How to Store Fresh Basil
- Cut: Cut your basil about half an inch from the bottom of the stems.
- Fill: Fill the jar you are using to hold the basil with enough cold water to cover the stems by about an inch.
- Store: Loosely cover the top of your basil leaves with a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Quart Bag to help keep it fresh.
Should fresh basil be refrigerated?
Store refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
You also can store the basil at room temperature, which keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
How long does fresh basil last in the fridge?
How long does basil stay fresh in the fridge? This depends on how you store it. It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.
What is the best way to store fresh basil for future use?
Wrap a paper towel around the basil and place it in an airtight container or a ziplock plastic bag. Store it in the vegetable crisper alongside other salad greens. Basil should last about two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why should you not refrigerate fresh basil?
Refrigerating basil will not only make it wilt faster; it will also absorb all of the other smells around it. If you want to store the herb in the best way possible, sit it inside a cup of fresh water, like flowers.
How do you store basil long term?
Follow these simple steps for the best way to store your fresh basil leaves:
- Trim the Basil Stems.
- Put the Basil in a Jar or Glass Vase with Water.
- Cover with a Plastic Bag.
- Store Basil Jar at Room Temperature.
- Trim the Stems and Replace the Water Occasionally.
What can I do with too much basil?
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Make pesto. Making pesto may be the most obvious answer, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the power of such a vibrant homemade condiment.
- Make cocktails. Know what else basil goes great with?
- Use it in a rehydrating salad.
- Save it.
- Root it.
- Try These Basil Recipes.
Can I freeze fresh basil leaves?
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.
Does basil need to be washed?
Before you go racing to the garden or farmers market and then put those delicious herbs into your next dish, you should always be washing your fresh herbs before cooking with them. No matter the type of produce you are going to be eating, herbs, fruit, etc., you should always carefully wash it before consumption.
How do you freeze whole basil leaves?
To freeze whole basil leaves, lay the clean, dry basil out in a single layer in a baking sheet or tray. Slide the basil into the freezer.
How do you dry basil naturally?
How to Dry Fresh Basil
- Harvest the basil. If you’re drying fresh basil already cut from the plant, you can skip to the second step.
- Clean the basil. Rinse the stems in cool water.
- Hang the basil to air-dry.
- Dry fresh basil in the oven.
- Place the basil in a food dehydrator.
Can you store fresh basil in olive oil?
You can preserve them in olive oil for up to three months in your fridge, enjoying the same freshly-picked flavor. This works particularly well with basil and parsley, but try it out with chives, thyme, and your other favorite herbs. Thoroughly wash herbs and allow to completely dry.
How long can fresh basil sit out?
about 7 to 10 days
Properly stored, fresh basil will usually keep well for about 7 to 10 days at room temperature.
Is it better to freeze or dry 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 do you preserve basil for the winter?
To preserve basil fresh:
- Cut about three-quarters of the length of the basil stems and keep only the leaves with a strong green color, removing the yellow-ish or dried ones.
- Wash the stems well.
- Remove leaves from the stems.
- Place whole leaves or chopped ones in small plastic bags.
- Store in a freezer.
How many basil leaves a day?
The suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day for general preventive purposes. When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in supplements and topical ointments.
How does basil help the body?
Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. heart disease, and bowel issues. Basil has antibacterial properties.
What cancels out basil?
I also almost always add lemon juice (should help for the bitterness too) and a dash of olive oil (which shouldn’t affect the taste, only the aroma). Another ingredient which does well in a basil dip are green or blonde olives, if their salt level is not too high.
Can fresh basil be frozen without blanching?
You can flat freeze basil without blanching. However, if your goal is to preserve garden fresh green basil then you should take the extra step to blanch. Fresh basil has enzymes on it that will decompose fresh plants. These enzymes will survive in the freezer and your basil will darken.
How do you freeze basil leaves in olive oil?
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. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed.
Should I chop or tear basil?
Tearing basil with your hands (as opposed to using a knife) helps slow the process, as tearing tends to keep more of the cell walls intact than cutting does. But either way, the basil will indeed discolor over time, so your best bet would be to make sure that you chop or tear basil immediately before using it.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.