Can you freeze fresh basil and parsley?

[bunjies]

I've bought some and there's way too much for the recipe I'm doing. Can I freeze the rest or will they be ruined? Alternatively can I keep them in the fridge in a plastic bag?

[MarsLady]

I think you can. I always froze rosemary and bayleafs and all was well.

[tarantula]

I freeze them no problems

[snafu]

I also keep them in the fridge in an airtight container - they last quite a few days.

[hoxtonchick]

basil goes a bit funny (well, black, soggy & inedible) if you keep it in the fridge for more than a day or so. why don't you make some pesto? stick basil in a blender with garlic & salt. whizz it all up, then add parmesan, pine nuts & olive oil. totally delicious. you can freeze that if you want to.

[Ulysees]

I thought you could freeze them ok in ice cubes?

[SoupDragon]

I thought you could too - freeze 1 teaspoon per icecube thingy and top up with water. When you want to use it, take it out, thaw, discard water.

Bayleaves I leave on the tree or bring in a twig at a time, wash and use them dried.

[march29]

you can freeze them. take the leaves off the satlks after you have washed them and them put them in an airtight container on some kitchen paper towel to absorb the water then freeze it. it does last

[WigWamBam]

Frozen in ice cubes is definitely the best way to do it.

[lima]

if you do freeze them they are nothing like fresh stuff when you thaw them though. they go all soggy.

[bunjies]

Thanks. I suppose they would go soggy but hopefully the flavour would still be there.

[suedonim]

I chop up herbs like parsley, chives etc before I freeze them in small polybags, then they're ready to use.