14 Simple Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs for Later • Schisandra & Bergamot

Don’t let those beautiful bunches of basil, mint, or parsley go to waste. With the right methods, you can stretch the life of your fresh herbs long past harvest time.

Whether you’re storing garden extras or saving store-bought bundles, these simple preservation tips will help you enjoy fresh flavor year-round.

Freeze in Olive Oil

A clear glass gravy boat filled with golden olive oil and several black olives, set against a plain light background. — Photo Credit: Mareefe/Pixabay

Chop herbs and place them in ice cube trays. Cover with olive oil and freeze. It’s perfect for sautéing or adding to soups and sauces.

Dry Them in Bunches

A pile of dried green leaves scattered on a white surface. — Photo Credit: weinstock/Pixabay

Tie herb stems together and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place. Once dry, crumble and store in airtight containers.

Use a Dehydrator

Fresh and partially dried green herbs laid out on a round plastic tray inside a food dehydrator. — Photo Credit: Juliedeshaies/Deposit Photos

For quicker results, use a food dehydrator. It preserves color and flavor better than air-drying and works well for most leafy herbs.

Freeze in Ice Cubes

Close-up of ice cube tray with ice cubes containing fresh mint leaves. — Photo Credit: serezniy/Deposit Photos

Place chopped herbs in ice cube trays and fill with water. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags for easy portioning.

Make Herb Butter

A white bowl containing herb butter sits on a wooden surface, with fresh green leaves, coarse salt, and a metal whisk nearby. — Photo Credit: HeikeRau/Deposit Photos

Blend soft herbs like dill or chives into softened butter. Shape into logs, wrap in parchment, and freeze for later use.

Store in Salt

Assorted bottles of dried herbs including sage, oregano, rosemary, sweet basil, and parsley are lined up behind bowls containing dried herbs. — Photo Credit: stevepb/Pixabay

Layer herbs like rosemary or thyme in jars of salt. The salt preserves the herbs while infusing with flavor, great for cooking later.

Store in Vinegar

A bottle of olive oil, wooden cutting boards, a mortar and pestle, fresh rosemary, and wooden utensils arranged in front of a rustic wooden wall. — Photo Credit: Cydonia/Deposit Photos

Steep herbs like tarragon, basil, or thyme in vinegar for a flavorful infusion. Use for dressings, marinades, or sauces.

Create Herbal Pesto

A glass jar filled with green pesto sits on a checkered cloth next to a white spoon and a small jar containing fresh green leaves. — Photo Credit: HeikeRau/Deposit Photos

Turn basil, parsley, or cilantro into pesto. Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for future meals.

Microwave Drying

A modern kitchen features a built-in stainless steel microwave and oven, brown cabinets, potted plants, candles, and stacked black cups on the countertop. — Photo Credit: IdaT/Pixabay

Short on time? Microwave small batches of herbs between paper towels in short bursts to dry them quickly.

Herb-Infused Oil

A person pours oil from a glass pitcher into a jar filled with dried lavender, with a vase of lavender and a bowl nearby on the table. — Photo Credit: triocean2011/Deposit Photos

Gently heat herbs in oil to infuse flavor, then strain and refrigerate. Use within a week or freeze for longer storage.

Make Herb Sachets

Hands tying a drawstring on a small purple organza bag filled with dried lavender, with more lavender bundles and bags on a wooden table. — Photo Credit: VitaliiStock/Deposit Photos

Dry herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint and store them in small cloth bags. Great for potpourri or drawers.

Use a Herb Keeper

A variety of whole spices, including peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried herbs, arranged in bowls, glass jars, and scattered on a white background. — Photo Credit: AndriiGorulko/Deposit Photos

Extend the life of fresh herbs in the fridge using a herb keeper. These containers keep stems hydrated and leaves crisp.

Freeze Whole Sprigs

A plastic bag with chopped herbs sits on a wooden cutting board next to a bunch of fresh herbs and a knife. — Photo Credit: qwartm/Deposit Photos

Hardy herbs like rosemary or thyme can be frozen whole in freezer bags. No chopping needed—just use as needed.

Blend and Freeze Purée

Frozen cubes of green pesto on a wooden cutting board with a clear plastic bag and fresh basil leaves beside them. — Photo Credit: qwartm/Deposit Photos

Purée leafy herbs with a bit of water or oil, pour into ice cube trays, freeze, and store. Ideal for tossing into stews and sauces.

Preserving fresh herbs is easy with a little planning. Whether you freeze, dry, or infuse them, you’ll always have a burst of flavor ready for your next meal.