How To Store Basil

Remove the leafy stems from basil and wrap them in paper towels. Place the wrapped leaves inside plastic bags and seal. Store for about one week. Then, wash and drain the fresh herbs and discard the excess water. Use the same method to remove any remaining leaves. Discard the extra water and use the remaining water to prepare the pesto. If you want to make the sauce thicker, add a little olive oil to thin it out. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with pasta or rice. This is a great way to use fresh basil. You can also use it in pestos, sauces, or soufflés.

Should fresh basil leaves be refrigerated?

Store basil jar at room temperature Leave the uncovered jar on top of your refrigerator. Don’t store it in direct sunlight as this will cause the basil to turn brown. Also, keep the jar out of direct heat as it can get very hot. When opening the lid, make sure to wipe off any excess moisture. If you are using fresh basil, you should only add a little water to start with. Once the water is absorbed, add more until the desired consistency is reached.

Is it better to dry or freeze basil?

You can make it easier to dry basil by washing it in cool water before drying. A salad spinner works best for drying basil. You might want to try this method instead of freezing it. If you don‘t mind the taste, you might even consider freezing basil to preserve it longer. Frozen basil is easy to slice and store. Just place the basil inside a freezer bag and seal it tightly. Freeze basil for up to six months.

Why do you not refrigerate basil?

Of course not, since it will turn dark green. This is because the basil leaves are not fully dried out, which makes them less susceptible to browning. You can also dry the fresh leaves before using them.

Why should you not refrigerate basil?

Refrigerate basil (or any other herb) in freshness, keeping it away from odors. This will make the plant last longer and absorb the smells better. You can also put it in jars filled with water and seal it tightly. When you open the jar, you will smell the aroma of basil. Keep this in mind when you are buying basil plants. They should be kept in bright light and well watered. For best results, place the basil in pots or containers with drainage holes. Place the pots in warm rooms, such as sunny windows.

What happens if you put basil in the fridge?

Some people keep their herbs in refrigerators, which can cause the plant to turn black, while others store them in their kitchen cabinets. For the best results, store your basil at least two weeks before using it. You can also try using the herbs directly in your recipes instead of storing them separately. If you do decide to store the basil, however, make sure to remove any leaves that are browning too quickly. This can happen if the leaf is overripe and needs to be removed. Also, don‘t store basil under high heat, since it will go dark. Instead, place the plants in cool areas such as the garage or basement. Lastly, always wash your hands after handling the flowers. They contain oils that can burn your skin. Always wear gloves when handling basil.

Can basil be frozen whole?

Freeze any leafy green vegetable such as basil, parsley, or cilantro right out of its stem. Simply place the leaf in freezer bags and freeze until ready to serve. This will keep the plant fresher longer and make it easier to chop and add to salads. For a more complete recipe, see “Basil Leaf Salad”. 2. Boil the water. Add the basil leaves to boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the stems and discard. 3. Rinse the bowl. Pour the boiling liquid over the chopped basil and stir well.

Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?

To freeze herbs, put them in water, add a bit of salt, cover and let them sit for about 2 hours. Then, remove the water and add fresh cold water. Let them stand for 1 hour, drain, rinse, dry and store in air tight containers. You can make this recipe using fresh basil only, too. Or you could freeze whole leaves and use them as garnish for your meals. This is a great way to use up what little basil you have. For more information on freezing basil see our article on how to freeze fresh herbs. Also, see the article How to Freeze Basil. As for how much basil to buy, we recommend buying a large bunch of basil (about 3 bunches) and freezing them individually in ice cube trays.

How do you freeze basil without turning it black?

Chop and FreezeAdd enough olive oils to coat all the chopped basil leaves; do not soak the herbs. This will prevent the herb from becoming black when frozen. Scrape the frozen basil out of its ice cubes and transfer to storage bags. Use as desired. Note: This recipe is for fresh basil, which is usually available in grocery stores. If you are using dried basil (which is often available at specialty stores), you will need to soak it for about 2 hours before using. You can also use dried oregano instead of basil. To make dried thyme, soak 1 cup dried rosemary leaves in 1/2 cup olive water for 3 hours. Drain and chop. Add to frozen cubes.

How long does basil last in the fridge?

It depends upon how well you wrap them in olive oils. They will stay bright green for up two days if wrapped tightly in paper towels. But if left uncovered, their color will fade over time. You can also place them directly in water to keep them fresh longer. And if stored in airtight containers, basil will keep for about three weeks. However, if kept in direct sunlight, this plant will go yellow within a few days. So make sure you don‘t store basil in any light source. Also, remember that basil is a herb, so it should be used only in moderation.

Is it OK to use wilted basil?

I would NOT recommend drinking basil which has become brownish black, even if there are a couple of spots, because it tastes bitter. If you do, throw it out – this is a great way to get rid of it. And, if possible, use some storage techniques discussed below. Also, try using fresh basil leaves instead of dried ones. They taste better. (All of this applies to basil grown in your area.) In the United States, basil is grown primarily in California and Florida.