Freezing Herbs
Freeze Fresh herbs like Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Sage
This page will show 3 methods of freezing herbs. Though all
herbs can be frozen or dried, some herbs freeze better than
dehydrating.
For herbs like basil, chives, lemon balm, mint or tarragon, freezing is
an option that works well.
Frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh
herbs. Remember though they will be limp when defrosted.
They are great used in recipes but don't work well for
garnishes.
In the pictures on this page I am freezing oregano. Other
herbs may be frozen using the same methods.
Your first step will be to harvest and clean your herbs.
Simply rinse them if needed in clear water. Then be
sure to
pat dry or spin them dry in a salad spinner. Don't crush
them.
You can also roll up the herbs in a tea towel to blot them dry.
See pictures on my
freezing
peas page on how I do it if needed. Again, don't
crush them.
Be sure and label and date! The herbs will all look similar
when frozen and you may not remember which is which.
Method one. Freezing herb leaves individually.
This
is probably the easiest way to freeze herbs. Simply strip the
leaves off the stems and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Place in the freezer.
As soon as they are frozen.
Place them in a freezer bag. Label and date.
Since the leaves froze separately you will be able to remove
the amount you need.
Method two. Freezing herbs in ice cube trays in water.
| In
this method you will also strip the leaves off the stems. I
like
to then chop them as I would if using them fresh. This is
optional. |
 |
Now take an ice cube tray and fill it half way
full of water. Place you herbs in each section of the tray.
I placed about a Tablespoon in each. This way I know when I
use them how much each cube holds.
The herbs may float. Don't worry about it too much.
Just get them under the water as much as possible with no
fuss.Place
your tray in the freezer.
The next day take them out and top off
each cube. The herbs won't float and this way the herbs will be fully
covered and frozen. Replace in your freezer. |
 |
After the trays
are fully frozen. Pop out the herb cubes and store in a freezer
bag. Be sure to label and date.
The cubes can be used in soups, stews or other meals. |
 |
Method three. Freezing herbs in oil.
Another
great way to freeze herbs is to make an oil based paste. Chop
your herbs. Mix
about 1/3 cup of oil with 2 cups of herbs. Olive oil
would work well with this. Then freeze in the ice cube trays.
Use these cubes as you would the water based herb cubes.