The Best 8 Methods for Freezing Fresh Herbs

Freezing fresh herbs is an excellent way to preserve their flavor and aroma for later use. Here are eight methods for freezing fresh herbs:

Ice Cube Trays with Water or Oil:

Chop the fresh herbs finely and place them in ice cube trays.
Fill the trays with water or olive oil to cover the herbs.
Freeze until solid, then transfer the herb cubes to a labeled freezer bag for storage.
Blanching and Freezing:

Blanch the fresh herbs briefly in boiling water (for 5-10 seconds).
Immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to cool and preserve their color.
Pat dry and freeze the blanched herbs in freezer bags or containers.
Herb Pesto Ice Cubes:

   Make a herb pesto by blending the herbs with garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil.
Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or container.
Herb Butter:

Mix finely chopped fresh herbs into softened butter.
Form the herb butter into a log or scoop it into small portions.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and freeze.
Herb Salt or Sugar:

Create herb-infused salts or sugars by blending fresh herbs with coarse salt or granulated sugar.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few hours.
Store the dried herb salts or sugars in airtight containers in the freezer.
Freeze-Drying:

Lay the fresh herbs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the herbs are frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen herbs to a labeled freezer bag for storage.
Herb Infused Oils:

Combine fresh herbs with olive oil in a blender or food processor.
Blend until well combined, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
Pour the herb-infused oil into ice cube trays and freeze.
Herb Vinegar:

Add fresh herbs to a bottle of vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar works well).
Let the mixture sit for a couple of weeks, shaking occasionally to infuse the flavor.

Strain out the herbs and transfer the herb-infused vinegar to ice cube trays for freezing.
Regardless of the method you choose, always label your frozen herbs with the name and date of freezing for easy identification. When using frozen herbs in recipes, you can typically add them directly to the dish without thawing. Freezing fresh herbs allows you to enjoy their flavors and aromas all year round.