The Simple and Delicious Way to Freeze Fresh Basil in Ice Cube Trays

Fresh basil is one of the greatest joys of summer. Its bright green leaves and sweet, fragrant taste make pasta sauce and caprese salad more interesting. But basil only grows for a short time, so you only have a few months to enjoy this tasty herb at its best.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to preserve fresh basil so you can savor its flavor all year long: freezing it in ice cube trays. Freezing basil in ice cube trays locks in flavor and color better than other preservation methods. And it portion sizes your basil perfectly for tossing into recipes on a whim.

Keep reading to learn the simple process of freezing basil in ice cube trays. You’ll also discover tips for harvesting, washing, and storing your frozen basil cubes Best of all, you’ll find out how to use your frozen basil bombs in everything from hearty winter stews to summery pesto sauce

Why Freezing is the Best Way to Preserve Basil

Of all the ways to preserve fresh herbs freezing is ideal for delicate leafy basil. Air drying causes basil to lose its vivid green color, turning an unappetizing blackish hue. And flavors dissipate rapidly in the drying process.

Oil infusing or pesto making are great options too But these methods require more time and planning upfront

Freezing basil in ice cube trays offers the perfect solution. It’s incredibly easy. And frozen basil retains maximum color, aroma, and flavor. Here are some key advantages to freezing basil in ice cube trays:

• Maintains vibrant green color better than other methods
• Locks in sweet, aromatic basil flavor
• Convenient cube sizes for popping into recipes
• Allows basil to be frozen loose, not crushed or compressed
• Minimal preparation and hands-on time required
• Lets you freeze small batches as you harvest

Freezing also stops the enzymatic breakdown that causes basil to lose its signature flavor soon after harvest. In fact, some chefs prefer frozen basil to fresh!

Step-By-Step Instructions for Freezing Basil in Ice Cube Trays

Freezing basil in ice cube trays is simple and fast. You likely have all the supplies you need already. Follow these easy steps:

Harvest and Prep Basil for Freezing

• Pick basil in the morning when leaves are most plump and filled with aromatic oils. Choose smaller leaves over larger, older ones.

• Gently wash basil leaves if needed to remove grit. Dry thoroughly with paper towels or a salad spinner.

• Remove basil leaves from tougher stems. Some tender stems can remain. Discard any flowers, bad spots, or very thick stems.

Portion and Pack Basil in Trays

• Chop or tear basil leaves into smaller pieces to help them fit in cubes. Don’t bruise them.

• Spoon chopped basil loosely into ice cube tray compartments, filling each about 3/4 full. Don’t crush or compress.

• Pour just enough water over the basil in each cube to submerge it fully.

Freeze Basil Cubes

• Cover tray and place in freezer overnight or until cubes are completely solid.

• Pop out frozen cubes and transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Label bags with content and date. Use frozen cubes within 6-12 months for best flavor.

That’s really all there is to it! No blanching or special equipment required.

Handy Tips for Freezing Basil

Follow these tips to get the most out of your frozen basil cubes:

• Use clean or distilled water instead of tap water to fill trays.

• Freeze basil with stems attached to make long “logs” you can break off later.

• Substitute olive oil or broth for water if desired based on recipe plans.

• Freeze pesto in ice cube trays too. Thaw and stir before using.

• Freeze other tender herbs like cilantro, mint, dill, and parsley this way too.

• Blanching basil quickly before freezing can help maximize color retention.

Using Your Frozen Basil Cubes

You can add the flavor of fresh basil to food all year long with frozen basil ice cubes. They are very useful in some recipes because they have a strong flavor and a paste-like texture when they thaw.

Here are some of the many ways to use frozen basil cubes:

• Soups – Drop a cube in simmering soups and stews near the end.

• Sauces – Add to tomato-based sauces, salsa verde, pesto, chimichurri.

• Dips – Blend into hummus, baba ghanoush, bean dips, and more.

• Dressings – Whisk into salad dressing, marinades, and vinaigrettes.

• Baked goods – Mix into focaccia dough, pesto bread, or herb muffins.

• Rice/grains – Stir a cube into risotto, pilaf, couscous, or quinoa.

• Eggs – Mix into scrambled eggs, frittatas, and omelets.

• Smoothies – Blend into fruit or veggie smoothies.

When a fresh texture is important, like for salad dressing, make sure to thaw the cubes first. If not, you can just add frozen cubes to hot soups, stews, and sautés to thaw and mix them in.

Preserve Garden-Fresh Flavor Year-Round

Putting fresh basil in ice cube trays and freezing them is one of the easiest ways to keep the flavor for months after the seasons end.

Give this simple method a try using basil from your garden or farmer’s market. Enjoy convenience of frozen basil cubes all winter to brighten up pastas, pizzas, soups, sauces, and more with the sweet flavor of summer any time you please.