How To Freeze Fresh Herbs {Multiple Ways!} | Life Made Simple

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Want to know how to keep your kitchen stocked with garden freshness? You can Freeze Fresh Herbs in usable quantities so you always have it on hand to add flavor to all your favorite recipes!

Did you know that you can freeze fresh herbs to use at a later time? I love gardening and growing fresh herbs, but there are so many times that my herbs got to flower before I can use them all. That’s why I love to freeze them so that I always have delicious herbs on hand.

It is so simple to do and makes for months of flavor! Try using these herbs in Bone-in Chicken Breast, Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore, or Veggie Loaded Lentil Soup.

Why We Love to Freeze Fresh Herbs
Recipe Ingredients
Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs
How to Freeze Fresh Herbs
Expert Tips
FAQs
Great Dishes to Add Fresh Herbs To:
How to Freeze Fresh Herbs Recipe

Why We Love to Freeze Fresh Herbs

Freezing fresh herbs significantly prolongs their usability, preventing spoilage and waste.
Frozen herbs are ready to use anytime, making meal prep faster and easier.
Freezing herbs retains the fresh taste, aroma, and nutritional value better than drying them.

Recipe Ingredients

Fresh herbs to use for the "How to Freeze Fresh Herbs" guide.

Here is my list of the herbs that freeze best! Try it for yourself!

Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Tarragon
Thyme

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs

Ice Cube Trays: You can push the herbs into an ice cube tray and top with a little bit of oil before freezing. I love these large silicone ice cube trays from Amazon.
Plastic Bag: You can chop up the herbs with a knife and pour a tablespoon of olive oil into the bag before removing all of the air and laying it flat in the freezer.
Cookie Sheet: Some heartier herbs can be frozen by itself on the stem. Place the herbs in a single layer on the baking sheet and put it in the freezer until solid. Once they’re solid, you can seal them in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag.

My favorite way is the ice cubes! It’s easy to store, and use after freezing. Here’s how to do it!

How to Freeze Fresh Herbs

Step 1: Rinse the herbs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop as desired for use. These herb scissors make cutting herbs, quick and easy.

Step 2: Next, place the chopped herbs in an ice cube tray; from my experience, silicone trays work best.

Freeze fresh herbs in an ice cube silicone tray.

Step 3: Fill each compartment with water, just enough to completely cover the herb mixture.

A cup of water and a silicone ice cube tray with herbs.

Step 4: Press the herbs into the water so they are fully submerged.

Step 5: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours.

Step 6: Once frozen, transfer the herbs into an airtight container or freezer-safe zip top bag labeled with each type of herb, and store in your freezer for up to 6 months.

Step 7: To use, place the cube in a small bowl to thaw and once the ice has melted carefully drain the water and pat dry.

Expert Tips

Proper Preparation: Before freezing, soak the herbs in a large bowl of cold water. Swish them around to dislodge dirt, debris, or insects, especially if you’re harvesting them from your own herb garden. You can do this with or without stems attached.
Odor Prevention: To prevent odor transfer in the freezer, store them in freezer bags or airtight containers.

FAQs

How long can fresh herbs be frozen for?

If you follow the instructions given your fresh herbs and leaves can stay frozen for up to 6 months.

Can I use any type of herb for this recipe?

Why not? I personally haven’t tried every single fresh herb out there, but the ones I have, have all been successes!

How can I use frozen herbs?

Once the herbs are thawed and patted dry, you simply use them as you would fresh herbs from the store. Some of my favorite ways to use these herb cubes after they have been thawed are to add them to salads, pasta sauces, stews, soups, or even as a garnish.

Great Dishes to Add Fresh Herbs To:

Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Black Beans and Rice

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

How to Freeze Fresh Herbs Recipe

Keep your kitchen stocked with garden freshness! You can Freeze Fresh Herbs in usable quantities so you always have it on hand to add flavor to your favorite recipes! 4.68 from 46 votes Pin Rate Save Saved! Course: RecipesCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian Prep Time: 15 minutes Freeze Time: 3 hours Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes Author: Andrea Print (email required)

Ingredients

▢ basil
▢ chives
▢ cilantro
▢ dill
▢ mint
▢ oregano
▢ parsley
▢ rosemary
▢ thyme
▢ tarragon

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Instructions

Rinse the herbs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop as desired.
Next, place the chopped herbs in an ice cube tray; from my experience, silicone trays work best.
Fill each well with water, just enough to completely cover the herb mixture.
Press the herbs into the water so they are fully submerged.
Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the herbs into an airtight container or freezer-safe zip top bag labeled with each type of herb, and store in your freezer for up to 6 months.
To use, place the cube in a small bowl to thaw and once the ice has melted carefully drain the water and pat dry.

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

More about Andrea 4.68 from 46 votes (39 ratings without comment)

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Comments:

I grow some of the herbs I use and still buy parsley, cilantro, a few others that invariably go to waste. Does this method work with store bought herbs, too?
Reply
1. Hi Farion! Yes! This works for herbs from your garden or store bought herbs!
  Reply
Tried the herb cubes—so easy and super handy for cooking!
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Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time with delicious, from scratch recipes that the entire family will love!

More about me»