How To Freeze Basil In Ice Cubes (Step-by-Step with Water or Oil)

Ever harvested a mountain of basil and wished you could hold onto that fresh aroma all year long? Trust me—I’ve been there. One of the easiest, most practical ways I’ve found to preserve basil without losing its flavor is to freeze it in ice cubes. Whether you’re prepping for soups, sauces, or quick weekday dinners, frozen basil cubes are a flavor-saver.

In this guide, we’ll walk step-by-step through how to freeze basil in water or olive oil cubes, and why this method works so well—scientifically speaking.

Why Freeze Basil in Ice Cubes?

• Freezing basil retains flavor and nutrients far better than letting it wilt in the fridge.
• Ice cubes allow for quick portion control—just pop one into your pan or blender.
• Water or olive oil protects basil from freezer burn and oxidation.

📌 Compared to drying or air storage, this method better locks in basil’s volatile oils like eugenol.

When should you choose this over drying?

• You want to cook with basil often (soups, sautés, stews)
• You prefer fresh flavor over dried aroma
• You don’t want to lose antioxidant benefits during storage

👉 Related read: How To Preserve Basil: Fresh, Chopped, Frozen & Dried

What You’ll Need to Get Started

• Fresh basil (preferably just harvested)
• Ice cube trays (silicone makes it easier to pop them out)
• Cold water or olive oil (extra virgin is best)
• Freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags
• Labels and a marker (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)

➡️ Basil freezes better when it’s chopped or blanched beforehand.

How To Freeze Basil In Ice Cubes (Step-by-Step)

Want to keep basil fresh for months? Learn how to freeze basil in ice cubes:

Option 1 – Freezing with Water

1. Wash and pat basil dry.
2. Chop finely (or tear by hand).
3. Fill each ice cube tray slot halfway with basil.
4. Add cold or boiled water until just full.
5. Freeze for 4–8 hours.
6. Pop cubes out and store in labeled freezer bags.

➡️ Water acts as a physical barrier to oxygen, helping preserve color and aroma.

Option 2 – Freezing with Olive Oil

1. Follow the same prep steps as above.
2. Pour olive oil instead of water over the chopped basil.
3. Freeze solid and store in small containers.

➡️ Olive oil reduces enzymatic browning and better preserves essential oils for cooking.

Bonus – Blanching First (Optional But Smart)

Want to boost antioxidant retention? Do this first:

1. Dunk basil in boiling water for 5–10 seconds.
2. Immediately place in ice bath.
3. Pat completely dry.
4. Then freeze using one of the methods above.

Best Uses for Frozen Basil Cubes

• Add directly to simmering pasta sauces
• Toss into sautéed veggies
• Stir into soups or stews
• Blend into pesto or dressings

⚠️ Avoid using in fresh salads—the texture won’t hold up post-freeze.

➡️ Frozen basil cubes preserve flavor—but not texture.

Tips to Maximize Freshness and Flavor

• Use airtight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze cubes in a single layer first, then transfer.
• Label everything with method + date.
• Use within 3–6 months for best flavor.

How This Method Compares to Other Preservation Options

Method	Flavor Retention	Storage Time	Best For
Freezing (water)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	3–6 months	Soups, sauces
Freezing (oil)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	3–6 months	Sautéing, pesto prep
Oven Drying	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	6–12 months	Spice rack storage
Room Temp Bouquet	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	2–5 days	Short-term garnish use

👉 Dive deeper into drying: How To Oven Dry Basil

Scientific Insight: Why This Works

• Freezing + oil inhibits oxidation of phenolic compounds
• Basil’s aroma molecules like eugenol and linalool are heat-sensitive, so freezing retains more flavor than drying
• Blanching before freezing suppresses PPO and peroxidase—enzymes that degrade nutrients and aroma

FAQs

Can you freeze whole basil leaves in water?
Yes, but chopped leaves freeze more evenly and are easier to portion.

Is oil or water better for freezing basil?
Oil preserves flavor better for cooking; water is best for soups.

Should I blanch basil before freezing?
Blanching isn’t required but helps preserve color, nutrients, and antioxidants.

How long do frozen basil cubes last?
Up to 6 months in an airtight container—but best used within 3 months.

Related Articles You’ll Love

• How To Preserve Basil: Fresh, Chopped, Frozen & Dried
• How To Oven Dry Basil
• Essential Nutrients for Basil

Conclusion: Freeze Basil Like a Pro

With just a few minutes of prep, you can keep your basil fresh-tasting and ready for anything. Freezing in ice cubes is simple, science-backed, and gives you total control over flavor while locking in nutrition.

So next time your basil plant explodes (as it should!), don’t waste a leaf—preserve it like a pro. 🌿