There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh herbs, but if your garden is overflowing or you’ve picked more than you can use, freezing them is a simple, natural way to lock in their flavor. With just a few minutes of prep, you can enjoy the taste of your garden even in the middle of winter.
🧊 Why Freeze Herbs?
Freezing herbs helps preserve their essential oils and natural flavors far better than drying — especially soft herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. It’s also a great way to reduce waste and make sure your plants keep producing new growth throughout the season.
🌱 Which Herbs Freeze Best?
Soft herbs are perfect for freezing in water or olive oil:
- Basil – Ideal for sauces and pestos.
- Cilantro (Coriander) – Great for soups, curries, and salsas.
- Parsley – Adds freshness to any dish.
- Mint – Perfect for drinks, desserts, and teas.
- Dill – Excellent with fish, salads, or creamy dips.
Hardier herbs also hold up beautifully in the freezer:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Sage
These woody herbs retain their aroma and are great for roasts, stews, and slow-cooked dishes.
🍃 How to Freeze Herbs in Ice Cubes
- Wash and chop your herbs (or leave them whole if you prefer).
- Fill an ice cube tray about three-quarters full with the herbs.
- Top with water or olive oil — water for soups and teas, olive oil for cooking and sauces.
- Freeze overnight, then pop the cubes into labeled freezer bags for easy use later.
🌼 My Favorite: Frozen Basil
Frozen basil is one of my personal favorites. I love that I can keep harvesting the plants to encourage new growth. I generally pick and freeze enough basil for a year’s supply of pesto. Whether you freeze it in olive oil or water, the flavor stays bright and beautiful.
⏳ How Long Do Frozen Herbs Last?
- Soft herbs (like basil, parsley, mint, and dill) keep their best flavor for about 6 months.
- Hardier herbs (like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage) can last up to 12 months.
Store them in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn, and remember — there’s no need to thaw them! Just drop a cube straight into your pan, sauce, or soup.
🌿 Final Tip
If you’re freezing herbs in olive oil, they’ll often keep a few months longer than those frozen in water. It’s also a quick way to make your own ready-to-use flavored cooking cubes — perfect for adding an instant burst of freshness to any meal.
