Can You Freeze Fresh Basil? I Tested 4 Ways (Only 2 Worked!)

The smell of basil is unlike any other herb to me, it’s one of my absolute favs! The thing is, basil hates the cold, so let’s find out how to freeze basil so that it lasts and looks appealing to eat! 

Fresh basil (like cilantro and parsley) are delicate, soft herbs that darken in the cold. There are many ways to preserve fresh basil, but when it’s nearing the end of the season, freezing fresh basil is the quickest! 

Quick answer: how to freeze fresh basil

To freeze fresh basil, chop or tear clean, dry leaves, place them in an ice cube tray, and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Freeze until solid, then store in airtight bags for up to one year.

Step-by-Step: how to freeze fresh basil in olive oil

1. Harvest your basil leaves, I don’t wash my leaves since they’re grown in my yard (without direct contact to manure after sprouting). If you purchase your basil I suggest washing, ensure leaves are completely dry before freezing — moisture leads to ice crystals.
2. Chop, or rip the basil with a sharp knife.
3. Portion leaves into ice cube trays (silicone trays work best).
4. Cover with olive oil until basil is just submerged.
5. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until solid. *I usually plan to come back the next day*
6. Pop out the cubes and transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container.

Can you freeze fresh basil without oil?

I tested four methods of freezing fresh basil and only two of them worked. Both used olive oil as an insulator. Check out the video down below. 

Or if you’d rather read, please do. 

I found that you cannot freeze basil without oil if you want it to look appetizing, and have that famous basil aroma – I mean isn’t that what makes fresh basil, FRESH?! That’s because chilling creates oxidation that reduces the VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) – notable for basil’s flavor and aroma. 

Olive oil acts as a fatty insulating layer, helping the basil retain its vibrant green color and fresh taste. It also prevents freezer burn and makes your basil ready to drop straight into a warm pan or sauce.

Tip: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your finished cubes.

Should I cut or rip my basil?

Whichever is your preference works, with a few caveats. 

• cut fresh basil with a sharp knife but don’t mince. Cut a few quick cuts, avoid working over the leaf too many times.
• rip or tearing fresh basil is my preference, that’s because I can limit the cuts and ensure no contact with metal which seems to help with bruising.

Either way you choose, make sure you grab just a few leaves at a time, minimize the handling time, and manipulate only as much as it requires! I suggest not just jamming a whole leaf into the cubes, first you want get as much, secondly, the leaves will be highly bruised. 

How long does it take basil cubes to freeze?

Olive oil is a long chain fat that never actually freezes, like water, into a crystaline structure. Instead olive oil has a point that its fat becomes solid. Most standard ice cube trays will freeze basil cubes solid in about 4–6 hours. I personally let them freeze overnight then transfer to a freezer bag or container the next day.

Try finding your olive oil on sale, this process uses a lot of olive oil but studies show that freezing actually preserves oil (and it’s phenolic compounds) better than dry storage.

How to use frozen olive oil basil cubes

These cubes are like little flavor bombs, but remember basil is delicate and doesn’t like to overheat, so try to add them towards the end of cooking (it’s like a woman going through menopause :))

• Pasta sauces (marinara, pesto, Alfredo)
• Soups and stews
• Sautéed vegetables
• Stir-fries
• Omelets or frittatas

Because the olive oil melts quickly, the basil flavor infuses right into your dish—no chopping required.

How long do frozen basil cubes last?

For best flavor, use your frozen basil cubes within nine months to a year, perfectly timed for your next gardening season. After that, they’re still safe, but the flavor may start to fade. Always store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Why is basil healthy?

Basil contains some nutrient unique bioactives such as eugenol and camphor beneficial to our digestion and potentially impacting our gut health. This is one reason why I love herbs so much, they not only season our food but they have the ability to improve our gut health!

Why can’t I just dehydrate my basil?

You can, I certainly dry some basil as well but honestly there is no substitute to fresh basil. Plus, freezing basil in olive oil not only locks in its aroma — it preserves the plant’s polyphenols and antioxidants, both of which support gut and metabolic health. 

Common mistakes to avoid when freezing basil

• ❌ Freezing basil leaves dry without fat (basil hates the cold and they turn black and lose flavor).
• ❌ Using wet basil (moisture leads to ice crystals).
• ❌ Leaving cubes uncovered too long (risk of freezer burn).

Other ways to preserve fresh basil

I like to preserve my basil in a variety of ways, here are a few:

• Adding it to pizza dough (which I make several doughs and breeze)
• Dehydrating basil
• And of course, PESTO! Check out my recipe for pesto without pine nuts (more omega 3’s and cheaper)!

Preserving basil 

Learning how to freeze fresh basil in olive oil is one of the easiest harvest preservation tricks. It keeps your basil bright, flavorful, and ready to use long after the growing season ends. Using these frozen cubes mid winter is a small reminder that what we preserve isn’t just food — it’s moments of sunshine in the garden, and the joy of a meal made from what we’ve grown.