How to preserve fresh basil?
This is one of my favorite ways to preserve basil or any other fresh herbs. To store fresh basil in an ice cube, cut basil leaves in the food processor and drizzle in enough olive oil to form a paste. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray, freeze, and store the delicious flavor cubes in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
What can I do with fresh basil?
15 Ways to Use up Fresh Basil. 1 Orzo with Parmesan and Basil. View Recipe. This easy side dish only takes 30 minutes to make. Renee Ridgeway says, "It's such an easy recipe to ... 2 Easy Pesto. 3 Spinach Basil Pesto. 4 Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. 5 Basil Shrimp. More items
Do you cut back Basil after it blooms?
Basil Plant Flowering. If, however, your intent when cultivating basil is for a big batch of pesto, you’ll want to pinch back the herb to encourage leaf growth. Pinch off the flower buds as soon as they emerge. Basil will usually need to be pruned every two to three weeks and it’s okay to go at it.
How do you get rid of Basil smell?
Lastly, fertilize your basil sparingly, as it will actually decrease the fragrant essential oils, and harvest the leaves in the early morning when they are at their peak. Don’t overreact if the plant blossoms– just pinch back the blooms or, better yet, cut back half the foliage.
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What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.
What can I do with a lot of fresh basil?
How to Use BasilTop 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! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Can you freeze fresh basil for later use?
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.
How do you preserve fresh basil for later use?
Directions:Remove fresh basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely.Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil. ... 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.
Can you freeze basil leaves whole?
Once your leaves are dry, you've got two options. You can freeze the leaves whole (the quickest and cheapest option), or you can freeze sliced basil in olive oil.
Is basil better cooked or raw?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.
Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?
Is your garden overflowing with 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.
How long will basil keep 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 do you freeze basil without turning it black?
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....TipsBasil tends to turn black when it's frozen. ... Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.More items...•
How do you dry basil naturally?
Yes, you can air-dry basil! The best way to do this is to wash the basil leaves, dry them with a towel, and then tie them up using their stems. Then, hang them in a cool, dry place (ideally high in your kitchen). It'll take 4 to 5 weeks to fully air-dry though!
Should I refrigerate basil?
To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and place them in a glass or jar of water, just like cut flowers. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter. Although certain herbs, such as parsley and cilantro or coriander, can be stored this way in the fridge, basil does better at room temperature.
How do you dry fresh basil leaves?
Place the basil in a food dehydrator. If not, put it on the lowest setting, which should be about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This method will take about 12–24 hours depending on the moisture content in the basil. Dehydrate the basil until the leaves become crisp and crumble easily.
Can you dehydrate basil?
Place the basil in a food dehydrator. If not, put it on the lowest setting, which should be about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This method will take about 12–24 hours depending on the moisture content in the basil. Dehydrate the basil until the leaves become crisp and crumble easily.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
Can you dry basil?
Yes, you can air-dry basil! The best way to do this is to wash the basil leaves, dry them with a towel, and then tie them up using their stems. Then, hang them in a cool, dry place (ideally high in your kitchen). It'll take 4 to 5 weeks to fully air-dry though!
How do you dry basil in the oven?
InstructionsWash the entire basil plant well by running under cool water. ... Preheat oven to the lowest setting (usually 170-180 degrees F).Remove basil leaves from the stem. ... Bake for 1 hour or longer (up to 4 hours) – until the basil is crispy and dry. ... Remove the leaves from the oven.More items...•
How to store fresh basil leaves?
Dry the leaves completely and store them in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. 2.Make Basil Cubes Chop fresh basil leaves in the food processor and drizzle in enough olive oil to form a paste.
How to preserve basil leaves in soup?
This is one of my favorite ways to preserve basil or any other fresh herbs. Cut basil leaves in the food processor and drizzle in enough olive oil to form a paste. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray, freeze, and store the delicious flavor cubes in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
How to use up basil leaves for salad dressing?
If you want the perfect start to a homemade salad dressing and you have a few leftover basil leaves to use up, try infusing a bottle of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with fresh basil. Place 3-4 basil springs into a bottle of vinegar and let it sit at room temperature for about two weeks, gently shaking the bottle every couple of days.
How long do you boil basil leaves for tomato sauce?
These leaves are perfect in tomato sauce. Remove basil leaves from the stem and toss them in a pot with boiling water for 3-5 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer the leaves to a bowl of ice cold water.
How long to bake basil leaves?
Set your oven to the lowest temperature and place the basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the leaves for 2-4 hours until they're completely dried out and crumbly.
How to grow basil in summer?
You'll see new growth starting to emerge in the crevice between the leaves and stem. Cut the stem just above that joint. The new growth will develop into two new stems giving you plenty of basil to enjoy all summer long.
How to store a sage leaf?
Crumble the leaves with your hands and store in an airtight container or mason jars.
How to dry basil?
You never know how long store-bought dried basil has been sitting on the shelf, so drying your own is going to be the fresher (and cheaper) option. Here's how: 1 Wash and thoroughly dry the basil. Remove the stems. 2 Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for two to four hours, or until dry and crumbly. 3 Allow the basil to cool completely, crumble, and store in an airtight container for up to a year .
How to dry basil for freshness?
Here's how: Wash and thoroughly dry the basil. Remove the stems. Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature.
How to make a basil bouquet?
Place basil in a jar filled with a few inches of water. Loosely cover the tops of the basil with a plastic bag (unfortunately, your basil bouquet won't make a beautiful centerpiece). A thin, produce bag works great for this. Leave the basil bouquet out at room temperature , replacing the water every few days.
How to cover basil with plastic?
Loosely cover the tops of the basil with a plastic bag (unfortunately, your basil bouquet won't make a beautiful centerpiece). A thin, produce bag works great for this.
How long can you keep basil leaves in a plastic bag?
Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks . Fresh basil on paper. Credit: Carson Downing/Meredith.
How to store basil in the fridge?
If you prefer to keep your basil stored in the fridge like salad greens, this method protects it from the harsh elements. Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems.
How long to cook basil in oven?
Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for two to four hours, or until dry and crumbly. Allow the basil to cool completely, crumble, and store in an airtight container for up to a year .
3 Easy Ways (And 20 Recipes) To Use Up Basil
The signature taste of fresh basil can be used in both food and drink. It can even help spice up some of your condiments. Here are my suggestions for the dishes you can recreate when having a basket full of leftover basil.
Clever Non-culinary Ways To Use Leftover Basil Leaves
The greatness of basil extends beyond its incredible flavor and alluring aroma; basil is also packed with nutrition and vitamins (2).
The Ultimate Guide On Freezing Basil
Now that I have covered a decent amount of recipes for fresh basil, it is only natural that I show you the proper storage methods for basil. However, after trying out the recipes above, I doubt you will have any left.
Bonus Tips: How To Grow Your Leftover Basil Into Fresh Basil
If you know for sure that you can’t eat all your basil despite how delicious it is, it is time you grew it into a new plant. This method works best on basil with 4-6 inches long stems.
FAQs
If you still have concerns, take a look at the commonly asked questions below to see if you can find the answers you’re looking for.
How to keep fresh basil fresh longer?
Dried basil is best kept in the pantry in an airtight container free from moisture, light and heat.
How long is Basil good for when prepared in a dish?
How long does basil last? That depends. How long does chicken last? In general, foods last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.
How to tell if Basil is bad, rotten or spoiled?
Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.
How to store Basil to extend its shelf life?
The best way to keep basil fresh is to cut off the tips of the stems and place them in a glass of water (about 1" deep) and cover the top of the glass loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water when it begins to get cloudy. The basil will keep fresh like this longer if left on the shelf than in the refrigerator where it will quickly turn black.
Why does dried basil turn brown?
Dried basil that is going bad will change color from dark green to brown as it looses its natural oils with age.
What is basil used for?
Many people keep a basil plant in the kitchen, it adds a little greenery and you can pick from it anytime you desire a little basil in your dish. The shelf life of basil depends on a variety of factors, ...
Where does basil come from?
Although basil is most often associated with the Mediterranean or Italy, the herb actually originated in Asia– Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of India– where it is often grown as a perennial. It is because of this broad connection that basil can be found in almost every cuisine on the planet.
What is the name of the basil plant?
Among the vast varieties of basil, Ocimum basilicum, or sweet basil, is the most commonly grown. Ocimum is derived from the Greek meaning “to be fragrant” and thus, is evocative of this plant’s delicious foliage.
What family is basil in?
If your basil plant has flowered, the question of what to do depends on what you are growing the herb for. Basil is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, with over 40 known varieties.
Can you pinch basil to make tea?
If, however, your intent when cultivating basil is for a big batch of pesto, you’ll want to pinch back the herb to encourage leaf growth . Pinch off the flower buds as soon as they emerge.
Can you put basil flowers in a vase?
Or, you can also sprinkle them on a salad or over pasta to enliven the dish because, yes, basil flowers are edible. They also make great tea! You can expect the blooms to taste similar to the leaves, but with a milder flavor.
Is it bad to leave basil flowers on?
So, if your basil plant has flowered, is this a good thing or a bad thing? If you are cultivating basil strictly for its leaves, it is best to remove the flowers. Pinching basil blooms back will allow all of the plant’s energy to stay focused on foliage production, creating a bushier plant with more leaves and maintaining higher levels of essential oils in the leaves. Leaving the flowers on basil plants tends to engender a straggly looking specimen with fewer leaves to harvest.
