How to Make Herb Cubes: A Zero-Waste Kitchen Hack
Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor to dishes, but they don’t always last long in the fridge. If you often find yourself tossing out wilted basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill, it’s time to start making herb cubes. These oil-based frozen herb “bombs” preserve fresh herbs for months, making them easy to use in soups, sauces, stir-fries, and more.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make herb cubes, why they’re a game-changer for your kitchen, and how to use them in your cooking.
Why You Should Make Herb Cubes
Reduce Food Waste
One of the biggest advantages of herb cubes is that they help eliminate food waste. Instead of throwing out wilted herbs, you can preserve their flavor and nutrients for future meals.
Save Money
Fresh herbs can be expensive, especially when purchased in small bundles from the grocery store. Herb cubes allow you to buy in bulk or grow your own without worrying about spoilage.
Convenient for Cooking
With frozen herb cubes, you can easily add flavor to any dish without chopping fresh herbs every time. Simply pop a cube into your pan, and you’re ready to cook!
Versatile and Customizable
Herb cubes work with almost any herb, from basil and parsley to dill and thyme. You can also blend different herbs together or mix in garlic, lemon zest, or spices for added depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Dry the Herbs
Start by rinsing your fresh herbs under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Chop the Herbs
Finely chop the herbs into small pieces. This allows for even distribution in the cubes and makes them easier to use in recipes.
Step 3: Fill Ice Cube Trays
Use a standard ice cube tray or a 2-tablespoon Souper Cubes tray for larger portions. Pack each cube section with chopped herbs, filling about three-quarters full.
Step 4: Add the Oil
Pour olive oil or avocado oil over the herbs in each cube, ensuring they are fully submerged. This prevents freezer burn and locks in freshness.
Step 5: Freeze the Cubes
Place the tray in the freezer and allow the herb cubes to freeze completely—this takes about 6 to 12 hours.
Step 6: Store in a Freezer Bag
Once frozen, pop the cubes out of the tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the bag with the type of herb and date for easy reference.
Best Herb & Oil Combinations
- Basil + Olive Oil – Perfect for pasta sauces and Italian dishes.
- Dill + Avocado Oil – Great for tzatziki, seafood, and salad dressings.
- Parsley + Olive Oil – Ideal for soups, chimichurri, and roasted meats.
- Rosemary + Olive Oil – Pairs well with roasted potatoes and chicken.
- Cilantro + Avocado Oil – Adds a fresh kick to tacos, salsa, and curry.
Making herb cubes is an easy, eco-friendly way to save money, reduce waste, and enhance your cooking. Whether you’re using them for soups, sautéing, or dressings, these frozen herb bombs will save you time and effort in the kitchen. So next time your herbs start wilting, don’t toss them—turn them into flavorful herb cubes instead!
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Herb Cubes
Ingredients
- Bunch of herbs or spinach
- Avocado or olive oil to cover herbs
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chosen herbs or spinach.
- Chop the leaves into small pieces and add them to an empty ice cube tray or 2 tablespoon Souper Cubes Tray. Pack each cube with individual herbs.
- Cover each cube in your oil of choice; avocado or olive oil work best.
- Place the tray in the freezer for 6 to 12 hours.
- Pop out the cubes and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- To use, add oil cubes to the hot pan. If using cubes in a cold dish like tzatziki, remove the cube from the freezer and let it come up to room temperature before stirring into mixture.
