Freezing fresh herbs is a great way to preserve the flavors and aromas of herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme for future use. Frozen herbs are perfect to have on hand for adding flavor to soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and more throughout the year. Here are some quick answers about freezing herbs:
Can you freeze basil?
Yes, basil freezes very well. To freeze basil, wash and dry the leaves thoroughly. Remove the leaves from the stems and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Frozen basil retains its flavor for up to 6 months.
Can you freeze cilantro?
Cilantro can be frozen but does lose some of its flavor. To freeze, wash the cilantro, remove any thick stems, and allow it to dry completely. Chop the leaves and either place them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil or in freezer bags. Frozen cilantro keeps for about 3 months before losing flavor.
Can you freeze parsley?
Yes, parsley freezes nicely. Curly and flat-leaf parsley can both be frozen. Wash the parsley, dry it thoroughly, and remove any thick stems. Chop the leaves and place them in freezer bags in a single layer before freezing. Frozen parsley keeps its flavor for up to 6 months.
Can you freeze mint?
Mint leaves freeze very well. Wash the mint thoroughly and gently pat it dry. Remove the leaves from the stems and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Then transfer to bags or containers. Frozen mint retains optimal flavor for 4-6 months.
Can you freeze oregano?
Dried oregano freezes better than fresh, keeping its flavor for up to 6 months in the freezer. To freeze fresh oregano, wash and dry the leaves, then either finely chop or place 4-5 whole stems in freezer bags. Frozen fresh oregano is best used within 3 months.
Can you freeze rosemary?
Yes, rosemary freezes beautifully. Rinse the rosemary under cold water, pat dry, and remove the leaves from the stems. Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze initially, then transfer to bags or containers. Frozen rosemary maintains its flavor for 4-6 months.
Can you freeze sage?
Like other woody herbs, sage is easy to freeze. Wash the sage, allow to dry, and strip the leaves from the stems. Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen sage keeps its flavor for 4-6 months.
Can you freeze thyme?
Thyme freezes very well. Wash the thyme, pat it dry, and remove the leaves from the stems. Place the leaves in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze, then transfer to bags or containers. Frozen thyme maintains optimal flavor for 4-6 months.
Should you freeze basil stems?
No, only the basil leaves should be frozen. The stems become mushy when frozen and do not have much flavor. Remove leaves from stems before freezing.
Should herbs be blanched before freezing?
Blanching is not necessary for most herbs when freezing. Herbs such as parsley, cilantro, mint, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage do not require blanching before freezing. Blanching can actually cause some loss of flavor and color.
Should you wash herbs before freezing?
Yes, herbs should be thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or residue before freezing. Gently rinse the herbs under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel before freezing.
How do you freeze cilantro cubes?
To freeze cilantro in cubes, wash and dry the cilantro leaves thoroughly. Remove any thick stems. Place cilantro leaves in ice cube trays, filling each compartment fully. You can also add a bit of water or olive oil to each compartment before freezing for extra freshness. Freeze the ice cube trays until solid, then pop out the frozen cilantro cubes.
What are best practices for freezing herbs?
The best practices for freezing herbs are:
- Wash and dry herbs thoroughly first
- Remove leaves from stems
- Lay leaves out in single layer on baking sheet and freeze initially
- Transfer frozen herbs to bags or airtight containers
- Label bags or containers with herb type and freeze date
- Squeeze out air from bags before sealing
- Use frozen herbs within 6 months for best quality
How do you store frozen herbs?
Frozen herbs should be stored in freezer bags, plastic containers, or glass jars. Squeeze out excess air from bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Tightly seal containers or jars. Label the bags or containers with the type of herb and date frozen. Store frozen herbs toward the back of the freezer where temperature remains most stable.
How long do frozen herbs last?
Most frozen herbs maintain optimal flavor and quality for 4-6 months. Basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, cilantro, thyme, mint and sage will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. More delicate herbs like chives may start losing flavor after 3-4 months. Always use frozen herbs as soon as possible for the best flavor.
Can you refreeze herbs after thawing?
It is not recommended to refreeze herbs after they have completely thawed. The freezing and thawing process can damage the cell structure of the herbs, causing them to become limp or mushy when refrozen. For best quality and safety, use thawed frozen herbs immediately.
What are some good uses for frozen herbs?
Here are some great ways to use frozen herbs:
| Frozen Herb | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| Basil | Pesto, soups, pasta sauces, pizza |
| Parsley | Soups, sauces, stocks, salad dressings |
| Cilantro | Salsa, guacamole, curries, chili |
| Thyme | Roasts, braised meats, soups, stews |
| Oregano | Chili, pasta sauce, pizza, dips |
| Rosemary | Roasts, pasta sauce, breads |
| Sage | Stuffing, pork dishes, sauces |
| Mint | Smoothies, cocktails, salad dressings |
What are substitutes for fresh herbs if you don’t have frozen?
If fresh or frozen herbs are unavailable, possible substitutes include:
- Dried herbs – use 1/3 of the amount of fresh herb called for
- Herb paste tubes – look for options like garlic & herb paste
- Powdered herbs and spices – oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary
- Herb blends – Italian seasoning, fines herbes, herbs de Provence
- Citrus zest – lemon, lime, orange
- Other alliums – onion, garlic, shallots, scallions
Conclusion
Freezing fresh herbs is an easy way to preserve the bright, vibrant flavors of basil, parsley, cilantro, mint and other fresh herbs to use all year long. Most herbs freeze beautifully by simply washing, drying, and freezing the leaves in a single layer before transferring to airtight bags or containers. With proper storage and handling, frozen herbs can retain optimal flavor and quality for 4-6 months or longer. Keeping a stash of frozen herbs on hand is an easy way to add flavor and freshness to soups, sauces, marinades, and many other dishes any time.
