Can You Freeze Arugula?

Arugula has a distinctive peppery taste that makes it a useful ingredient in the kitchen. Some people stock up on this herb because it only thrives during the spring and summer.

It’s very easy to store it. It can be difficult to keep it fresh with its original flavor. We enlisted the help of experts to find a way to keep it fresh.

You can freeze arugula without going through a 30-second blanching process, according to several kitchen experts. 

The salad rocket is best frozen fresh and immersed in olive oil to avoid removing its slightly spicy verve and flavor, which is expelled when blanched.

While you can freeze it, there are differing opinions about the proper way to do it.

Blanching the leaves before freezing is recommended by some, while others suggest popping the leaves into the freezer is the right way to do it.

Which should you be following? There is an article that will clear up the confusion. Continue reading if you want to learn more.

How Can I Store Arugula in the Freezer

Arugula is one of the greens that have a lot of vitamins and minerals in it. If you want to get the health benefits that come with these nutrients, don’t Blanch arugula.

If you follow the steps below, you will be able to keep the nutrition intact.

Arugula

Steps

Wash salad rocket with water

It’s a good idea to wash the leafy greens with water to get rid of the bacteria on the leaves.

It is important to make sure that every leaf is free of debris to reduce the chance of early quality decline.

Adding vinegar to the water you are using to wash arugula will increase the effectiveness of your bacteria elimination process.

The cells of the bacterium on the leaves’ surface are completely killed by the acidity of the vinegar.

Pat dry with a damp towel

You should spread the leaves on a tray or clean the surface after washing them. To remove the water from the leaves, pat them with a damp towel or a paper napkin.

The leaves need to be completely dry for the magic to happen.

Chop arugula leaves

You can Chop the leaves according to your preference. The chopped arugula can be placed in an ice cube tray or a pie tin.

How come you should chop the leaves? When you move on to the next step, their length can be obtrusive.

Soak in olive oil

The olive oil should be put in the pie tin or ice cube tray with the arugula leaves.

If a long time passes, make sure the leaves are completely immersed in the oil to retain the flavor of arugula.

Why shouldn’t you use olive oil instead of other types of oils? In the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, Olive oil has been used for thousands of years in preserving food.

The oil acts as a seal that keeps the flavor in the food. It also helps in prolonging the shelf life of the salad and reinforces the health benefits found in preserved foods.

Pre-freeze arugula

Once the leaves are immersed in olive oil, put the pie tin or ice cube tray in the freezer and wait for 2 to 3 hours.

Packaging Steps

Put it in containers

Once the leaves are immersed in olive oil, put the pie tin or ice cube tray in the freezer and wait for 2 to 3 hours.

Arugula

Freeze

When you need it, put the containers in the freezer, and you’ll have a frozen stock of the salad.

You don’t have to worry about the original flavor wearing away if you keep the arugula in the freezer indefinitely.

Is It Possible to Freeze Fresh Arugula?

If you use it within 2 to 3 days of buying it, you can freeze it fresh without using olive oil. Everyone agrees that fresh is the best way to use arugula.

If you want to eat arugula without the spicy punch and other mixes of flavors, then you don’t have to Blanch it.

Is It Possible to Freeze Arugula for Smoothies?

If you want to make a smoothie out of frozen arugula, you can use it for almost any food or refreshment.

A lot of people think that arugula is delicious raw. The cruciferous food that is high in fiber and low in sugar and carbs is a good smoothie addition for that extra detoxifying properties.

If you like the combination of a bit bitter, spicy flavor, you can create a smoothie with the main ingredient being arugula. You can combine it with your fruit smoothie.

Is It Possible to Freeze Arugula Pesto?

It is an option for the braver souls with an extra stock of arugula who just can’t get enough of the peppery taste of the vegetable.

A simple mix of arugula, lemon juice, salt, and garlic or walnuts is all you need to make homemade arugula pesto.

If you made too much, what should you do? Don’t fret because you can freeze the food.

Place the extra arugula in the ice cube tray, cover it with plastic, and then place it in the freezer for a quick freeze.

Once the pesto is frozen solid, you can transfer it into a freezer bag or container and store it in the freezer.

When you need a healthy chicken dip or salad dressing, you can now use instant pesto.

Conclusion

Arugula is a green vegetable that you can use to add flair and nutrition to your recipes.

A lot of people are looking for alternative ways to store it without affecting the chemicals it contains.

The best solution for this is to freeze it in olive oil. You can get the best-tasting arugula the next time you use it in your recipe if you follow the steps in this blog.

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