See All: Food Preservation
“I’ve grown a bunch of herbs this year—parsley, cilantro, thyme, you name it—and I want to freeze them for later, but last time I attempted this, they turned out mushy and kind of useless. I’m looking to get a better texture this time around since I use herbs a lot in soups, sauces, and marinades. Any tips on freezing them properly? Also, are there any specific methods that work better for different types of herbs? Thanks a lot for your help!” Thanks, Amanda, Toronto, Canada.
How Do I Freeze Herbs Without Losing Texture?
Hey Amanda! Freezing herbs can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying to keep that fresh texture for later use in cooking. I totally understand the frustration of pulling mushy herbs out of the freezer—it’s super disappointing when they seem more like green sludge than something you’d actually want to use in your beautiful dishes! But no worries, I got your back, and there are a few different ways to freeze them that will help prevent that unwanted sogginess, depending on which herbs you’ve got. Let’s break this down and share some tips. You’ll be a freezing pro in no time!
Why Do Herbs Lose Texture When Frozen?
The root of the problem lies in how herbs hold water. Fresh herbs are naturally full of moisture—those vibrant leaves are basically little water balloons. When you freeze them, the water inside expands, causing tiny ice crystals to form. This can mess up the herb’s cell structure, leaving you with herbs that are limp or mushy once thawed.
To avoid this, the key is to either minimize the damage during freezing or reduce the amount of water locked inside way beforehand. If we can slow down or control how those ice crystals form, the texture of the herbs won’t degrade nearly as much.
The Best Freezing Methods for Different Herbs
Not all herbs are created equal. Some can withstand freezing better than others, so the way you freeze them will depend on the specific type you’re working with. Let’s break it down:
For Tender Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, and Dill)
The delicate, leafy herbs like the ones you mentioned (parsley and cilantro) tend to suffer the most in terms of losing texture. But don’t worry, Amanda—there’s an easy trick that works like magic!
Method: Use Olive Oil (or Butter) Cubes
How It Works: This method is perfect for those light, tender herbs that otherwise would get too soft when frozen solo. By chopping and submerging your herbs in olive oil or melted butter before freezing, you’re protecting the delicate leaves from forming those big, texture-ruining ice crystals. Plus, it adds a little flavor kick too!
- Wash and chop your herbs to the size you’d usually use in cooking.
- Grab an ice cube tray and fill each section with your fresh chopped herbs.
- Pour olive oil (or melted butter) into the cubes until the herbs are submerged.
- Pop the tray into the freezer until solid, then transfer the herb-olive oil cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage.
How to Use: Just pop one of your pre-made herb cubes into a skillet, soup pot, or sauce when cooking. The herbs defrost right in the oil or butter, and you’re good to go!
Not only does this protect their texture, but it also makes adding flavor faster and easier when cooking—a win-win if you ask me.
For Woody Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)
These sturdier herbs stand up a little better to the cold, but their leaves can still turn limp if you’re not careful. They can actually freeze without oil and still hold up pretty well.
Method: Freeze Whole Sprigs
How It Works: For tougher herbs like thyme and rosemary, you can skip the olive oil if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. Whole sprigs freeze better because there’s less surface area exposed to air, and their sturdier structure can handle it.
- Rinse your herbs and allow them to air dry completely (this is important—any moisture left on them will encourage faster spoiling in the freezer).
- Lay the sprigs on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure none overlap.
- Freeze the sheet for about 2-3 hours or until the herbs are solid.
- Transfer the frozen sprigs to an airtight freezer bag, making sure to squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing.
How to Use: Toss a sprig directly into soups, braises, or roasts as is, or pluck the leaves straight from frozen. They’ll mainly look and taste the same as fresh—trust me, Amanda, it makes dinnertime so much easier!
Prepping Your Herbs for Freezing
No matter which method you choose, prepping your herbs the right way ensures better results in the long run. A little patience here goes a long way towards retaining both the flavor and structure later.
Step 1: Wash and Dry First
This is more important than you’d think! Be sure to wash your herbs thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects. Dry them really well using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner. I actually leave mine out to air dry for about an hour after towel-drying. You don’t want even a hint of moisture when freezing, as it can contribute to freezer burn or ice buildup—especially for delicate herbs like cilantro or basil.
If you’re in a pinch (or let’s be honest, just a bit lazy—no judgment here!), using paper towels to pat them dry works too!
Step 2: Label and Date Your Bags
Don’t forget to grab a marker and date your storage bags. Trust me, Amanda—this little step will save you a lot of guessing later when everything starts to look like tiny green bundles! Herbs can last up to 6 months in the freezer, but after that, their flavor starts to degrade.
Ice Cube Trays Aren’t Just for Water
If you’ve got a variety of herbs to freeze, an ice cube tray becomes your best friend. Not only does it help in portion sizing, but it keeps things organized. You can even mix and match herbs in the cubes to make little herb blends for things like soups or sauces. Parsley and cilantro together for example? Perfect combo for soups and marinades.
Herb Blends and Flavored Cubes
Feeling adventurous? Why not make some herb blends and freeze them in oil together? Try combinations like:
- Parsley, thyme, and garlic for an instant flavor boost for stews.
- Sage and rosemary for Thanksgiving-inspired creations all year!
- Cilantro, lime zest, and jalapeño for taco nights.
If you’re like me, planning ahead for taco night is basically a survival strategy, right?
Troubleshooting Freezing Problems
Okay, Amanda, I know that freezing herbs can sound like it should be pretty foolproof, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some things that have tripped me up in the past, along with how to avoid them.
Problem: Herbs Are Freezing into Clumps
This usually happens when herbs are thrown straight into a bag without flash-freezing them first. I’ve made this mistake a dozen times before learning my lesson—it’s tough to pry frozen clumps apart for recipes.
Solution: Lay out your herbs individually on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them first before placing them in a sealed bag. This prevents clumps from forming and keeps everything easy to grab when you need it.
Problem: Herbs Lose Too Much Flavor Over Time
After a few months in the freezer, you may notice that your herbs don’t taste quite as vibrant. If they’ve been stored too long or improperly, their essential oils degrade and the flavors dull out.
Solution: Try to use your herbs within 3 to 6 months, and always make sure you’re sealing the bags tight and pressing out as much air as you can. Double-bagging can also help preserve flavor longer if you’re really trying to stretch them out.
A Couple Pro-Tips on Choosing Which Herbs to Freeze
Not all herbs are great candidates for the freezer. Some herbs, like basil, might darken and lose even more flavor than others. For basil, the oil cube method works especially well. However, if you find it turns black and unpleasant, consider making it into pesto before freezing—it’s a lifesaver in pasta dishes later on!
Another tip: if you’re freezing mint or other more delicate herbs, I like to freeze them with a sprinkling of water rather than oil. This works well for herbs that I use for teas or garnishes.
Final Thoughts…
Amanda, I hope this helped answer your question and gave you confidence to start freezing your herbs like a kitchen pro! Whether you’re making oil cubes for your soups or freezing whole sprigs for roasting, you’re on your way to avoiding the dreaded ‘mushy herb syndrome’ once and for all! Thank you so much for asking this question—happy freezing and cooking!
Return To: Food Preservation
