How To Freeze Fresh Herbs – Rosemary, Basil, Mint And More!

I love cooking and I also love gardening so it makes sense that I like to use a lot of home-grown vegetables and fresh herbs in our weekly meal plans. You can check out our family-friendly meal plans for lots of yummy dinner-time inspiration!
With that said, I can’t remember just how many times in the past I have wasted batches of fresh herbs by not freezing them! I have had so many herbs ready to pick and they have just ended up flowering as I can’t use them up quickly enough.

Why Should I Freeze Fresh Herbs?

Freezing fresh herbs offers numerous advantages that make it a worthwhile practice. Firstly, freezing allows you to preserve the vibrant flavours, aromas, and nutritional value of herbs at their peak freshness. By capturing these qualities, you can enjoy the taste and fragrance of herbs even when they are out of season. Freezing herbs also provides convenience and flexibility, ensuring a readily available supply on hand whenever you need them. This not only saves time but also reduces waste, as you can use herbs in the exact quantities required for your recipes without any leftovers going to waste. Furthermore, freezing herbs is a simple process that requires minimal effort, making it accessible to individuals with busy schedules. Whether you grow your own herbs or buy them from the store, freezing is an excellent way to extend their lifespan and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs throughout the year.

How to prep fresh herbs for freezing

First harvest the fresh herbs that you want to store.
Most importantly give them a good wash and try to drain them as best as you can perhaps by using a paper towel to draw excess moisture. I would suggest a salad spinner as they are quick, convenient and will save you from wasting your kitchen towels.
You can then chop up your herbs into tiny pieces with a sharp knife or if you have a food processor you can simply pulse the herbs until they are chopped up finely. The latter method is much quicker and less mundane in my opinion, especially if you have a lot of herbs to prepare!

Ways To Freeze Fresh Herbs

There are a number of ways in which you can freeze fresh herbs.

Ice Cube Trays

Freezing fresh herbs in an ice cube tray is a simple and efficient method. Begin by washing the herbs and patting them dry to remove any excess moisture. Next, finely chop or mince the herbs according to your preference. Place a spoonful of the chopped herbs into each compartment of an ice cube tray, filling them about halfway. Then, carefully pour water or olive oil over the herbs until they are just covered. If using oil, it can help to lightly press the herbs down with a spoon to ensure they are fully submerged. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the herbs to 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 herb type and date. When you need to use the herbs, simply take out a cube or two and thaw them as needed, adding their flavourful essence to your dishes. Freezing herbs in an ice cube tray is a convenient way to preserve their freshness and ensures that you always have a ready-to-use supply on hand.

Baking Tray

Rinse the herbs under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Remove any damaged or wilted leaves.
Place the whole herb leaves in a single layer on a baking tray.
Freeze the tray for a few hours or until the leaves are completely frozen.
Transfer the frozen herbs to airtight freezer bags or containers, label them, and return them to the freezer.

How long do fresh herbs last when frozen?

When fresh herbs are properly frozen, they can retain their flavour and aroma for quite some time. Generally, fresh herbs can last for several months when stored in the freezer. The exact duration depends on various factors such as the type of herb, its moisture content, and the freezing method used.
Leafy herbs like basil, coriander, and parsley tend to freeze well and can maintain their quality for around three to six months. Woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can last even longer, typically up to six to twelve months.

Do you freeze herbs?