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Learn how to freeze herbs with a few simple steps. Save time and money while getting to enjoy herbs all year long.
How to Freeze Herbs
Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor to your recipes (especially crockpot meals), but when you only grow herbs in the summer, you might find your supply is limited. To ensure that there are always fresh herbs nearby for your favorite dishes, try freezing them in olive oil this year.
Doing this will not only guarantee a post summer supply, but it is a great way to cut down on the prep time it takes to get your cooking done every night. It is so handy to just be able to grab and go.
Dinner will be a breeze and taste amazing! The flavor that herbs add will really make a huge difference.
Freezing herbs is easy
Freezing herbs is easy, but there are a few things that you need to prepare and remember with different types of herbs. Let’s get started!
What You Need
- Fresh herbs, all types
- 12 ounces olive oil
- Ice cube tray
How to freeze fresh herbs:
1. Harvest Your Herbs
When you are working with fresh herbs it is important that you use them as soon as possible after harvesting. The longer herbs are sitting, the more flavor they lose, and it is that flavor that you are trying to capture.
Some herbs wilt faster than others, but all herb types should be handled as soon as possible after cutting. In most cases, it is the leaves of the herb that is used in your cooking so make sure that you cut the herb cleanly to prevent any damage to the leaves.
2. Prepare Your Herbs
Thoroughly rinse and dry your herb plants. This removes the dirt, residue and any critters that may be hitching a ride on the plant. Once the plants are dry, remove leaves from the stem.
Herbs, like rosemary and thyme do not need to be handled any further. Larger leafed herbs will need to be cut or minced.
To reduce the amount of bruising, roll up larger leaves and make two or three clean cuts through the leaves. Turn the strips and do the same thing in the other direction.
3. How to freeze herbs in Ice Cube Trays
Clean and dry your ice cube trays as you do not want any water leftover in the tray. Fill each ice cube space up halfway with each type of herb you are preparing.
Slowly pour olive oil into the tray, filling each cube up and occasionally pressing the herbs down with a clean fork to make sure the herbs are entirely covered by oil.
Once your tray has been entirely filled, place it in the freezer. Once the tray is frozen, pop out your “ice cubes” and place in a freezer bag. Make sure to label. They can remain for up to three to four months in the freezer.
Now you know how to freeze herbs!
How to use after frozen.
When you are ready to use herbs in your cooking, remove the cubes one at a time and place immediately into the recipe. Remember that each cube contains an ounce of olive oil and herbs combined.
I love using the fresh herbs after they are frozen in my crockpot meals and in casseroles. They really amp up the flavor in our winter dishes.
What herbs can you freeze?
These are my favorite herbs to freeze. They are easy to freeze and turn out perfectly.
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Chives
Freezing herbs is easy!
Once I figured out that herbs can be frozen, I started freezing all types of herbs. It is a great way to make use of an herb garden and enjoy them long term.
Get started today and come back and leave a comment so we know which herbs you chose to freeze.
Print how to freeze herbs below:
How to Freeze Herbs
Equipment
- 1 ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 3 cups Fresh Herbs Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, etc.
Instructions
- Make sure you that choose firm fresh herbs.
- Clean the herbs thoroughly and pat dry. Chop the herbs as you prefer.
- Fill the ice cube compartments with the herbs approximately 2/3 of the way full.
- Pour the olive oil into the compartments until the herbs are completely covered with the oil.
- Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for 2-4 hours or overnight (which is preferred).
- Remove the frozen herbs from the ice cube tray and place them into freezer bags labeled with the herb type. Make sure to store the different types of herbs in different bags.
- To Defrost: Place in the small bowl in the refrigerate until the olive oil defrosts. Then the herbs are ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Nutrition Facts
Thank you for this info! I’ve always wondered how to save herbs. I buy cilantro or parsley and use 2 sprigs and then eventually end up throwing out the rest of the bundle. I’m definitely trying this!