How To Freeze Herbs And Olive Oil
Fresh herbs are a great help in the kitchen. In addition to their medicinal properties, they spice up our casserole dishes and our other daily meals.
The biggest problem with fresh herbs is their shelf life. They spoil almost immediately after purchase unless we can get them from our own garden, which would be perfect if it were full of thyme, mint, basil or rosemary.
However, don’t throw them away. In today’s article, we want to share an excellent idea: if you freeze your favorite herb in a small amount of olive oil, you’ll get a great addition to different dishes.
Below we provide instructions for its preparation and explain its benefits. It is a very practical idea that can be utilized on a daily basis!
If I freeze herbs, will I lose their benefits?
Most plants and vegetables retain their nutritional value better if ingested fresh.
However, herbs can be ingested in many forms where they do not lose their nutritional value.
- Herbs (e.g. oregano, basil) can be eaten dried.
- Essential oils are another great way to utilize them.
- In addition, combining them with olive oil can increase their nutritional value.
Freezing does not change their composition or nutritional value at all.
Can olive oil be frozen?
This is another issue that has certainly preoccupied many. The answer is that olive oil can indeed be frozen without changing its nutritional value.
- However, you must remember that olive oil should be used on the same day you melt it.
- If you put it in the fridge, re-freeze it, or leave it to thaw once-frozen olive oil to enjoy it on another day, then it will no longer be edible or healthy.
Olive oil consists almost entirely of oleic acid and begins to solidify at 4 ° C.
- At 0 ° C, small lumps begin to form.
- This is a completely natural process with no risks involved.
- Freezing does not affect the composition of the olive oil, but retains its Omega-3 fatty acids and brilliant antioxidants completely.
What are the benefits of freezing herbs and olive oil
Freezing is a simple, healthy and effective way to preserve the nutritional value of both olive oil and herbs.
If you are still not convinced of this, then pay attention to the following things this “trick” can do for your health:
- It is a natural treatment for weight loss. Its good fats and essential oils make it saturated and help with digestion.
- The combination of olive oil and rosemary has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is beneficial for pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, for example.
- Combining olive oil and sage helps with menstrual cramps.
- Olive oil combined with herbs such as basil, thyme and rosemary helps strengthen the immune system.
- If you suffer from indigestion, flatulence or heartburn, try combining olive oil with mint leaves. This is a great and delicious combination.
How to freeze herbs with olive oil
First you need to choose the most suitable fresh herbs for this purpose. Chamomile or dandelion are not well suited for freezing.
Stronger herbs with more antioxidants work better. Listed below are herbal recommendations, as well as other supplies for freezing your herbs.
What do you need
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Fennel
- Ice cube mold
- Extra virgin olive oil (for filling an ice cube mold)
- Plastic film
Preparation instructions
- Once you have selected the fresh herbs you want, wash them thoroughly and cut them into small pieces.
- Next, place them in each hole of the ice cube mold.
- When each has fresh herbs, pour over extra virgin olive oil. This is very easy.
- Then cover the ice cube mold with plastic wrap (if there is no lid on the mold); it helps them survive better. Finally, put in the freezer.
The next day, the pieces made from herbs and olive oil should be ready. Use your imagination in the kitchen and take advantage of these ice cubes that are full of nutritional value. You can use them in pots, purees and soups or spread them on top of the bread for breakfast.
