Freezing fresh herbs is one of the best ways to preserve fresh herbs! It’s also one of the easiest food preservation methods. Learn how to preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in this simple guide.
While dried herbs are fairly common, did you know that you can also freeze fresh herbs? Not only is it doable, but freezing fresh herbs is incredibly easy. If you’re looking for how to preserve fresh herbs by freezing them, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we jump into the variety of ways to freeze fresh herbs, let’s talk basics!
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Freezing Fresh Herbs: Before Freezing
Freezing Fresh Herbs: Harvesting
Always try to harvest your herbs (regardless of whether you’re freezing or not) when they are at their peak. Try to trim them before they are wilted or browning. Be sure to use sharp scissors so you don’t damage the stem.
Freezing Fresh Herbs: Stems + Leaves
While you can freeze fresh herbs by putting the entire stem in the freezer, I usually remove the leaves from the stem. Using a stem stripper makes this job easier!
Preserving herbs by freezing them will yield a very similar taste to fresh herbs. However, the frozen herbs will be somewhat limp in comparison so they are not great garnishes.
However, if you would like to leave the stem on, consider doing it for sturdier herbs only.
Freezing Fresh Herbs: Washing
Gentle washing is recommended before freezing fresh herbs, especially if they are not homegrown. Rinse them off on clean, room-temperature water and pat dry. Make sure you dry gently and that the herbs aren’t being crushed.
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Freezing Fresh Herbs: Individually
While I wouldn’t necessarily say this is the best way to preserve fresh herbs when freezing them (all of them work for different uses!) – this is definitely the easiest.
Once you remove all of the leaves from the stems and they’re washed, lay them out on a cookie sheet in a single layer and set in the freezer. Once frozen, remove and place in a reusable freezer bag or an herb freezer tray.
When you’re ready to use your frozen herbs, you can pull out as much as you need. Label with dates so you know what to use first/how old they are.
Best for: Rosemary, bay leaves, thyme, dill, sage, lemongrass, chives
Freezing Fresh Herbs: In Water + Ice Cube Trays
Freezing herbs in ice cube trays is probably my preferred method of freezing fresh herbs, simply because you can just toss the cubes in your dish.
To freeze herbs in ice cube trays and water, start with leaves off the stem that have been washed. If you want to toss them in the dish and forget about them, be sure to chop the herbs beforehand.
Now for the freezing. Decide on the amount you want in each ice cube tray (tsp, tbsp, etc) and measure that amount in each cube. Pour water in and fill about 3/4 of the way. Set in your freezer and let freeze.
Once frozen, pop out and toss in the reusable freezer bag. Label and date so you know how old they are.
Best for: Oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, fennel, cilantro, dill, sage, tarragon, mint
* If herbs float to the top and aren’t totally covered – don’t worry! They’ll still be sealed in the freezer bag for freshness. If you’re concerned, fill a little less and freeze. Once frozen, then add a bit more water and freeze again. This way they’re fully covered.
Freezing Fresh Herbs: In Oil + Ice Cube Trays
If you have dishes that call for oil in them, freezing herbs in oil is a great option. It’s similar to how you would freeze herbs in ice cube trays and water with just a few more steps.
Chop your washed herb leaves and add 1 cup of fresh herbs to a bowl. Add in 1/4 cup of oil (olive oil works great) and mix thoroughly. (You can use a food processor if you’d like them to be really mixed.)
Pour into ice cube trays. Set in your freezer and let freeze.
Once frozen, pop out and toss in the reusable freezer bag. Label with dates so you know what to use first/how old they are. Then be sure to label and date so you know what to use first.
Best for: Oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, fennel, cilantro, dill, sage, tarragon, mint
Now you never have to wonder “can you freeze herbs?” again! These simple tricks give you an easy guide on how to preserve fresh herbs by freezing them. If you’re looking for another fun option to freeze herbs, consider the Herbcicle Frozen Herb Keeper!
What is your favorite method for freezing fresh herbs? What do you think the best way to preserve fresh herbs is?
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