The Benefits Of Freezing Fresh Herbs With Olive Oil

Fresh herbs are a wonderful resource in the kitchen. In addition to their medicinal properties, they have an unmistakable flavor and give our food and everyday dishes a special touch.

But the main problem with fresh herbs is that they are very difficult to keep.

Unless we grow thyme, mint, basil or rosemary at home, the most common thing is that, shortly after having picked or bought them, they go bad.

You don’t have to throw them away anymore. Today, in our space, we want to offer you a sensational idea. If you freeze your favorite herbs with a little olive oil, you will  have an incredible culinary resource.

We’ll explain how to do it and the benefits this trick can bring you. It’s an idea that will be very useful on a daily basis!

If I freeze my fresh herbs, will they lose their properties?

We all know that most plants and vegetables retain their properties better if we consume them in their fresh form.

However, when it comes to aromatic herbs, there are many ways to consume them without losing their essential virtues.

• We can consume dehydrated aromatic herbs (oregano, basil…)
• Essential oils are another wonderful way to use them.
• Combining them with olive oil will enhance their properties.

Freezing them does not alter their composition at all, nor their original virtues.

Can olive oil be frozen?

This is another question many of us have ever asked ourselves. The answer is “yes”, olive oil can be frozen without changing its properties.

• However, one must know something important: once thawed, olive oil must be consumed on the same day.
• In case you reserve it for the following days, it will no longer be good for consumption.
• We also shouldn’t freeze it again.

Olive oil is formed almost completely from oleic acid. The most common is that it starts to harden from 4 °C onwards.

• When it reaches 0 °C, it already has some lumps, which continue to solidify.
• It is a completely natural, risk-free process.
• Freezing does not affect its composition, and its omega 3 essential fatty acids and wonderful antioxidants remain in perfect condition.

Benefits of Freezing Fresh Herbs with Olive Oil

It is a simple, healthy and effective process to preserve the properties of both olive oil and the aromatic herbs themselves.

If you’re still not convinced, take note of everything this “trick” can do for your health:

• It is a natural remedy for losing weight. Its healthy fats and essential oils give us a satiating effect and also take care of our digestion.
• Olive oil, combined with rosemary, has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is very suitable for the pain caused by arthritis.
• If we combine olive oil with sage, it will do us a lot of good to treat menstrual cramps.
• Olive oil, combined with aromatic herbs such as basil, thyme or rosemary, helps to strengthen the immune system.
• If you suffer from indigestion, gas or acidity, try combining olive oil with some mint leaves. The result is incredible, in addition to having a very pleasant taste.

How to freeze fresh herbs with olive oil

The first thing we have to do is choose the most suitable fresh herbs. Chamomile or dandelion do not work well, for example.

It is best to use the “strongest” plants and with the greatest antioxidant power. As an example, we propose the following herbs and also share everything we need to perform this procedure:

What I need:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Peppermint, or mint-leaf
• Sage
• Fennel
• A tray of ice cubes
• Extra virgin olive oil (amount needed to fill the ice pan)

• transparent film paper

How to prepare:

• After choosing the fresh herbs, wash them well and cut them into small pieces. The idea is that they fit into each space on the ice tray.
• Then place the herbs in each square of the pan.
• Then pour in the extra virgin olive oil until all spaces are filled. Very easy.
• Finally, cover everything with plastic-film to better preserve them and so that they don’t spill. Now, all that’s left is to take it to the freezer.

The next day, your “cubs” of aromatic herbs and olive oil will be ready. Use your culinary imagination and enjoy this wonderful resource, full of great properties.

You can make stews, purees, soups or use the cubes to spread bread for breakfast.

Will you resist?