We’ve already talked about preserving herbs by drying them. Its an excellent method. However, sometimes you just want the fresh herb flavor, especially in a pesto or something calling for fresh garlic.

In the middle of the winter, my body sometimes calls out for fresh green herbs that just aren’t available in my garden. However, I wouldn’t dare purchase them in the grocery store knowing that they had to have travelled a very long way to get there. Remember, we’re trying to lower our footprint on the environment in our household?

Our solution is to freeze some of the herb abundance we have in the summer. Its a simple solution and it extends the many ways we can use our herbs.

You will need a knife or food processor, herbs, olive oil, ice cube trays, zippered freezer bags or other airtight freezer container.

Take your freshly washed and dried herbs and remove the larger stems. If you have a small amount you can use a knife for the next part, if you have a large quantity you will need your food processor.

Finely chop your herbs or place them in a food processor with 2-3 tbsp oil. You are going for a rough paste consistency.

Pack the herbs into ice cube trays. If you chopped your herbs by hand, add a small amount of oil to each tray now.

Place the ice cube trays in the freezer. Once frozen, pop them out into your freezer bags or other freezer containers.

They are now ready for your next soup, stew, or stir fry!

Have you ever tried freezing herbs? How did you like the result?