nasturtiums doesn’t require much fancy equipment. Here’s your basic checklist:
- Freezer bags
- Ice cube trays
- Freshly prepped nasturtiums
- Water
- A freezer
While you *could* just throw them into a freezer bag, I wouldn’t recommend it. It makes portioning a nightmare since you usually only need a little bit at a time for seasoning. That’s why the ice cube tray method is my absolute favorite way to go.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before you get started, make sure your leaves are cleaned, patted dry, and chopped up. Fill each slot of your ice cube tray with the chopped leaves and top them off with water. Once they’re frozen solid, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag. The next time you’re whipping up a meal that needs a little heat, just grab a cube and you’re good to go! For the flowers, follow the same steps, but keep them whole instead of chopping them.
How to Use Your Frozen Stash
If you’re looking to garnish a fresh salad or a cold plate, stick with freshly picked nasturtiums. Once frozen leaves thaw out, they get pretty mushy and lose their texture. However, they are fantastic for adding a flavor boost to hot soups, stews, or sauces.
The frozen flowers are a different story—they make incredible decorations! If you freeze the whole blossoms in ice cubes, they look stunning in cocktails or iced tea. It’s an easy way to give your drinks a “wow” factor when you’re hosting friends.
A Tasty Alternative: Pickling
Depending on which part of the plant you want to preserve, freezing might not always be the best choice. For example, I’d skip the freezer for nasturtium buds. Instead, try pickling them in vinegar. They make amazing “poor man’s capers” that are seriously delicious. You can also use the bright petals to infuse your own floral vinegar.
The Bottom Line: It’s All About the Plan
Freezing is a super simple way to make your nasturtium harvest last. It’s perfect for preserving that spicy flavor and creating beautiful ice cubes for summer drinks. Just remember to choose your preservation method based on how you plan to use the plant later!
