What herbs can I freeze?

You can truly freeze any type of herb!

What herbs can I dry?

My favorite herbs to dry are oregano, mint, sage, thyme, rosemary and lemon verbena. In theory, you can dry whatever herbs you want. However, I find that the best candidates for air drying are the heartier herbs since they naturally have a lower moisture content.

What is the best container to freeze herbs in?

Use a silicone ice cube tray like the Souper Cubes tray that I used. It's super easy to pop the herb cubes out once frozen without them breaking (especially the oil ones which are softer). A structured silicone mini muffin pan also works well.

How long can fresh herbs be frozen for?

I like to use the frozen herb cubes within 6 months for the best flavor.

How long do herbs need to air dry?

Herbs take 1-3 weeks to air dry at room temperature. They are done once the leaves feel really dry and crumble easily. Make sure they are completely dry before storing or they can mold.

How long will dried herbs last?

I find that the herbs I dry myself are flavorful for much longer than the store bought ones. Typically I dry new ones every year in the summer but have found them to be perfectly good and flavorful still even after 2 years. Make sure to store them in airtight jars or containers in a dark place (I like to use glass to keep the aromas in).

What are some more ways to preserve fresh herbs?

You could make herb infused vinegar, herb salt, herb butter or pesto! I love making pesto since it freezes really well and is so delicious and versatile. Give this Pistachio Pesto or Sage Pesto a try!

Freezing & Drying Herbs (2 Easy Ways To Preserve Fresh Herbs)

Description

Say goodbye to wasted herbs! Learn how easy it is to preserve fresh herbs by freezing or drying them to enjoy later in all your favorite recipes.

Ingredients

fresh herbs
olive oil, avocado oil, broth or water, for freezing method

Equipment:

Freezing Method: Silicone storage tray like an ice cube tray, mini muffin pan, baby food freezer tray or the Souper Cubes 2 Tablespoon Freezer Tray (that I used in the photos)
Drying Method: kitchen twine and small mason jars

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

How To Freeze Fresh Herbs Into Cubes:

Chop herbs: You can either freeze a single type of herb into cubes or a combination that work well together. Place the chopped herbs into a silicone storage try like a silicone ice cube tray or silicone mini muffin pan. I like to use this Souper Cubes 2 Tablespoon Freezer Tray.
Cover with liquid of choice: Pour olive oil, avocado oil, broth or water into each compartment to cover the herbs.
Freeze: Place in the freezer and freeze for about 3 to 4 hours or until fully frozen.
Store: Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer until ready to use.

How To Dry Fresh Herbs:

Bundle the herbs: Tie small bundles of herbs together with kitchen twine around the stems, leaving enough string to hang the bundles.
Hang the herbs: Hang upside down in a dry, well ventilated space that is away from direct sunlight.
Dry the herbs: Allow the herbs to dry completely. This takes about 1 to 3 weeks. They are ready once the leaves crumble easily.
Package and store dried herbs: Remove the dried leaves from the stem and store in an airtight container like small mason jars. I like to leave the dried leaves in large pieces and then just crumble in my hand before adding to my dishes for the freshest flavor.

Notes

Harvest and prepare herbs: If the herbs are coming from your garden, you will first need to harvest and prep them. The best time to cut the herbs is in the morning before the peak sun and heat hits them. Cut off the herbs that you want to preserve, lightly wash in cool water and dry well.
My favorite way to remove the dried herbs from the stem: First, rip off a large sheet of parchment paper and either place it on a baking sheet or directly on your kitchen counter. Remove all the dried leaves onto the parchment paper. The larger surface allows you to quickly strip off the leaves with less mess. Then pick up the parchment paper on each end to create a funnel and pour your herbs into a jar.
See post for FAQ and ways to use the frozen herb cubes and the dried herbs.