How to Freeze Fresh Herbs - Rosemary, Basil, Mint, and More!

I love to cook and I love gardening, so it makes sense that I like to include plenty of homegrown veggies and fresh herbs in my weekly meal plans.You can view our Family-Friendly Meal Plans Find lots of delicious dinner inspiration!
Having said that, I can’t remember how many times in the past I’ve wasted batches of fresh herbs by not freezing them! I’ve got a lot of herbs ready to pick, but they’re just blooming because I can’t use them up fast enough.

Why Freeze Fresh Herbs?

Freezing fresh herbs has many advantages that make it a worthwhile practice. First, freezing allows you to preserve the fresh flavor, aroma and nutritional value of herbs in their freshest state. By capturing these qualities, you can enjoy the taste and aroma of herbs even when they are out of season. Frozen herbs also offer convenience and flexibility, ensuring they are always available when you need them. Not only does this save time, it also reduces waste because you can use the exact amount of herbs your recipe calls for without wasting any leftovers. Plus, freezing herbs is an easy process that requires minimal effort, perfect for those with busy schedules. Whether you grow your own herbs or buy them from the store, freezing is an excellent way to prolong the life of your herbs and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs year-round.

How to Prepare Frozen Fresh Herbs

Start by harvesting the fresh herbs you want to store.
Most importantly, wash them well and drain them as well as possible, maybe with paper towels to soak up any excess moisture. I recommend using salad spinners because they are quick, easy, and save you from wasting kitchen towels.
You can then use a sharp knife to chop the herbs into small pieces, or if you have a food processor, you can simply pulse the herbs until they are finely chopped. In my opinion, the latter method is much faster and less mundane, especially if you have a lot of herbs to prepare!

Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs

There are various ways to freeze fresh herbs.

ice cube tray

Freezing fresh herbs in ice cube trays is an easy and effective way. First wash the herbs and pat dry to remove excess water. Next, chop or chop the herbs according to your preference. Place a spoonful of chopped vanilla into each compartment of an ice cube tray, about halfway filled. Then, carefully pour water or olive oil over the herbs until they are just covered. If using oil, you can lightly press down on the herbs with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged. Place the ice cube trays in the freezer to let the vanilla freeze completely, usually within a few hours. Once frozen, remove the herb-filled cubes from the tray and transfer them to a freezer bag or container for storage. Don’t forget to label the bag or container with the type of herb and the date. When you need to use herbs, simply remove a cube or two and defrost as needed to add their delicious essence to your dishes. Freezing herbs in ice cube trays is a convenient way to preserve their freshness and ensure you always have a readily available supply.

bakeware

Rinse the herbs in cool water, then pat dry with a clean towel. Remove any damaged or wilted leaves.
Place whole herb leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Freeze the tray for a few hours or until the leaves are completely frozen.
Transfer the frozen herbs to an airtight freezer bag or container, label it, and return it to the freezer.

How long do fresh herbs last after freezing?

When fresh herbs are properly frozen, they retain their flavor and aroma for quite a long time. In general, fresh herbs will keep for several months in the refrigerator. The exact duration depends on factors such as the type of herb, moisture content, and freezing method used.
Leafy herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley tend to freeze well and retain their quality for about three to six months. Woody herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage can last longer, usually up to six to twelve months.