How to Freeze Fresh Herbs

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!

Frozen fresh herbs on a white plate.

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

  • 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.

A plate with frozen herbs.

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.

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

Frozen herbs on a plate.

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!
4.67 from 45 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Author: Andrea
Print Recipe

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Ingredients

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

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

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