Can You Freeze Basil?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against USDA FoodKeeper · Last updated 28 October 2026
Yes, you can freeze basil. Best quality within 1–2 months; it stays safe beyond that at a constant -18°C.
What freezing does to basil
Fresh herbs lose their crisp texture in the freezer but keep most of their flavour, so frozen herbs are for cooking rather than garnish. Soft herbs like coriander, basil and parsley discolour if frozen plain. FoodKeeper gives basil a best-quality freezer window of 1–2 months. For comparison, the same database gives vegetables such as broccoli 10–12 months, bananas 2–3 months, tomatoes 2 months.
You can also check the calorie content of basil alongside its safety information.
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More freezer essentials
Basil next to similar foods
| Food | Freezer window |
|---|---|
| Grapes | 1 month |
| Basil | 1–2 months |
| Coriander | 1–2 months |
| Fresh Herbs | 1–2 months |
| Parsley | 1–2 months |
Of the 16 fruit and vegetable foods in the freezing guide, basil has a best-quality window that is longer than 1, equal to 3 and shorter than 11.
Basil: the other answers on this site
| Question | Short answer (links to the full page) |
|---|---|
| In the fridge | 7–10 days in the fridge |
Common questions
How long can you freeze basil?
For best quality, up to 1–2 months (USDA FoodKeeper). It stays safe beyond that, because bacteria cannot grow at a constant -18°C; the time limit is about taste and texture, not safety. Label the pack with the date so you can use the oldest first.
How should I freeze basil?
Chop and freeze in ice-cube trays covered with water or olive oil, then bag the cubes. Or freeze whole leaves loose on a tray.
How do I defrost basil?
Add frozen straight to hot dishes; no thawing needed.
Can you refreeze basil?
Not needed; take out only the cubes you need.
Fridge or freezer for basil?
The fridge window for basil is 7–10 days (USDA FoodKeeper). If you are not going to finish it inside that window, freeze it while it is still fresh, ideally in the first day or two, since freezing only pauses the clock and anything frozen late goes in with less life left.
Related answers
Primary source: USDA FoodKeeper.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.