If you have a small herb garden at home, you might find yourself with an abundance of herbs that you can’t consume right away. To prevent waste and keep your kitchen stocked, your freezer will be your best ally! Here’s how to freeze parsley and other aromatic herbs for later use in your favorite recipes.

Which Herbs Are Good for Freezing?

Many herbs can be frozen successfully, particularly thin-leafed varieties like basil, parsley, mint, chives, dill, and cilantro. Others include marjoram and tarragon. Remember, herbs freeze best when freshly cut. Regardless of the freezing technique you choose, always wash the herbs thoroughly and dry them carefully with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

How to Freeze Fresh Parsley

Growing parsley indoors can yield a great harvest. Can you freeze fresh parsley? Absolutely! Here are two simple methods:

  1. Freezer Bags: Use reusable freezer bags. Choose a size that fits the amount of parsley you want to freeze. Remove the stems, wash and dry the leaves, then chop them if desired. Place the parsley in the bag, seal it, and remove as much air as possible. You can also freeze the leaves whole if preferred.
  2. Ice Cubes: For this method, wash and dry the parsley, then remove the stems. Blend the leaves with enough water or olive oil to create a smooth puree. Pour the puree into an ice cube tray and freeze for 24 hours. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag for easy measuring later.

How to Freeze Other Aromatic Herbs

Freezing herbs is easy and eliminates waste. The ice cube and freezer bag methods work well for any freezeable herb. Here’s how to freeze fresh chives and basil:

  • Fresh Chives: Wash chives in cold water, dry them, and chop finely. For ice cubes, distribute the chopped chives in an ice cube tray and fill with water or olive oil. After freezing, store the cubes in an airtight bag. Alternatively, you can freeze chopped chives directly in a jar or freezer bag for up to six months.
  • Fresh Basil: Start by rinsing the basil leaves and drying them on paper. To speed up drying, gently pat the leaves. Once dry, place them in a ziplock bag and freeze.

By following these simple methods, you can enjoy your favorite herbs all year round!

Gardening Tips, Vegetables