http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=videojugfoodanddrinkCheck Out Our … Some are quicker to slip away than others. https://www.bhg.com/.../food-storage-safety/how-to-store-fresh-basil Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Now, you may be wondering if putting it in the fridge will prolong its life. Buying potted basil isn't just for green thumbs. Step 3: Then move your basil bunch to a small corner of your counter, changing the water every few days. Just boil basil leaves for … Basil freezes very well, and it doesn’t take much prep time either. For years I stored basil in the refrigerator. However, when you preserve it, you can keep it for much longer. You’re welcome! The easiest way to store basil for the long term is to freeze it. How to Store Fresh Basil In Your Kitchen for 3 Weeks. Depending on the season, you can find it in the produce department alongside the packaged stuff in most major grocery stores. Step 2: Place the basil in a cup with a few inches of water and a plastic bag loosely covering it. Learn about all the ways you can dry herbs from your garden here. The countertop is the best way to store basil if you plan on using it in a meal within a week. Dry it. Once frozen, they become very brittle, and you can crush them up really easily right in the baggie if you want. In this case, the frozen basil can last as long as you might ever need (often you might forget … Your email address will not be published. Before you throw it in the freezer, blanch it first. Learn more about how to freeze herbs from your garden here. Nope! Stressed out? As one of the most commonly used herbs for cooking, basil not only can bring your food a delightful smell with a fresh taste, but also can add loads of nutrients to your meal, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, iron, and calcium. You can … But whatever you do, do NOT wash it before storing fresh. Read More... Have a basil plant in the house and it is growing really tall. Hopefully you will try one (or all) of these easy ways to freeze basil. The best method for storing fresh basil is by far to put them in a glass of water. It will last this way for a year or more. #1 The Very Best Method Hand's down the best way to store basil in to put the bunch in a glass or jar filled with water, just like flowers. Iâm a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! Trust me, you’ll want to savor that amazing flavor, because there’s nothing else like it. Screw on the lid of the jar, which helps to keep the basil fresh. I’m afraid that your basil leaves probably won’t last that long without refrigeration after harvesting them. Basil does not store very well for the short term. I would love to pick some in the morning, travel (via air) across the country, then put it in a refrigerator until we’re ready to make some pesto at our destination. Kinda silly question, just harvested my basil leaves, is it necessary I wash them before I freeze them in plastic ziplock bags. To repot grocery store basil, select small containers and fill … Related: 6 Foolproof Herbs for Gardening Newbies. We show you how to store basil four ways. By taking time to store basil in the fall, you can enjoy the fresh basil flavors throughout the year. Nothing compares to some fresh basil, sprinkled over freshly cooked food; its minty spicy aroma is perfect to flavor daily dishes. When properly stored, fresh basil can last up to 10 days. Blanching sounds fancy, but it just means dipping your basil in boiling water briefly, then moving it to ice water to stop the cooking process. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Both work well, but I actually prefer the quart container method : It has the advantage of containing your bunch, which seems to stymy droopage … You can also subscribe without commenting. I personally store most of my basil in a mason jar that I seal with my Foodsaver. Store your basil like a flower bouquet—uncovered! Basil leaves can also be dehydrated by very shor times in microwave. Put the whole in in a refrigerator. Store the leaves just like you would your salad greens. Plus, it keeps my spice rack full! Dry Basil in the Microwave. You can use a dehydrator, warm oven, microwave, or lay them out on an herb drying rack. A great way to preserve dried basil for longer is to store most of it in a container that doesn’t get opened very often and use a small glass spice jar for cooking that gets refilled when empty. Learn how to store basil in winter season. Pesto stores just as well as the leaves do, and you can use the herb trays or a mini ice tray to keep pesto in perfect portions for cooking. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Let the basil cool, then crumble and store in a tightly sealed container. How to store basil in winter Usually, basil is used fresh and it’s added at the end of cooking, because the boiling or frying makes basil lose its … I have tranported them 9 hours. Then I picked up a few basil storage tips along the way from a gardening friend. Freeze Basil Leaves. Over the years I’ve experimented to find all the best methods to preserve basil for use later. Once they’re completely solid, pop them out of the trays, and store them in a freezer safe baggie. All you need to do is put the leaves into storage bags, and pop them into the freezer. For us, that's a resounding YES! Basil thrives as a … You don’t even have to chop them up first. Basil will grow in a planter or in your yard. The only trick here is to make sure the leaves are really, truly dry. By preserving basil, you can bring a bit of your summer garden into the coldest part of the year. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! Layer the stems and damp paper towels in a sealable container. Fresh basil doesn’t expire per-say, but it will start to rot or mold if you don’t preserve it. By removing the grocery store basil plant from the pot and gently easing the roots apart, growers are able to reap the rewards of several new basil plants, as well as improve the overall health of each plant. Related Post: How To Grow Basil From Seed: Complete Guide. For this technique, wash the basil gently and dry it as much as possible using a salad spinner or dabbing it with a towel. The Baggie in the Fridge Technique Another option to keep your basil looking and tasting fresh for 1 to 2 weeks is to store the online shop propecia canada leaves wrapped in paper towel tucked in a baggie in the fridge. Tell us your favorite way to store basil for long term use in the comments below. One of the most popular ways to preserve basil is to dry it. A basil plant is easy to care for and easy to find. Step 3. Storing Basil In Water. There are pros and cons to both methods, so it really comes down to personal choice. This will enable you to break off just what you need when you want to use some—but not all—of a bag of frozen herbs. If you have already washed it, make sure to completely dry the leaves as quickly as you can, or they will start turning brown. Just boil basil leaves for 30 seconds.... put in zip lock bag or Ice cube tray. But honestly, putting basil into the refrigerator is the worst way to store it. Make basil ice cubes. Change the water every few days, and snip off the bottom of the stems as they get slimy. When you want to use the basil for cooking, cut off a slice of the carton & re-store the remainder as it was. As a result, you will want to incorporate it closer to the end of the cooking time. They will wilt and likely turn brown before you get to your destination. First, remove the lower leaves, and use those up first. The Best Form of Self-Care for Your Zodiac Sign, According to an Astrologer. An herb keeper also works very well. Food Saver. Preserving basil in oil is also a great way to store it for later. If you know your bunch of basil isn't going to hang on much longer or you just want to preserve the sweet taste of summer, freezing is the way to go. if I take leaves off do I take the leaves from the top how do I stop it from growing up out of control. The Simplest Way to Store Basil. Basil is no exception. Avoid bunches that have damaged stems or wilting, discolored leaves. Don't have the room or enough sun to start your own indoor basil garden? They’ll soften and decay faster in the chilly confines of the icebox. Basil is a delicate herb that tends to wilt and spoil quickly if it's not stored properly. I LOVE CAPRIESE.! Your new favorite form of self-care could be written in the stars. One of the easiest ways to preserve basil is to freeze the basil leaves. It will last this way for a year or more. Related Post: How To Grow Basil: The Ultimate Guide. Place the basil stems inside the jar, cut side down. The best place for fresh basil is in the refrigerator, along with being the best way to keep vegetables fresh – at least most of them. You could also flash freeze individual leaves on a cookie sheet for 10-20 minutes before putting them into the baggie. Place the paper towel in a plastic bag and you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Lush basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants feature jewel-green foliage that provides an aromatic and flavorful fresh kitchen herb. 25 Sheet-Pan Dinners That Are Ready in 45 Minutes, © 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. There are several ways you can preserve basil for later use. I love this plant and I now grow it and collect it seeds to grow every spring. You also can store the basil at room … Thanks! Freezing Blanched Basil Leaves . And one more thing to note: Once dry, basil is more potent than it is when fresh. My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. If you want to keep basil in the fridge, make sure the leaves are completely dry before storing it. Do you know if this will work? Store Fresh Cut Basil – make it last in your kitchen for a couple of weeks. Fresh herbs of all kinds are fleeting. How To Store Fresh Basil Leaves In The Fridge, How To Preserve Herbs Fresh From The Garden: 9 Best Ways, Learn about all the ways you can dry herbs from your garden here, How To Grow Basil From Seed: Complete Guide, How To Preserve & Store Peppers Long Term, How To Dry Oregano At Home In 4 Different Ways, How To Dry Cayenne Peppers To Prepare For Storage, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. Strip the leaves from the stems and transfer to freezer bags and freeze. 3 Spread … Ultimately, the best way to keep any plant fresh is to keep it alive. You can freeze your leaves whole or chop them up and freeze them combined with a few teaspoons of water in ice cube trays (that's our preferred method). You can also tear the basil leaves and put them in an ice cube tray. This trick is also perfect if you buy fresh basil from the grocery store but don’t use the whole bunch all at once! You do have to watch closely, but it is so much quicker and retains the brightness mostly. Here's how to store basil to make it last: Related: Delicious Ways to Cook with Basil. But if you do want popsicles, you can use an herb freezer tray or mini ice cube trays to preserve them. Don't worry, you don't need a special diet to get your vaccine. Here’s a post about how to grow basil for more details. With a little TLC, your fresh basil can stay fresh longer than you thought. You don't need any fancy equipment to dry basil either. Store refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. They don’t have to be completely dry in order to freeze them. To know how to best store an herb, fist you have to determine if it’s tender or hard. Blanched. Even though well preserved basil doesn’t really go bad, it will start to lose its flavor over time. Treat the fresh basil stems like a flower bouquet, snipping the ends on an angle. Then, pour olive oil over them and freeze. Keep a pretty vase of them on the counter (or a pot growing on your patio) for all your summertime favorites. The frozen leaves are great to use in sauces. But it’s best to use stored basil within a few months, and replenish your stash with a new batch from your garden every year. I’m guessing it will be a maximum of 8 hours between harvest and refrigeration. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As you would with flowers, you will need to cut the ends off the basil before you place them in the glass. Leave it uncovered, and place it in a spot where it will get bright, indirect light, but keep it away from heat. Step 1: Take your cut basil out the packaging and trim the last inch or so off the stems. Then crush or grind them, and fill a spice jar for your pantry. Great, thanks for sharing your tip for drying basil leaves. This will help the basil breathe and you won’t crush the leaves. The best way to store basil for the short term is to put the stems into a vase of water, and keep it at room temperature. If you can’t find an answer to your question here, ask it in the comments below. Tender herbs have soft stems and leaves like, cilantro, parsley, and basil… Storing it this way will make a healthy bunch last just over a week. Not really, but you'll have plenty of fresh basil at the ready. (Don't tuck it in. But it still adds a nice flavor and aroma to your favorite dishes. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. (2A)—or tuck it into a quart, leaving the top propped open (2C). No worries about the basil leaves molding either, they definitely won’t mold when they’re frozen. Let the basil cool, then crumble and store in a tightly sealed container. Store: Loosely cover the top of your basil leaves with a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Quart Bag to help keep it fresh. In a short time the leaves would get black spots, wilt and get moldy fast. Thanks for the great article! I use my mini food processor to crush the leaves for my spice rack, but you could use an herb grinder instead. Instead of bringing it indoors here are some options for how you can preserve basil. Offers may be subject to change without notice. The best way to store basil for the short term is to put the stems into a vase of water, and keep it at room temperature. In this post, I will walk you through each method in detail. How to Store Basil. Pretty centerpiece? Keep Certain Herbs on the Countertop Basil and mint are too delicate for the fridge’s cold temps. So, it’s best to use it up within a few days. Don’t tuck the plastic bag underneath the bottom of the jar. Its sweet and floral fragrance cannot be beaten. If any of the leaves are touching the water, they will quickly turn black. Pack them loosely into a container, and place them into the fridge. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. ð. Blanching preserves the bright green color of the basil. With so many options, storing basil for winter use is well worth the effort. I prefer to use an ice cube tray for this, because I can measure out the exact amount I need in my favorite recipes. Tender vs. Hard. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. You can still keep fresh basil happy by treating it like you would a bunch of cut flowers, with one small exception: instead of admiring it in the center of your table, you'll be covering it with a plastic bag. Tip: spread the leaves thinly in the bags and store flat. Dry Basil in a Dehydrator. You should take some basil seeds with you or purchase basil seeds from your nearest store. Learn how to store fresh basil so it lasts as long as possible—and how to dry it and how to freeze it for long-term storage. If there is even a hint of moisture, it will get moldy in storage. But we talked to the CDC and doctors to learn more about drinking alcohol and if there were any foods it would be a good idea to eat or avoid before and after your shot. They are still fresh in the fridge! Required fields are marked *. Still have a few questions that need to be answered? And one more thing to note: Once dry, basil is more potent than it is when fresh. Related Post: How To Preserve Herbs Fresh From The Garden: 9 Best Ways. After you pat it dry, look at your basil. Alternatively, you can pick the basil leaves, lay them in a single file in a paper towel, and roll up the towel around them. Let it soak for a few minutes and swish it around. So, if you want to keep it for longer than a few days, put it on the counter in a vase of water. This technique can be applied to store-bought herbs or herbs picked from your garden. This will help the stems take in water. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag to maintain moisture levels and place the jar on your kitchen counter at room temperature for 7-10 days. 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. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Thanks! To choose healthy basil from the grocery store, look for bright green leaves without blemishes. Just spread out the basil leaves on a baking sheet and let them dry in the coolest setting of your oven (200 degrees or less) for 2 to 4 hours or until very dry and crumbly. Best Way to Store Basil on the Counter. There are plenty of easy ways to store basil for the short or long term that don’t require any fancy equipment or planning. 2 Rinse the leaves thoroughly. Simply put all your favorite ingredients into a food processor, and mix until smooth. DIY dried basil beats the pants off of the store-bought stuff that's been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long. The worst offender in the withering department is basil. How To Store Fresh Basil This will yield you fresh basil leaves for weeks on end so you won't have to rush through it. Produce bags are great for this as they are thin and light and won't easily crush the leaves. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our. I'm starting with the method of blanching and freezing fresh basil leaves because it is the … It just needs to be treated a little differently. Frozen. Do you know how long basil can be kept at room temperature after you harvest it? First, remove the lower leaves, and use those up first. No problem. Basil hates the cold more than every grandparent in Florida. If you prefer to keep your basil stored in the fridge like salad greens, this method protects it from the harsh elements. Your email address will not be published. Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. After you blanch the basil leaves, pat them dry with paper towels before they are frozen to minimize freezer burn and ice buildup. Freeze whole or hand-chopped basil leaves quickly by placing them in water in ice cube trays. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Ideally, you should treat basil in the same way that you would treat flowers. All Right Reserved. To keep them from sticking together in one big block, you can flash freeze them before putting them into the baggies. Freezing fresh basil leaves is a very effective method of preserving their taste and aroma. Like I said earlier, the dried leaves don’t retain their flavor as well as they do when you freeze them. With the right methods, you can keep that fresh flavor to enjoy all year long. Easy and simple way to preserve Thai basil to last longer. Then, pour olive oil over the top to cover the leaves, and put the trays into the freezer. Pat the blanched basil dry. If you aren’t going to eat up your basil within a couple of days, then you need to use one of the methods below for storing it long term. Good luck! I use my salad spinner to spin dry the leaves, then I store them in the fridge right in that. If any of the leaves are touching the water, they will quickly turn black. Just bring it home, find a sunny spot for it (indoors if the temperatures start to dip into the 40s) and keep it well watered. Toss the leaves with holes or any that look weird. I love the way it smells and I will be harvesting the first set of leaves this week. Then simply treat it like you would a flower bouquet. Related Post: How & When To Harvest Basil Leaves. I was going to break some off when frozen and then wash before I use it. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 8 If you're using a recipe that calls for fresh basil, but you're using dried instead, cut the amount back by a third. That way they won’t stick together at all. Yes, you can harvest the tops of your basil plants to keep them growing more compact, rather than getting taller. You could also make a batch of homemade basil pesto, and freeze that for later use in your recipes. If your basil plants need pruning, but your dinner plans don’t involve basil tonight, don’t worry; you can store fresh basil on your counters for a week or longer! Its moist and delicate leaves bruise and mold so easily that unless you plan on using it immediately, is it even worth the investment? Happy cooking! Have tons of leaves, afraid they might not dry totally maybe get mold. Just remember that anything in ice water needs to be well sealed to prevent freezer burn. Itâs the easiest thing to grow and you will have endless basil as well as seeds when it begins to grow itâs seed pods. Basil in plastic bag Store the basil in a plastic bag. One of basil’s characteristics is the fact that it does not withstand long cooking times as well as other herbs like thyme and oregano. Instead, you could try taking stem cuttings and putting them in water, like a flowers in a vase, and transporting them that way. We've all had the experience of reaching into the fridge only to find what was once a bountiful bunch of fresh herbs now wilted and dying. Basil is such a great crop in the summer, but you can also store it for the winter. Hang Basil to Dry. Frozen basil keeps its flavor better than dried. If you're using a recipe that calls for fresh basil, but you're using dried instead, cut … You can also basil blanch and freeze basil leaves for long. If you like cooking with dried basil, say goodbye to the jars in the spice aisle, because now is … If well preserved, it will last for a long time. You don’t need to wash basil leaves before you freeze them, but when they thaw they’ll be mushy, so it won’t be possible to wash them then. Enjoy your fresh basil harvest. Thank you Amy for explaining the ins and outs of doing this harvest! Again, it’s best to make sure your basil isn’t wet before preserving it this way (or you might end up with one giant popsicle). Make Basil Pesto. Now I want to share them with you. Cut your basil and wash it. It works great, and they will stay fresh for a few days. Clean the leaves and rub them with olive oil before putting them in a plastic bag and freezing. Fill a small glass jar with cold water and place the basil stems in the water like you would a flower bouquet. Just be sure to keep them out of the heat or sun while transporting them. I have a basil in a planter that I purchased at one of our Farmer’s Markets. Also, do not wrap them in plastic, because the condensation will cause them to turn brown, black, or get spots on them. The leaves will turn dark after they freeze, but they will still be flavorful. Simply chop up the leaves, and fill your trays. What Should You Eat Before and After Getting the COVID Vaccine? There are a couple of methods you can use to keep it fresh as long as possible. Wet leaves will turn brown very quickly. To store basil and keep it fresh, cut the stems and put them in a jar of clean water. Quickly Freezing Fresh Basil Clip the leaves from the stems. Here are a few common ones about storing basil. So, no matter which method you use to store it for the long term, it’s best to use it up within one year. The basil needs to breathe!) Here’s a post that may help… How To Freeze Herbs From The Garden. Here’s what you’ll find in this detailed guide for preserving and storing basil…. Without it, frozen basil turns an ugly brownish-black. I personally like to do both, so that I have some on hand whenever I need it. Subscribe! Storing basil is very easy, and a great way to utilize an overabundance from your garden! Moderate temperatures are the key to its well-being. If you’re tired of pressing on freezer bags hoping you’ll get enough air out, this method … One of the best ways to store it in order to facilitate easy addition to a dish is to make basil cubes. However, it takes up precious freezer space. Here's What the Experts Say. How To Restore Basil After It Starts Wilting.