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.

What is the best way to preserve 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.

How do 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.

Is frozen basil as good as fresh?

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.

How do you dry and store fresh basil?

It is best to store them in a cupboard or dark pantry where light cannot penetrate. The container for storage must be dry and air tight. Remove stems and flowers if they were dried with the leaves. Crumble the leaves into containers so they are ready to use in recipes.

How to Freeze Basil | The Best Method For Flavorful Basil

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.

How do you store basil long term?

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 do you do with an abundance 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!

What can I do with too much basil?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. 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. ...
2. Make cocktails. Know what else basil goes great with? ...
3. Use it in a rehydrating salad. ...
4. Save it. ...
5. Root it. ...
6. Try These Basil Recipes.

How do you dry basil leaves naturally?

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the basil leaves. Remove them from the stem. ...
2. Microwave on High for 45 seconds.
3. Remove the plate, spread out the leaves in a single layer. ...
4. Microwave again on high for one more 30 second interval. ...
5. Cool completely to allow to become perfectly crisp: the leaves will crisp more as they cool.

What's the best way to freeze fresh herbs?

Instructions

1. Rinse herbs and pat dry. Chop as desired.
2. Place herbs in an ice cube tray, silicone ones work best.
3. Fill each well with water, just enough to completely cover the herbs. ...
4. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze for 3-4 hours. ...
5. To use, place the cube in a small bowl and let the ice melt.

What do you do with basil at the end of the season?

You can try to keep basil through the winter. However, sweet basil is meant to live its life cycle within one year and thereafter go to seed. At the end of the season, though, you can try to keep it alive by moving potted basil indoors.

How long does homemade basil oil last?

How long does basil oil keep? It's best to use infused oil the same day, and can be stored in the refrigerator 2 to 3 days, although the color may change.

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 use frozen basil for pesto?

I'll cut to the chase instead of burying the lede here: In many cases, freezing fresh basil before incorporating it into pesto will produce tastier results.

What do you do with fresh basil from the garden?

10 Great Ways to Use Up Fresh Basil

1. Pesto.
2. Infused Oil.
3. Appetizers.
4. Vegetable Soups.
5. Salads.
6. Pizza.
7. Fish & Seafood Dishes.
8. Sides.

Can you eat black basil leaves?

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.

Does basil grow back every year?

Basil Plants Do Not Come Back Every Year

Then they're done as soon as the first frost arrives! The lifespan of a basil plant is less than one year in any climate that experiences frost. Annual garden herbs like basil die with the first frost, roots and all. It won't perk back up in spring after the winter freeze.

Is it better to freeze herbs in water or oil?

Finely Chop Your Herbs

If using the food processor, add 2 tablespoons of a neutral-tasting vegetable oil or olive oil—the oil will help preserve the flavor of the herbs as they freeze, and frozen oil melts faster than plain water, too.

How do you freeze basil and mint?

For long-term storage, tender herbs like mint, parsley and cilantro can be removed from their stems and frozen into ice cubes. Pack ice cube trays with chopped or whole leaf herbs, cover with water and pop into the freezer.

How do you freeze basil and parsley?

For the freezer bag method, place your big batch of finely chopped herbs in a freezer bag, adding 2 Tbsp. of oil if you haven't already added them in the food processor. Seal the bag almost the entire way and press the herbs into an even, flat layer, making sure to remove any excess air.

Why should you not refrigerate 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.

Why does basil turn black in the refrigerator?

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.

Do you need to wash basil before drying?

Dry basil by laying it out on a clean towel for an hour or more to remove surface moisture. It's very important to remove surface moisture from basil before you hang or bag it to dry. If you do not, you risk getting mold or brown water spots on your leaves – and you really don't want that!