foto: YouTube/Channel Keluarga Asyik
Brilio.net - Traditional spices are one of the keys to the deliciousness of Indonesian cuisine. Some of the most frequently used are cardamom, galangal, turmeric, ginger, lime leaves, and bay leaves. Bay leaves themselves are known to be effective in eliminating unpleasant odors in animal meat and provide a distinctive aroma to various dishes.
In addition to being used as a cooking spice, bay leaves also have health benefits. Reported from webmd.com, the content in bay leaves is said to help lower cholesterol levels , so it is often used as a natural medicine. It is no wonder that many people choose to stock bay leaves at home for cooking and herbal medicine.
However, storing bay leaves cannot be done carelessly. If not stored properly, bay leaves can turn brown and lose their nutrients.
Some people prefer to dry bay leaves first before storing them to make them last longer. This method does make the leaves last longer, but it can cause the color of the leaves to turn brown and the texture to become dry.
As an alternative, there is a way to store bay leaves without drying them, but still keep the color green and fresh for months. This method was demonstrated by YouTube user Fun Family Channel.
Make sure the bay leaves that will be used as stock are still of good quality. There are no holes or dried out parts. If so, wipe the entire surface of the bay leaves one by one with tissue.
"No need to wash it, just dry it using tissue," he said as quoted by BrilioFood from the YouTube Channel Keluarga Asyik.
photo: YouTube/Fun Family Channel
Next, arrange the bay leaves into one. To be neat, this netizen deliberately arranged the bay leaves according to the same size.
photo: YouTube/Fun Family Channel
Once done, put the bay leaves into the plastic. No need to line it with tissue or anything, just tie the plastic when it is full.
photo: YouTube/Fun Family Channel
Finally, put the plastic in the freezer. In this way, it is guaranteed that the bay leaves will remain green and last for months.
photo: YouTube/Fun Family Channel
Like this netizen's bay leaf stock. Even though it has been stored for 2 months, the bay leaves still look fresh and not a single leaf has dried out.
"It still looks fresh and nothing is broken, right?" he explained.
photo: YouTube/Fun Family Channel
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about how to store bay leaves1. Why can't bay leaves be washed before storing?
Washing bay leaves before storing them can leave them damp and speed up the rotting process. Instead, simply wipe the leaves with a dry paper towel to keep them fresh longer.
2. How long can bay leaves last if stored in the freezer?
With proper storage, bay leaves can last for months, even more than 2-3 months, without losing their green color and aroma.
3. Do frozen bay leaves need to be thawed before use?
No need. Frozen bay leaves can be used directly in cooking without having to be thawed first. Just take as needed and put it directly into the dish.
4. Can this method be applied to other spice leaves such as lime leaves or pandan leaves?
Yes, this method can also be used to store lime leaves, pandan leaves, and other leaves to keep them fresh longer in the freezer.
5. Is there any other way to store bay leaves besides in the freezer?
In addition to being stored in the freezer, bay leaves can also be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator (chiller). However, this method can only maintain the freshness of the leaves for 1-2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, storing them in the freezer is recommended.
(brl/tin)
