How To Freeze Fresh Herbs
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How To Freeze Fresh Herbs
Got a bunch of fresh herbs and don’t want them to go to waste? Freezing them is a game-changer! In this post, I'll share How To Freeze Fresh Herbs plus my favorite tips + tricks so you can enjoy their vibrant flavors all year round.
Fresh herbs can make a world of difference in your cooking, but they often come in quantities that are hard to use up before they start to wilt. Freezing your herbs is a fantastic way to preserve that fresh-from-the-garden flavor so you can add a burst of freshness to your dishes any time you want! If you love making the most of your produce check out my post on 10 Tips To Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks!
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Why Freeze Herbs?
Freezing herbs is one of the easiest and most effective ways to preserve their flavor. Unlike drying, which can cause some herbs to lose their potency, freezing locks in the essential oils and keeps the herbs tasting fresh. Plus, it's super convenient to have prepped herbs ready to go when you're cooking up a storm.
What You’ll Need to Freeze Fresh Herbs
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, rosemary, thyme, etc.)
- Ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Olive oil or water
- Freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Labels and a marker
Step-by-Step Guide For Freezing Fresh Herbs
1. Harvest + Wash
First things first: pick/buy your herbs! Choose fresh, healthy-looking leaves and avoid any that are yellowing or damaged. Give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to get rid of excess moisture.
2. Prep the Herbs
Once your herbs are clean + dry, it's time to prep them for freezing. Here’s how to handle different types:
- Leafy Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Mint): Remove the leaves from the stems and chop them finely.
- Hardy Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano): You can either leave the leaves whole or chop them up.
3. Freezing Methods
There are a few different ways to freeze herbs, depending on how you plan to use them later. Here are two my two fave methods:
Ice Cube Trays
Fill trays. Place your chopped herbs into the compartments of an ice cube tray or silicone mold. Don’t pack them too tightly.
Add liquid. Pour olive oil or water over the herbs until the compartments are nearly full. The liquid helps to protect the herbs from freezer burn and makes it easy to pop out individual portions later.
Freeze. Place the trays in the freezer and let them freeze solid. This usually takes a few hours.
Store. Once frozen, pop the herb cubes out of the trays and transfer them to a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. Now you’ve got handy herb portions ready to toss into soups, pasta, + sauces, and so much more!
Flash Freezing
Spread on a tray. Spread whole or chopped herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze until the herbs are solid, usually a few hours.
Store. Transfer the frozen herbs to a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. This method is great for herbs you want to sprinkle over dishes.
How Long To Frozen Herbs Last For?
Frozen herbs generally last well for up to six months in the freezer. However, for the best flavor and quality, it's recommended to use them within three months. After this period, they may still be safe to eat but could lose some of their potency and vibrant flavor. Always make sure to label your herbs with the date they were frozen to keep track of their freshness!
Tips + Tricks For Frozen Herbs
Blanching. Some herbs, like basil, can benefit from a quick blanching before freezing to preserve their color. Just dip them in boiling water for a few seconds, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Mixed herbs. You can also freeze mixed herbs in ice cube trays for quick and easy flavor boosters. Think Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, rosemary) or a bouquet of garni (parsley, thyme, bay leaves).
Adding butter. You can opt for using butter instead of olive oil or water, which is perfect for making garlic herb butter ahead of time for garlic bread anytime!
Usage. Frozen herbs are best used in cooked dishes, as their texture will change. They’re perfect for soups, stews, curries, sauces, and casseroles.
Drinks! I love using herbs + even fruit and edible flowers to make flavored ice cubes for putting into drinks like mocktails and juices, try my Orange Thyme Ice Cubes
There you have it—Freezing fresh herbs is a game-changer for home cooks who want to enjoy garden-fresh flavor all year long. With just a bit of prep work, you can ensure that you always have a stash of your favorite herbs on hand, ready to elevate any dish. Give it a try, and happy cooking!
If you are looking for any meal inspiration check out my "What To Eat This Week" series for some seriously delicious + healthy eats.
More Wellness Tips You Will Enjoy
If you loved learning about How to Freeze Fresh Herbs. Be sure to check out these health + wellness tips next:
- 10 Best Vegan Protein Sources
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- Healthy Oils To Use For Everyday Cooking
- What the World's Longest Living People Are Eating
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- Jamaican Herbs That You Should Always Keep On Hand + Remedies
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