Some time during spring and I tend to stock up on lots and lots of fresh herbs just because they smell lovely and make my kitchen look so much better (and they make food taste better too, of course). I usually go for the biggest plants I can find which means I rarely use up all of the herbs. A great way to preserve the fresh herbs is to freeze them. Now, these herbal and floral ice cubes are more for decoration, to make your summer drink taste and look a little bit better (I mean imagine using ice cubes with mint in a mojito, or just plain water). If you want to preserve herbs for cooking, you can chop them finely, put them in an ice cube tray and fill with a little bit of water or even olive oil then you just throw them in the food you’re making. Simple as that! If you’re using flowers for your ice cubes – absolutely make sure they are edible and that they haven’t been treated with any chemicals first. The flowers I’ve here used are bellflowers (campanula). There are many kinds of bellflowers and I cannot guarantee that all kinds are edible (I find lots of info on edible campanulas in Swedish, but very little on the subject in English). If you’re feeling insecure you can always use rose petals, lavender, lilacs or elderflowers instead. As with all flowers, I suggest eating only small amounts to be on the safe side.
Many recommend boiling the water first to make sure the ice is as clear as possible, though I haven’t tried this method myself (too impatient!).
What you’ll need
Herbs or edible flowers
Ice cube tray
Water
Fill ice cube trays with water, about 1/3 full.
Put the flowers or herbs in the water and freeze (to ensure the flower/herbs stays in place). Fill with water to the top and freeze again.
So pretty, these would be perfect in summer drinks!
These look gorgeous, I'll definitely be making some of these for the summer weekends ahead! http://www.inkandnonsense.blogspot.co.uk
This is such a wonderful summer post! The flowers are looking gorgeous and classy. I'm definitely going to try that!
This is such a neat idea to not just keep the herbs and flowers preserved but also add zip and zing to summer drinks!!!!! Loved it!
åh vad fina, speciellt dåm där med blommor!
Åh vad fint! De med blåklockor är ju helt otroliga!! 🙂
gorgeous photos and such a beautiful idea! i was just at my friend jan of poppytalk.com's launch party and she had wildflowers in square ice cubes – it made every drink feel so pretty and special! xoxo
I love pimped up ice cubes and yours look fabulous! Didn't know bluebells were edible. The actually are one of my favorite wild flowers so I'm definitely looking forward to use them in my kitchen. Also, I've never heard of that water boiling method; sounds interesting and worth a try.
Such a simple and beautiful idea! Will definitely try these, they'll be sure to add a pop to homemade lemonade or even water over the summer:)
Love this idea! I have some peppermint not being used and now I know what to do! I absolutely adore your blog!! ~Ashley
i love it!! i'm sooooo gonna give it a try!! thanks for the idea!
So so so going to give a try! Looks pretty in drinks . Great post as always <3 xo
http://www.kinikunormal.blogspot.com/
They look incredible! Awesome idea and OMG the pictures. You have a really good eye for photography and inspire me every time 🙂
Thank you so much!! That makes me so happy to hear 🙂
Copying blog 'Manger' with your blog design??
Hehe, if you say so!
i already commented above when you originally posted but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on the gorgeous new blog design! yay!! your work is unprecedented, you are so talented! love that you have an easy "pinterest" button now too! xoxo
Thank you Lyndsay!! You're too sweet my friend!
And I KNOW!! I love the new design, including the pinterest button 🙂
xoxo
Love this idea. So simple and it looks beautiful! I have shared it on my blog, linked back to yours of course (hope you don't mind, please let me know if you do..).
Wish you a great summer!