Balancing careers, family, and healthy eating can feel overwhelming. The last thing we want is to let the fresh produce we lovingly grow or purchase go to waste. If you’ve ever grown basil or brought home a bunch of this fragrant herb, you know how fleeting its freshness can be. But there’s a simple way to extend its life—and it fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle: freezing basil with olive oil.
Why Freeze Basil?
Basil is a powerhouse herb, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties that complement a healthy, balanced diet. It’s also known for aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and even reducing stress—ideal for those of us who juggle many balls in the air within the demands of daily life. Freezing basil ensures you’ll have access to its vibrant flavor and health benefits all year long, without worrying about it wilting or going bad in the fridge.
- Time-Saving: No more scrambling for fresh herbs when you’re cooking. These basil cubes are prepped and ready whenever you are.
- Nutrient Retention: Freezing basil locks in its nutrients and flavor, ensuring you get all the health benefits even in the off-season.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil brings heart-healthy benefits to your meals, aligning with your goal of eating clean, plant-based foods that nourish your body and support your yoga practice.
- Portion Control: The ice cube tray method allows you to portion out exactly what you need, avoiding waste and adding just the right amount to your dishes.
The combination of basil and olive oil is not only a flavor match made in heaven but also a health boost. Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. By freezing basil with olive oil in ice cube trays, you create ready-to-use portions for soups, sauces, sautés, and even salad dressings, with no chopping required when you’re pressed for time.
Here’s how to do it:
- Harvest Fresh Basil – Whether from your garden or a farmer’s market, choose bright, healthy leaves before the plant begins to flower.
- Wash and Dry – Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. You want to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent freezer burn. If you have a salad spinner, I find using it first and patting the leaves to dry is the best method.
- Chop– Chop the basil finely.
- Portion into Ice Cube Trays – Place the chopped basil in each compartment of an ice cube tray, then pour olive oil over it to cover. A tablespoon or two of oil per cube works well, but honestly, there is no need to measure. Live on the edge, pour it in with the basil. 🙂 I am using these ice cube trays from Target, but any will do.
- Freeze – Place the tray in the freezer until solid, then pop the cubes out and store them in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag.
- Use Whenever You Need – When you’re cooking, simply grab a cube or two and toss it into your dish—instant, flavorful nutrition!
Whether you’re rushing to prepare dinner between yoga classes or meal-prepping on the weekends, having frozen basil cubes on hand is a game-changer. You can add that fresh burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals without sacrificing precious time. Plus, knowing you’ve preserved the goodness of basil and olive oil can give you a little extra peace of mind—one less thing to worry about in your busy day.
Commit to nourishing your body with healthy, mindful choices. It’s a small practice that offers big rewards throughout the year!
