It's spring - the herbs are sprouting. Edible goutweed also grows quickly in spring. April to May in particular is the ideal time to collect it. The masses of crops can be frozen without any problems.

Ground elder is harvested in spring for freezing

Collect at the right time

Young Giersch leaves are best suited for later processing. They are tender and pleasantly aromatic. Collect the leaves shortly after they have sprouted, when they are still a fresh green colour!

The optimal collection time for Giersch is usually between mid-April and late May. After that, the leaves will become tougher and tougher as the plant puts all of its energy into its buds.

Gather, clean and chop the goutweed

Ground elder leaves are collected with or without the stalk. Collect a larger amount right away so that the effort is worth it! At home you can clean the leaves of dirt and vermin. It is then advisable to chop the leaves. Depending on what you want to use them for later, crochet or cut them to a certain size.

Freeze in ice cube trays, freezer bags or cans

If you want, you can briefly blanch the goutweed before freezing. But that is not absolutely necessary. The shredded leaves can simply be packed in a container. Ice cube trays are suitable for this. This is where the leaves come in, along with some water. Freezer bags and cans are also suitable for storing in the freezer.

Utilization ideas for the frozen goutweed

The extremely healthy goutweed can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. It tastes great both cooked and baked. The most proven is a goutweed spinach. You can prepare it like conventional spinach together with onions, garlic, a pinch of nutmeg and salt.

Here are more ideas for using up the frozen goutweed:

  • as a seasoning for soups
  • as an ingredient in stews
  • as a seasoning for meat dishes such as game and beef
  • for casseroles B. together with potatoes and leeks
  • for scrambled eggs
  • for herb sauces

tips

When frozen, goutweed can be kept for over a year. It hardly loses any of its ingredients or taste. But once you thaw it, don't freeze it again!

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Herbs