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..
Page Contents
How do you dry basil without it turning brown?
Rinse the herb under a gentle stream of cold water and remove any soil that may remain. Dry any excess moisture from the leaves. This can easily be accomplished by layering the leaves between sheets of paper towels and applying a gentle dabbing pressure until the leaves are mostly dry.
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 do you preserve basil after picking?
Trim the cut ends, put the bunch in a glass, jar, or vase of water that will fit in the fridge, and cover the whole thing, or at least the basil leaves, with a plastic bag. Put the whole in in a refrigerator. Basil kept that way will stay vibrant and green for up to a week.
What can I do with all my fresh basil?
Here are some other everyday ways to use it:
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping!
Can fresh basil be preserved 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.
Can you air dry basil?
Air-drying basil is a really simple and easy way to preserve this yummy herb. The main requirement is time – it takes about 4 weeks for basil to dry properly. If you’re looking for a good way to preserve basil immediately check out my Basil and Olive Oil icecubes Instructable.
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
- Basil tends to turn black when it’s frozen.
- Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.
Should you wash herbs before drying? You can definitely give the herbs a wash in cool water prior to drying, just be sure to gently shake off the excess moisture, and remove any wilted leaves, spots, insects, or other unsavory elements. I find air drying to be the easiest method and this can be accomplished in a few different ways.
What can I do with a lot of fresh basil?
Here are some other everyday ways to use it:
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping!
How long does dried basil last?
Dried ground herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano last for 2-3 years. If they are dried and stored in their natural, whole form (e.g., basil or bay leaves), then they should last a little longer, about 3-4 years.
Can you dry fresh basil?
Dry fresh basil in the oven.
Oven-drying is an easy way to dry fresh basil. For the best results, let the basil leaves air-dry for a few days before you try drying them in the oven. Then preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, or around 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I freeze fresh basil?
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 you put basil in the oven?
Yes, you can! It’s actually fairly easy to dry basil leaves in the oven. You start by leaving your fresh basil leaves to dry at room temperature for a few days. After this time, preheat your oven to 170ºF (or the lowest temperature possible), then lay your basil leaves out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Can I preserve basil in olive oil? Preserved in oil-
Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 1 cup of basil. Freeze the pureed basil in an ice cube tray, after frozen remove cubes and then store in a large resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container.
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 |
Aug 26, 2019
Can I freeze fresh basil 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.
What is dried basil used for?
Dried Basil is exceptional when added to tomato sauces, cold pasta salads, grilled fish, salad dressings, and roasted chicken. This product is also commonly found in marinades, stews, soups, and pesto. No preparation is necessary, just add to dish/recipe as desired.
How do you dry basil leaves naturally?
Place a towel on a microwave-plate, then places the leaves on the towel single file, and then another towel on top. Microwave in 3×30 second bursts. The basil leaves should shrivel. It’ll continue to dry out even at room temperature thereafter.
Can I freeze basil leaves whole?
Freeze leaves whole.
You don’t want to cook them. Blanching helps retain basil’s nice green color. Use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove them and place in the cold water for several seconds to cool down and stop the cooking. Remove the leaves from the cold water bath and dry well on paper towel.
How long will basil keep in olive oil?
Other Useful Tips for How to Store Basil
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 do you do with basil at the end of the season?
Final Harvest: At the end of the season (before the first frost), cut the stems to the ground and pick off all the leaves. Add the stems to the compost pile, and bring the leaves indoors for an afternoon of cooking and preserving.
Can u freeze 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.
Can you freeze basil leaves without blanching? My favorite way to freeze basil leaves, is to just put them in a freezer bag and toss it in the freezer. No blanching, no blending, no chopping, and no oiling.
