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Preserve Your Fresh Summer Herbs with Bellucci | Pour More


Preserve Your Fresh Summer Herbs with Bellucci

Whether you’re gathering yours from the garden or local grocer, you can use high-quality Bellucci EVOO (and these great tips!) to extend the life of your fresh herbs and seasonings, so you can add the crisp, natural flavors of summer to your dishes for seasons to come.

Cube your herbs in high-quality EVOO.
Hardy herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme can be frozen in high-quality EVOO for preservation.

Simply pour a bit of your favorite EVOO into the bottom of an ice cube tray, fill each cube with whole or slightly torn fresh leaves, and cover with your remaining oil. Place in the freezer, and let them solidify. You’ll avoid the freezer burn that results from immersion in water, and your herbs will remain fresh until ready to use. Pop them out when you need a quick boost of flavor, and they’ll easily melt in your saute pan or sauce.

Prep a delicious pesto.
A flavorful pesto is a delicious, nutritious way to add interest to any pasta or meat dish. Traditionally prepared with lots of fresh basil and garlic, more modern recipes often incorporate other summer herbs and seasonings. Our Sundried Tomato Pesto * is perfect for penne, while this recipe for Roasted Rack of Lamb pairs best with a pesto that makes use of your leftover mint!

Make chimichurri.
Colorful chimichurri is a traditional staple of South American cuisine. Chock full of fresh, delicious herbs, this uncooked condiment is super easy to prep and adds the saucy taste of summer to grilled meat and fish.

Depending on the recipe, chimichurri is a tasty way to make use of leafy herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and oregano, as well as your homegrown garlic or chives. Because it’s prepared with both high-quality EVOO and vinegar, homemade chimichurri keeps well for 2-3 weeks, if refrigerated in an airtight container. Or, you can freeze it for 2-3 months.

For a great barbecue-worthy summer dish, try Bellucci’s Grilled Flank Steak with Fresh Chimichurri Sauce.

Freshen up your summer smoothie.
Fragrant summer herbs can add a fresh twist to your summer smoothie recipe. Basil, rosemary, sage, and thyme all pair well with sweet berry and citrus flavors, while a handful of fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lime can turn a plain old green smoothie into a refreshing treat.

To add extra depth and creaminess (and add a boost of healthy fats and polyphenols), try blending two tablespoons of Bellucci EVOO to your favorite smoothie recipe.

Make a refreshing mocktail.
From virgin mojitos to infused fizzy waters, mocktails are a great way to use your leftover herbs and add pizzazz to your summer barbecue. Simply omit the booze from your favorite herbal cocktail recipe. Or check out this list of fancy mocktails from Lovely Greens for some inspirational flavor combos.

Spice up your life.
Choose your favorite garden herbs, chop finely, and add to your salad or pasta before drizzling with Bellucci EVOO—it’s as simple as that! Or, you can prep a savory infused EVOO for later use.

Simply wash your herbs and allow to dry completely (they should be free of water to avoid contamination). Add the leaves to a small jar or airtight container, fill to the top with Bellucci EVOO, and seal. Store in a cool dark place for up to two weeks, to allow the herbs to infuse the oil with their flavor. Then enjoy as a dressing or drizzle for your favorite salad, pasta, or meats.

If you’d like to preserve your infused EVOO for future use, use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to transfer the oil to a new container, removing the herb particles in the process. Infused EVOO can be stored for a few weeks, once filtered.

We hope you enjoy these fresh tips from Bellucci. For more recipes and hints, Pour More!

* Bellucci Penne with Sundried Tomato Pesto VIDEO — https://youtu.be/YILkVtfLcjM

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