Find out what happens when you mix fresh herbs with olive oil and freeze it

Wednesday 23 July 2025 16:00 - Mirella Mendonça
Find out what happens when you mix fresh herbs with olive oil and freeze it

Freezing herbs in olive oil sounds like a simple kitchen trick - and it is. But what you might not know is that this method can completely transform the way you preserve and use fresh spices on a daily basis. The combination of the freshness of the herbs and the fat of the olive oil creates a magic that goes far beyond practicality. Want to know why? Then take a look:


1. Preservation with maximum flavor and power

When you freeze herbs on their own, such as basil, parsley or rosemary, they tend to darken and lose their aroma after a while. This is because the water in the leaves expands as they freeze, rupturing the cells and altering the texture and flavor. But by soaking the herbs in olive oil before putting them in the freezer, you create a "protective layer" that reduces oxidation, preserves the essential oils and keeps the intense flavor for much longer.

The result?

Herbs with a much better appearance, aroma and potency for weeks - or even months!

2. Just the right amount of flavored olive oil

The oil absorbs some of the aromatic compounds in the herbs, creating a ready-to-use seasoning. A simple frozen cube can become the finishing touch to a stew, sauce, grilled meat or roasted vegetables. It's like having a ready-made gourmet seasoning in your freezer drawer.

Clever trick:

Use ice cube trays to portion the herbs with olive oil. One cube equals about one tablespoon - perfect for dosing without waste.

3. Avoids wasting fresh herbs

You know that bunch of coriander or thyme you bought and only used a little? Instead of watching it wither in the fridge, you can chop it up, mix it with olive oil and freeze it. This helps to:

  • Save money (no more buying again next week!)
  • Avoiding organic waste
  • Always having fresh seasoning on hand

4. Great for those following a low carb or clean diet

For those who want to avoid industrialized spices and better control the ingredients used in their recipes, this method is perfect. You know exactly what's in there: fresh herbs + quality olive oil, with no preservatives, colorings or additives.

Which herbs work best?

Although almost all of them can be frozen in olive oil, some stand out:

  • Basil: ideal for pasta, sauces and pizza
  • Rosemary: great with potatoes, chicken and red meat
  • Thyme: goes well with roasted vegetables and mushrooms
  • Parsley and chives: everyday staples
  • Fresh oregano: much more potent than dried oregano

Avoid herbs with very delicate and moist leaves, such as mint or whole coriander, as they can lose their texture even with olive oil (but you can try chopping them very finely).

Bonus tip: customized mixes

You can create your own "seasoning cubes" with combinations such as:

  • Basil + garlic + olive oil
  • Rosemary + thyme + black pepper
  • Parsley + chives + a touch of lemon

Simply grind in a food processor, pour into molds and freeze. That's it: you'll have ready-made, natural spices in seconds.

Your freezer will never be the same

Freezing herbs in olive oil is more than a preservation technique: it's a smart way to bring more flavor, practicality and health to your cooking routine. With a little preparation today, you can transform tomorrow's meals.

Mirella MendonçaMirella Mendonça
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.

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