Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Garden fresh herbs are in abundance at the moment. Freezing sage is a wonderful way to preserve the summery fresh flavour for enjoyment all year round.
Farmer’s markets and home gardens are overflowing with herbs at the moment. While the abundance is wonderful, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed to know how to use them all up.
(These sourdough crackers with olive oil and herbs and simple garlic and herb popped beans are two simple ways to use up fresh herbs in case you don’t want to freeze all of your herbs!)
Luckily there are a few simple methods that make preserving summer-fresh herbs for use all year round.
Freezing sage is one way to enjoy the flavour of fresh sage in the winter, when warm stews and meats more often grace the dinner table.
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Ingredients
Sage
Butter – (depending on the method you choose)
Olive Oil – (depending on the method you choose). I use this bulk cold pressed olive oil.
Tools
Ice Cube Tray – I like the ones with lids
Zip Lock Bag
Instructions
Method 1 – Most Delicious
Rinse the fresh sage leaves and remove an excess stems.
Dry the herbs on a paper towel.
Chop the sage into small pieces.
Add about a tablespoon of sage to each ice cube slot on the tray.
Melt butter. Pour the melted butter into each slot until about halfway full. You can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer. You can also simply use water if you do not have butter or olive oil on hand.
Add the ice cube tray into the freezer. Allow the cubes to fully freeze and then pop them out. Add the cubes to a zip lock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Method 2 – Fastest
You can of course simply put sage into the freezer without spending time chopping it up or adding butter. This method isn’t ideal because your sage could develop freezer burn which would impact on the flavour. But the method works when you’re in a pinch!
Wash and dry fresh sage leaves. Remove any excess stems.
Put sage leaves into a ziplock bag and make sure to completely seal the bag. Then simply put the bag into the freezer and consume within 6 months.
How To Use
To enjoy fresh sage in the winter, pull out an ice cube from the freezer and pop it straight into your soup or whatever you’re preparing.
If you froze the sage in water and only want to use the herb, you can alternatively thaw the ice cubes in a strainer.
Expert Tips
You can follow either of these methods for any herbs you have on hand. If your local farmer’s market or supermarket is having a sale on fresh herbs, consider buying in bulk and freezing them for use over the winter.
If you want to prolong the freshness of sage, or any herb, without freezing it, you can put the stems of the fresh sage leaves into a cup of water. Then simply place the cup into the fridge and they will stay fresh for about one week.
FAQ
For the best flavour, fresh sage can be frozen for about 6 months.
Yes, simply wash and dry the leaves and put them into an airtight ziplock bag.
Yes. You can freeze herbs in melted butter or olive oil instead of water.
If you freeze herbs in melted butter, olive oil, or water, the frozen herbs will maintain their oils and flavour for about 6 months. After that, fresh herbs will be tastier!
Other Simple Food And Drink Ideas
Sourdough Crackers With Olive Oil And Herbs (No Wait)
Simple and Savoury Sourdough Scallion Pancakes
Simple And Nutritious Garlic and Herb Popped Beans
If you make this how-to and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!
Freezing Sage For Winter
Equipment
- Ice cube tray
- Zip lock bag
Materials
- Fresh sage
- Olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh sage leaves and remove an excess stems.
- Dry the herbs on a paper towel.
- Chop the sage into small pieces.
- Add about a tablespoon of sage to each ice cube slot on the tray.
- Melt butter. Pour the melted butter into each slot until about halfway full. You can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer. You can also simply use water if you do not have butter or olive oil on hand.
- Add the ice cube tray into the freezer. Allow the cubes to fully freeze and then pop them out. Add the cubes to a zip lock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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