Fresh herbs make nearly everything taste better. Not only do they add incredible flavor, but fresh herbs offer a myriad of health benefits, too. Fresh oregano, for example, has antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory.
Fresh herbs don’t last long, though, which makes them less than convenient. Have you ever frozen your fresh herbs? It’s so easy and saves you valuable minutes at dinner time. #winning
You don’t need any special equipment to freeze your fresh herbs. A knife and an ice cube tray and you’ll be good to go. Ball Canning sent me a few fun tools to make the job even easier and more fun, though. (Don’t worry, you’ll get a chance to win them, too! Wait until the end of this post to learn more.)
The first tool sent by Ball Canning that I tried was the cool 5 blade herb scissors you see above. With one swift movement your herbs can be cut into perfect strips! They are awesome. I also used the special silicone trays they sent, which worked beautifully.
So freezing fresh herbs couldn’t be easier. Here are the only steps you need:
1. Clean the herbs well and then chop them into fine pieces.
2. Place two tablespoons of the chopped herbs into an ice cube tray or herb tray cube cavity.
3. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons liquid to the herbs. You may use water, broth/stock, or a fat like olive oil or butter. Press the herbs down gently so they are compacted.
4. Freeze the cubes and then transfer the frozen cubes from the tray to a freezer-safe container.
Easy, right? You totally need to freeze those herbs next time you have a whole bunch of extra and nothing to do with them. No more throwing them out when they turn brown and wilted in the back of your crisper drawer!
Ball Canning Company is all about preserving. They are having their annual Can-It Forward Day this Saturday and will have live demonstrations and seminars on their website. Whether you are a canning pro or a total newbie, you should check it out!
In celebrating of National Can-It Forward Day, Ball Canning is offering an awesome prize pack for one reader of Happy Healthy Mama. This is one great prize pack! Check out what one winner will receive:
- Quart-Sized Case of Spring Green Heritage Jars
- Pint-Sized Case of Spring Green Heritage Jars
- Fresh Herb Keeper
- Dry Herb Jars
- Frozen Herb Starter Trays
- 5 Blade Herb Scissors
- Ball Blue Book of Canning
I haven’t tried freezing fresh herbs but I have some basil I will be freezing tonight! Thanks!
This is a great idea! I love buying fresh herbs, but hate throwing them out when they go bad in the fridge when I’ve only used them for one meal. I will definitely have to try this next time!
Would love to start canning more.
I haven’t been freezing my herbs, but I’m definitely going to try it out!
I have tried it a couple times, but I don’t think I did it right….
I have never frozen herbs…but if I do I’ll follow your advice!!
I’ve been looking for something easy to do to store my herbs. Excited about trying this!
I have freeze dried my herbs but have never froze them in the freezer. I would love to try this method as I have been reading much about it the past 6 months.
This is my first year to have fresh herbs in my pots. Totally excited about freezing them!!
I haven’t done this yet though I have bought some that were frozen by companies; why not do it myself!
Great idea!
I don’t freeze my herbs but if I win I wouldn’t have an excuse! This is a super exciting giveaway! Thanks!
Thank you, perfect timing.
I love to have frozen chives on hand for the winter
I haven’t tried freezing herbs yet but I sure will now that I know how easy it can make things.
I never thought to freeze herbs, I do dry them and put them in glass jars though. I will have to give it a try to my herbs in the garden overflowing right now.
I will now, love fresh herbs but hate when they go bad
I have only frozen once or twice but I need to try it more!
I’ve often wondered about this. Thanks for the directions!
I’ve done it before, but I need to freeze herbs more regularly. I waste a lot of herbs.