How to Freeze Fresh Parsley to Always Have It on Hand

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Parsley is an essential aromatic herb in cooking, used to season fish, meat, vegetables, and sauces. However, it often happens that it is not fresh on hand. Freezing it is the perfect solution to preserve its flavor and aroma all year round. Discover the best method to freeze parsley without losing its aroma!

parsley to be frozen in a freezer bag
  • Cooking methods: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons

Ingredients

  • parsley
  • water
  • baking soda

Tools

  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 Paper towel
  • Food bags

Steps

  • Remove yellowed or damaged leaves.
    Quickly rinse the parsley under running water.
    Soak it in a bowl with water and a teaspoon of baking soda to remove impurities and soil residues.
    Gently massage the leaves with your hands to ensure they are well cleaned.
    Rinse again under running water and drain well.

  • Pat the parsley dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
    Let it dry completely on a cloth to prevent ice formation during freezing.

  • Method 1 – Whole Leaves:

    Pick the nicest leaves and put them in a freezer bag.
    Remove the air from the bag, seal it well, and write the freezing date.
    Store in the freezer for up to 12 months at 0°F (-18°C).


    Method 2 – Chopped:

    Finely chop the parsley with a knife or a mixer.
    Distribute it in ice cube trays, covering with some water or olive oil.
    Freeze and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

How to use frozen parsley?

Whole leaves: Break them directly with your hands and add to your dishes without thawing.
Chopped parsley: Use the frozen cubes to season soups, sauces, and hot dishes.

Useful tips

Freeze parsley when fresh to best preserve its aroma and color.
If you can’t freeze it immediately, store it in a glass with water, like a bunch of flowers: it will last for a few days.
Do not thaw parsley before use: it would lose texture and flavor.

Variations

With olive oil: Freezing chopped parsley with oil helps retain its freshness and makes it perfect for sautés.
With other herbs: You can freeze it together with basil, thyme, or rosemary for a ready-to-use aromatic herb mix.

FAQ – How to freeze parsley

  • Does frozen parsley lose its flavor?

    No, if frozen correctly it retains flavor and properties for months.

  • Can I freeze parsley with the stems?

    It’s better to separate the leaves from the stems, but the latter can be frozen and used for broths.

  • How long does frozen parsley last?

    Up to 12 months if stored at 0°F (-18°C).

Now that you know all the tricks to freeze parsley without losing its flavor, you won’t have to worry about running out! Try this method right away and have your parsley always ready to season any dish.

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Laura

Cousin's blog managed by Laura

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