Do you struggle to store your basil after picking it fresh from the store or your garden? This aromatic herb is a staple in many kitchens, but it can quickly wilt or spoil, spelling disaster for your dinner plans. Luckily, there are several tips and tricks for prolonging basil’s freshness. Read on to learn how to store fresh basil along with tips for making it last longer.
Materials Needed:
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Before you get started, you’ll need some tools first, including:
- Scissors
- Cup or jar
- Plastic bag
- Paper towel or dish towel
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
In Water at Room Temperature
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One of the best ways to store fresh basil is in water at room temperature. If the basil is fresh-harvested from your garden, you can simply place the stems in a cup or jar with 1 to 2 inches of water. For store-bought basil, be sure to trim the stems with scissors first. This allows the plant to drink the water efficiently.
The best location for your basil is on a countertop away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as ovens and heating units. Basil is sensitive to both extreme heat and cold which can cause it to wilt. Be careful to keep the water line below the basil leaves, so your basil stays as fresh as possible. In addition, for optimal freshness, it’s important to change the water every few days.
Optionally, you can also cover your basil with a plastic bag. This will help to increase the humidity which can be beneficial for retaining moisture. However, if you notice condensation building up on the bag, you can either poke holes in the bag or remove it as too much moisture can cause the basil to turn slimy.
When stored properly, fresh basil should stay good for about a week.
Wrapped in Paper Towel in the Fridge
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While the best method to store fresh basil is at room temperature, you can store basil in the refrigerator. This is a great option for basil removed from the stem. Wrap the basil in a paper towel or a small dish towel and place it in a plastic bag in the fridge. The towel will make sure the basil doesn’t dry out, absorb excess moisture, and help prevent the basil from spoiling. Freshness length will vary, but it’s best to use refrigerated basil within a few days.
Preserving Basil
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When you can’t use up all your basil before it expires, preserving it is an excellent way to keep that fresh basil flavor. Remove the basil leaves from the stem, and wash and dry them. Then, mince the basil with either a knife or a food processor. There are then a variety of ways you can preserve the basil, including using oil, butter, and salt.
In Oil
In a food processor or blender, puree your basil with oil at a ratio of 1 cup of basil for every 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour into ice cubes and once frozen, store in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen, for an easy and quick basil cube that you can pop right in a hot frying pan. For the best flavor, try to use the cubes within six months.
In Butter
In a bowl, mix your basil with butter at a ratio of 4 tablespoons of basil for every 1 cup of butter. Form into your preferred shape and wrap with parchment paper. Basil butter stores well in the refrigerator for up to two months and in the freezer for up to six months. This spread is fantastic on bread, pasta, or fish. The options are endless!
In Salt
In a food processor or using a mortar and pestle, grind your basil with salt at a ratio of 2 tablespoons of basil for every 1 tablespoon of salt. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to six months. Add this herb mixture to any dish that calls for basil, just be sure to adjust the salt levels accordingly.
Freezing Basil
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Another option is freezing your fresh basil. Blanch the leaves first, by putting them in boiling water for a few seconds before removing and placing in an ice bath. Dry the leaves out and then lay them on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe and air-tight container. You can also skip the blanching step, but the basil may lose its green color. For optimal freshness, frozen basil is best used within six months.
Drying Basil
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As a last resort to use up your basil harvest, you can dry basil. During this process, you may lose some of the flavor, but dried basil can store for up to three years. There are many ways to dry basil, including hanging it upside down, setting it in a dehydrator, and even throwing it in the microwave or oven on low heat.
However you decide to dry your basil, crumble it once dry, and leave it out for a few additional days on a piece of paper before storing. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Basil-ific!
Basil is best enjoyed fresh and can quickly spoil when not stored properly. Luckily, storing basil is easy and there are also a variety of ways you can preserve basil while keeping that fresh flavor. From placing your basil stems in water to whipping up a fancy basil pesto, the options are only limited by your imagination and your basil supply. So, the next time you harvest a large crop of basil or pick up a bunch from the store, keep these tips and tricks in mind, and you’ll be enjoying fresh basil for months to come.
How do you prefer to store your basil? Share your thoughts in the comments!