Published on May 25, 2025
Last updated: May 25, 2025 · ⏱ 2 min read

Freeze Leftover Herbs in Olive Oil for Future Cooking Wins

Preserving Freshness: The Benefits of Freezing Herbs in Olive Oil

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, which can lead to leftover ingredients that go to waste. One particularly common issue is leftover herbs. They add wonderful flavor and nutrition to our meals, but if not used promptly, they can wilt and spoil. Freezing them in olive oil is an effective and practical solution that not only prevents waste but also enhances the convenience of cooking. This method allows you to have fresh herbs at your fingertips, ready to elevate your dishes any time.

Why Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil?

Freezing herbs in olive oil serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it preserves the vibrant flavors and aromas of the herbs, maintaining their quality far longer than if they were stored alone. Olive oil acts as a barrier against freezer burn, ensuring that the herbs stay fresh and flavorful. Additionally, this method streamlines cooking, allowing you to pull out ready-to-use herb-infused oil whenever you need it. This not only saves time but also adds a layer of richness to your meals that plain herbs might not provide.

Which Herbs Are Best for Freezing?

Not all herbs freeze equally well. Some retain their flavor and texture better than others. Here are some of the best candidates for freezing in olive oil:

• Basil: This aromatic herb is perfect for pesto or Italian dishes. Freezing it in olive oil captures its essence beautifully.
• Parsley: A versatile herb that can enhance a variety of dishes. Freezing it with olive oil ensures you always have a fresh addition ready to go.
• Thyme: Its woodsy flavor holds up well in the freezer, making it an excellent choice for freezing in oil.
• Oregano: Ideal for Mediterranean dishes, oregano remains potent when frozen in olive oil.
• Cilantro: A staple in many cuisines, cilantro can brighten up meals and retains its flavor when frozen this way.

Other herbs like dill, chives, and mint also freeze well in olive oil. It's best to avoid delicate herbs like chervil, as they may not hold up as well in this process.

How to Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

Freezing herbs in olive oil is a simple process that involves just a few steps. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. Gather your ingredients: Start with fresh, clean herbs and high-quality olive oil. Make sure your herbs are dry, as excess moisture can lead to freezer burn.
2. Chop the herbs: Depending on your preference, you can chop the herbs finely or leave them whole. Chopping them increases the surface area, which can enhance the flavor infusion.
3. Mix with olive oil: In a bowl, combine the chopped herbs with olive oil. A general ratio is about one part herbs to two parts oil, but you can adjust this based on your desired flavor strength.
4. Fill ice cube trays: Spoon the herb-oil mixture into ice cube trays. This portioning makes it easy to use just the right amount later.
5. Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer and allow them to freeze completely, which usually takes a few hours.
6. Store: Once frozen, pop the herb cubes out of the trays and transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Label the bags with the contents and date for future reference.

How to Use Frozen Herb-Oil Cubes

Using your frozen herb-oil cubes is as easy as it gets. Simply take out a cube or two and add them directly to your cooking. Here are some practical applications:

• Soups and stews: Drop a cube into your pot for added flavor.
• Stir-fries: Use a cube as your cooking oil base for a burst of herb flavor.
• Pasta dishes: Melt a cube into your sauce for an aromatic boost.
• Roasted vegetables: Toss your veggies in a cube before roasting for enhanced taste.

The possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs for unique flavor profiles.

Tips for Best Results

To ensure the best results when freezing herbs in olive oil, consider the following tips:

• Choose high-quality olive oil: The flavor of your oil will impact the final product, so opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Don’t overfill the trays: Leave a little space in each compartment, as the oil will expand when frozen.
• Use clean utensils: To prevent contamination, always use clean utensils when handling your herb-oil mixture.
• Experiment with combinations: Try mixing different herbs together for a unique blend that complements your cooking style.

Storing Your Frozen Herb-Oil Cubes

Proper storage is vital for maintaining the quality of your frozen herb-oil cubes. Store them in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to help preserve freshness and flavor.

For convenience, label each container or bag with the type of herb and the date they were frozen. This helps you keep track of what you have and ensures you're using the oldest cubes first. If using an ice cube tray to freeze the mixture initially, transfer the solid cubes to a freezer-safe container once fully frozen to free up space and avoid absorbing freezer odors.

When stored properly, herb-oil cubes can last up to 6 months in the freezer while retaining their flavor and aroma. This makes them a convenient and time-saving addition to your kitchen for quick seasoning and meal prep year-round.

FAQs: Freezing Herbs in Oil

Written by Soufyan from GrowToGrub

Soufyan is a gardening educator and founder of GrowToGrub. Through simple guides, easy recipes, and practical life hacks, he helps everyday growers turn small spaces into sustainable, delicious, and chemical-free living.