5 Easy and Efficient Ways to Freeze Fresh Herbs for Year-Round Flavor

If you’re a fan of the rich aroma and zesty flavor of fresh herbs, you know the disappointment of seeing them start to wilt and fade as summer comes to an end. But fear not! Your favorite herbs don’t have to disappear from your kitchen until the next growing season. Freezing them is an easy and efficient way to preserve their flavors and reduce food waste.

Freezing herbs is not only simple and economical but also helps retain the high levels of aroma and flavor that make them so delightful in your meals. Unlike drying, which can cause the loss of essential oils that give herbs their unique flavors, freezing helps preserve these oils intact, ensuring that you can enjoy the vibrant taste of garden-fresh herbs all year round.

While frozen herbs might not look as appealing as fresh ones – with their darkened leaves and limp texture – their lively aroma and taste make them a fantastic addition to various dishes, from baked goods and pasta to soups and stews.

Now, let’s explore five of the best methods to freeze herbs and ensure you can continue enjoying their flavors even in the depths of winter.

What You’ll Learn

• Benefits of Freezing Herbs
• 5 Easy Methods to Freeze Herbs

Benefits of Freezing

When it comes to preserving herbs, freezing is a great option for several reasons:

• Easy and economical
• Retains high levels of aroma and flavor
• Preserves essential oils that give herbs their flavors
• Reduces food waste

Drying is a popular preservation method as well, but it can lead to some loss of flavor due to the expulsion of essential oils as the herbs dry out. Freezing, on the other hand, helps lock in those oils, ensuring that your herbs maintain their intense fragrances and exceptional nutritional value.

5 Easy Methods to Freeze Herbs

Before we dive into the best ways to freeze herbs, remember that picking them at the right time is crucial for maximum flavor retention. Harvest your herbs just as flower buds start to form but before they open, typically in the late morning after dew has evaporated – before the heat of the day sets in.

No matter which method you choose, make sure to store your frozen herbs in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn. Frozen leaves can be used in your cooking for up to 12 months, allowing you to enjoy your favorite herbs long after the growing season has ended.

1. Bare Leaf

Freezing bare leaves is a straightforward way to preserve large-leaved herbs like basil, bay leaves, and parsley. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash and dry the leaves.
2. Strip the leaves from the stems and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Freeze until solid, then transfer to sealable bags or airtight containers.
4. Label and date your bags for easy identification.

In Water

Preserving tender herbs like basil, chives, cilantro, and mint in water is an excellent method to maintain their freshness and flavor. Follow these steps:

1. Wash and chop your herbs.
2. Spoon the chopped herbs into ice cube trays or shallow pans.
3. Add water until the herbs are covered.
4. Freeze until solid, then transfer to storage bags or containers.

In Oil or Butter

Using oil or butter to freeze herbs is perfect for herbs used in baking and cooking, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash and chop the herbs.
2. Portion them into ice cube trays or shallow pans.
3. Add enough oil to cover the herbs.
4. Freeze until solid, then transfer to storage containers.

For compound butter, combine softened unsalted butter with finely chopped herbs and freeze in convenient portions.

On the Stem

Some herbs like dill, tarragon, and thyme are best left on the stem for freezing. Here’s how to preserve them:

1. Cut clean, dry stems to about six inches long.
2. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Freeze until solid, then transfer to storage containers.

Rolled Logs

For soft, flat-leaf herbs like basil and parsley, rolling them into a log for efficient storage is a great option:

1. Remove leaves from the stems and pack them into a sealable bag.
2. Compress the leaves into a bundle and roll the bag.
3. Freeze until solid, then slice portions from the log when needed.

Frozen for the Future

By starting to freeze your surplus herbs now, you’ll have a stockpile of flavors ready for use when winter arrives. These frozen herbs are perfect for enhancing the taste of your favorite dishes, from salads and pasta to soups and stews, even when fresh herbs are out of season.

Have a favorite freezing technique? Share it with us in the comments below! And if you’re interested in growing your own herbs, check out our guides on growing sage, horehound, marjoram, and tips for growing herbs in containers.

Whether it’s basil, mint, or thyme, freezing your fresh herbs is a simple way to ensure you can enjoy their vibrant flavors anytime you want. So give these freezing methods a try and elevate your dishes with the taste of summer’s bounty, even in the dead of winter.