Content
- Can thyme be frozen?
- Correct thyme properly
- Practical: freeze thyme in olive oil
- Make Mediterranean herbal mixture and freeze
- Tips & Tricks
Can thyme be frozen?
So many popular herbs should not be frozen because it loses a lot of flavor. Thyme, on the other hand, does not harm freezing - its taste is fully preserved. Frozen thyme is used as well as fresher.
Correct thyme properly
The Mediterranean spice herb can either be crushed or frozen in whole stems. However, you should not use the thyme stalks for cooking later, because they are inedible due to the high content of bitter substances. They cover the fine aroma of the leaves and flowers. Harvest the fresh thyme, wash it thoroughly and then dab it carefully dry. Now you can fill it into freezer bags (whole stems) or another suitable, closable container. Mostly ice cube trays are practical, which you fill with chopped thyme and some water - the portioned thyme cubes can later be used for cooking.
Practical: freeze thyme in olive oil
Instead of water, fresh and minced thyme can also be perfectly frozen in olive oil, also in portions as ice cubes. The herbal oil is very well suited for frying (eg of thyme potatoes), stewing or for refining salads. Oil and herbs thaw quickly at room temperature.
Make Mediterranean herbal mixture and freeze
The herbal mixture known as Provence's herbs is nowadays indispensable in almost every household, and this aromatic mix spice up numerous dishes. You can also put together this mixture of Mediterranean herbs and then freeze them - then you will always have enough seasoning for stews and casseroles at home. Which herbs you choose, it is up to your taste. They should only be washed well, dabbed dry and chopped well. A little olive oil also ensures a better shelf life. The following herbs are traditionally among the herbs of Provence: thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, sage, chervil, tarragon, lavender, fennel, savory, parsley, marjoram or lovage (maggic herb). These are also very finely chopped, onions and garlic.
Tips & Tricks
The fine leaves of thyme are easier to harvest when you cut off the whole stem and then immediately freeze. The frozen leaves can easily be stripped off - without costly plucking. The method also works with other herbs, eg. As basil or rosemary, excellent.