Freezing Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil



I had intended to share this tip last fall when all of those beautiful summer herbs were facing their wintry demise.  But it is equally relevant now – have you ever bought a $3 package of fresh herbs just to have a bunch of leftovers?

You could toss them into any dish to use them up.  Or dry them.  Or you could freeze them to maintain a bit of that freshness.  But instead of chopping the herbs and freezing them in water, I’ve been freezing mine in olive oil.

See where we’re going here?  Yep.  Instant infused olive oils!  I keep my herb cubes in the freezer and just toss one into a pot any time I want to sauté veggies or meat or even begin a soup or casserole!


Recipe Notes:
*Some recommend carefully labeling the cubes and freezing them separately depending upon which herb is frozen.  I just toss mine all together and use whatever I grab to add to my dish!



Freezing Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil

Fresh Herbs, chopped
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ice Cube Trays

Place chopped herbs into the compartments of an ice cube tray.  You can mix the herbs or use one herb per compartment. 

Slowly pour 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into each ice cube compartment to cover the herbs.  Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap (I’ve found that press & seal works the best).  Place the ice cube tray in the freezer, as level as possible.  Freeze overnight, then pop the frozen cubes out of the ice cube tray and into a labeled freezer bag.

To use, simply add a cube to a skillet over medium-low heat to melt.  Then prepare soup, stir fry, or any other meal as desired!


Comments

  1. So easy yet so genius! I debated about starting up another herb garden because I allowed so many of mine to go to waste, so I'm pinning this idea!.

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  2. This is such a clever trick! How perfect for salvaging the last of the rosemary plant before it freezes. ;) Happy weekend!

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  3. I got a bunch of parsley and its already seeing it;s last days! Thanks for the tip, now it won't go to waste!!!

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  4. I've got a bunch of parsley on clearence and this will be a great way to store it! Thanks for the tip

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  5. This is such a great idea! I need to do this with my summer herbs... I'm so glad you came to share at Super Saturday Show & Tell... come back again next week to party with me again :) xoxo~ Ruthie

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  6. I have frozen herbs before but never in olive oil - that is brilliantThanks so much for sharing over at Finding the Pretty & Delicious Linky Party - hope you'll visit again next Saturday! Leigh Anne!!

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