How Do You Freeze Basil Without Turning It Black?

Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer.

Tips

1. Basil tends to turn black when it’s frozen.
2. Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.

Does basil turn black when frozen?

Simply chop leaves, stuff them into ice cube trays, cover with cold water, and freeze. The frozen basil bits will turn black as soon as they thaw, but they will still taste like basil. Frozen basil cigars are a great way to store basil with large leaves that can hold up to brief blanching.

Can basil be frozen raw?

ANSWER: Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves, but they just need a little help. Basil is a particularly delicate herb because it hates the cold and darkens when cut. Keep in mind any fresh herbs that you freeze will not be entirely the same as fresh. Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable.

What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?

Clean, dry, and chop fresh basil into small pieces or add to a food processor. Add one part salt to the basil, pulsing in the food processor for about 30 seconds. Store your mix in the refrigerator and remove as needed.

Should you wash basil before you freeze it?

Before freezing basil, make sure to clean it. I like to use a salad spinner to clean my herbs.

Can you use basil when it turns black?

I would not recommend consuming basil that has turned brown/black, especially if it is “slimy” to the touch. Even though a few brown spots are probably safe, it will be bitter and, well, slimy. Throw it away – and consider using some of the storage methods discussed in the link above.

Why is my fresh basil turning black?

Basil is a heat-loving annual herb that is a staple summertime crop in most kitchen gardens, even for those located in colder climates. Basil leaves can develop black or brown spots from exposure to frost, bacterial or fungal infections, the presence of pests, or sometimes from a nutrient deficiency in the soil.

How do you freeze whole basil?

Chop and Freeze
Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed.

What can I do with a ton of basil?

Here are some other everyday ways to use it:

1. Top whole leaves onto pizza.
2. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
3. Blend it into sauces.
4. Puree it into soups.
5. Chop it up to add to a salad.
6. Use it to garnish avocado toast.
7. Turn it into an ice cream topping!

How do you defrost frozen basil?

If thawing frozen basil leaves, remove them from the freezer and immediately add them to the dish you’re cooking or set them on the counter until thawed. We don’t recommend letting leaves thaw on the counter, though, because they are mushy and make a mess.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?

You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this step. To freeze your basil, pull leaves from stems.

How long does basil last in the freezer?

How Long Does Basil Last?

	On the countertop	In the freezer
Potted basil lasts for…	Up to 3 months	–
Fresh cut basicl lasts for…	6 months (dried)	5 months

How do you preserve fresh basil for later use?

Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.

How do you freeze basil in ice cube trays?

Place herbs in an ice cube tray, silicone ones work best. Fill each well with water, just enough to completely cover the herbs. Press the herbs into the water so they are fully submerged. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours.

How do you blanch basil for freezing?

Blanching Basil

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a big bowl of ice water ready.
2. Once the water is boiling, dip your bunch of basil into it just until the basil wilts. This shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.
3. As soon as the basil has wilted, immediately transfer it to the ice water.

Why is my basil turning black in the fridge?

Fresh basil leaves turn black in the refrigerator because basil leaves are not very resistant to the cold. Basil leaves are known as a summertime herb that loves the heat. When the cells in a basil leaf are exposed to the cold climate inside your refrigerator, they begin to die.

Is it OK to eat basil with black spots?

Though consuming basil leaves with black spots is safe, the taste can be different. They can taste bitter and slimy and might spoil your food if you mix it in.

Is it OK to eat basil with brown spots?

In the grand scheme of things, it’s probably fine to eat basil leaves that have brown spots. However, you need to be sure to inspect the leaves first for signs of disease, such as fungus, bacteria, spores or mildew.

Why does basil turn black when washed?

My understanding in that event is that it is caused by root rot. In the case of my basil, I think the high growth areas soaked up so much water from the sink and had no way to drain it again, as there is an incomplete circulation system once cut. The effect was the same as bruising, or early rot.

Can you freeze fresh basil in olive oil?

You add just enough olive oil to get the basil to blend up into a pour-able consistency. Then you pour the liquid into an ice cube tray, freeze it for a few hours, and then pop the cubes into a freezer bag.

What are the health benefits of basil?

Having antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. It also helps in the prevention and cure of diseases like cancer, diabetes and other heart conditions. Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils.