To store basil and keep it fresh, cut the stems and put them in a jar of clean water. But how to store basil to keep it fresh for longer than a day or two? How do I keep basil from turning black after I chop it? In this case, start a second stack for another freezer bag. Tie the string around the top of the bunches. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For instance, grab a few of the prettiest leaves to make your guests a range of delicious basil cocktails! By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Illustration: Elnora Turner. #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. The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. 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. Alternatively, you can simply lay clean, dry basil leaves on a baking sheet, freeze them until frozen (about an hour will do it), and transfer them to resealable plastic bags. Thin plastic bags, like those found in the produce section of the grocery store, are ideal for this task. It looks pretty and livens up your kitchen if you keep it on the counter. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. No one could argue against argue that point. 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. The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Cut basil turns black quickly. Freezing fresh basil leaves is a very effective method of preserving their taste and aroma. Blanching helps “lock in” the vibrant color of the basil leaves, while the ice bath stops the cooking process before it wilts the leaves. Use within a week or so. Especially if blanched, frozen basil leaves should be vibrant and flavorful enough to use in cooked recipes or even fresh. Lots of good, "Informative! Place the jar on your kitchen counter (bonus: this will make the room smell amazing). The leaves will turn dark after they freeze, but they will still be flavorful. I have a bunch of basil leaves that I want to share with friends what is the best way to keep them until I'm able to get them to other people. 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. First, remove the lower leaves, and use those up first. When you’re ready to use the basil, simply open the bag, pull out the number of leaves you need, squeeze out the air, and close the bag again. This simple hack prevents that from happening. See more ideas about basil, preserving basil, storing fresh basil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I just bought a bunch of beautiful Basil and want to keep it as long as possible. Is it a bit of a pain? The fresh basil may continue to grow roots that you can transplant outdoors or grow indoors in a pot. "I like the puree method. I freeze it in an ice cube tray and when solid, "Loved this presentation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. ", "Great options presented in a very easy way to understand. If you water your plant more, and you will get less flowers and more leaf. Fill a small vase or tall jar about halfway with water. Fresh basil should not be refrigerated, but kept in a cool place, preferably with stems in fresh water, out of the sunlight. Make a loop with the string at the top so you can hang it up. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Don’t use distilled water, as it lacks beneficial minerals that may help preserve the basil longer. Once you bother blanching the basil, though, it's worth making the purée and freezing it that way, since it retains so much more flavor with that method. direct sunlight. 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. You can also basil blanch and freeze basil leaves for long. Place the basil leaves into boiling water for a few seconds (up to 10), then remove and immediately place into a bowl of ice cold water. Basil is an ingredient found in so many of our favorite foods, and knowing how to keep basil fresh allows us to enjoy this sweet, earthy herb in various ways. There are several ways to do it effectively. Blanching and freezing the leaves can preserve the fresh flavor for several months. This article has been viewed 623,052 times. Subscribe! Alternatively, grow your own basil from seeds either. By using our site, you agree to our. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. The basil will likely last longer if you transfer it to a larger pot, but it may also grow larger than you’d prefer, especially if you have space limitations. ", "I wasn't quite sure about the freezer method, so it reinforced what I thought I had heard. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The second best way to store basil is to store it like salad greens: pick the leaves off the stems and lay them in more or less a single layer on layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, roll up the towel around the leaves, and put the roll in a plastic bag. There's nothing like fresh basil leaves, but dried basil has a lot of use in the … You are one of the few who do just that! If you want to store fresh basil for longer, start by When you're ready to use your basil, Can I remove the soil and put the basil and roots in a glass container? It’s very simple, do the following: Remove stems from the leaves wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. See more ideas about Recipes, Food, Storing fresh basil. Just be sure to keep the soil moist until the roots are established. If you are only looking to store your fresh basil for a couple of days, Than these are 2 methods you can use. Never added olive oil, but will try it. Trim the bottom of the basil stems and place in a jar or glass filled with water. There is no need to dispose of unused fresh basil, nor do you need to freeze it or dry it. [1] X Research source Don’t use distilled water, as it lacks beneficial minerals that may help preserve the basil longer. There are lots of tips for storing fresh basil—and I’ve tried most of them, with little repeated or sustained success. Step 4 Store the basil for longer than two days by covering the jar with a plastic bag. Put the whole in in a refrigerator. I bought a potted fresh basil still in soil. Ultimately, the best way to keep any plant fresh is to keep it alive. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to store fresh herbs, like thyme, cilantro, mint and basil, so they last long, where to store them, and how to store fresh herbs in the freezer to use for cooking. You’ll bruise the leaves. Sign Up. Put fresh basil leaves into a colander that fits into the pot (it’s important to have the basil in something so you can quickly remove it all at once). Basil, especially sweet basil or Genoa basil so popular in Italian dishes and used in pesto, is notoriously tricky to keep fresh. Basil loves and thrives with a constant moist soil, and 6-8 hours of direct sun. In this case, go straight from rinsing the fresh leaves to drying them with paper towels. The leaves will start to wilt after around 5-8 days, but they still may be usable in a cooked item like, This method is basically the same as one used for. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Takes up a lot of fridge space? Thank you for showing all the ways, "Exactly what I wanted to know about storing fresh basil, plus a lot more! A clean flower vase or any tall, wide-mouth jar will do. Sure. Luckily, there is a second-best-but-still-completely-serviceable choice. % of people told us that this article helped them. Whether you’ve just harvested homegrown basil or bought a bunch of basil at the supermarket, you have several fresh storage options. glass of water so the stems are submerged and set it somewhere away from Also pluck off any leaves that are low on the stems and will be submerged in the water. References To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and place them in a glass or jar of water, just like cut flowers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Dip the colander with leaves into the boiling water for just 3-5 seconds. The very best way to store fresh basil is to treat it like a bouquet of cut flowers. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The fresher the basil you buy, of course, the longer it will keep in any case. It’s very convenient to have the basil plant on your kitchen windowsill, but it’s more important to find a sunny spot. http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=videojugfoodanddrinkCheck Out Our … To keep basil perky for more than a few meals, trim the stems as you would flowers to remove dried-up ends, then stick the bunch in a tall glass of water. A better way to prolong the life of your rooted basil is to plant it in the garden or a pot outdoors. It turns black and wilts at an astonishingly quick rate. This is a good idea for many other herbs, but basil leaves keep better in water on the counter than in the fridge. You could mix it with the oil and refrigerate it and use it for cooking the next day, or freeze it in the oil to use as needed. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. This one is probably the most common method of keeping your basil fresh for a few days. Apparently, a paper cup could do the trick too (see photos). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Rosemary – 3 weeks Oregano – 2 weeks Thyme – 2 weeks Sage – 2 weeks Savory – 2 weeks Chives – 1 week. What's the best way to keep basil overnight? Aug 30, 2018 - Storing Fresh Basil. Cut the ends of the stems to allow the basil … This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Remember to rinse the leaves under clean, cool water before using them in recipes. … Remove from ice bath and pat dry for use. Or, invest in a salad spinner that you can use to dry basil leaves—among many. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Using a kitchen scissor, snip 1/2 inch off the stems. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If any of the leaves are touching the water, they will quickly turn black. To store fresh basil that you plan on cooking with soon, just rest it in a By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. . Adding fresh herbs and spices to a dish is an easy way to bump up flavor and freshness. ", "Finally answered how to prevent leaves from browning.". Is this right? Blanching the basil keeps it green after picking or slicing. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you go above about 4-5 layers of basil leaves, you may not be able to slide the stack into a freezer bag. You’ll likely figure out the proper watering frequency within a week. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The refrigerator method. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Loosely cover the basil … Tested. It’s tough to keep store-bought herbs such as cilantro, basil and parsley, in tip-top shape, even in the best of times. Last Updated: November 17, 2020 All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If you want to put the roots in water, remove any leaves that might otherwise be under water. ", and want to save it for the winter months. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. :P Add some water in. Tweet. to make that possible. just take it out of the freezer and add it to your recipe! Want More? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Admittedly, that method requires a touch of work. © The Spruce, 2018, The Easiest Way to Harvest and Preserve Fresh Grape Leaves, How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Longer. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Many thanks! Get Our Best Recipes, Life Hacks, DIY Ideas & More… Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Remove and discard leaves that have wilted or developed brown or black spots. Email. Wrapping the leaves in paper towels helps to regulate the moisture content and keep the basil from getting either too dry or too moist. Did not know a thing about freezing or, "I have a lot of really nice basil I have grown, and needed some ideas on how to use and store it. Then, pour olive oil over them and freeze. prevent them from sticking together. I have heard never to refrigerate basil but watching a show on the Cooking Channel, the chef went to her fridge to get her basil. Or, just keep a small pot of basil on the windowsill so you can go straight from harvesting it to using it! 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. Inside a Paper Towel. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Fresh basil is my all-time favorite green herb for snipping into spring and summer dishes. Use this only as a short-term prep and storage option—for instance, if you bought fresh basil at the store in the morning to put on top of your, This method of blanching and then freezing the basil is a good option when you have far more fresh basil than you can use within a few days—for example, if an early fall frost is about to hit and you still have plenty of basil in your. How to Store Fresh Basil in Olive Oil. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Then, dry the leaves completely The chef probably just had it in there for convenience, but it does send the wrong message! Dry Basil Leaves. Once there are as many dark spots as green areas, discard the leaves. This article gave simple instructions on how to handle and extend the life of basil. I had a very nice crop this year. For this technique, wash the basil gently and dry it as much as possible using a … pulling all of the leaves off the stems. We've established that the very best method isn't always as practical as one might like. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For the greenest, freshest seeming basil: quickly blanch the basil in boiling salt water for 15 seconds, drain it, and dunk it into ice water to cool it quickly (this sets the green color; see How to Blanch for details), and then whirl it in a blender with just a bit of olive oil. Tap water should work just fine, but some herb lovers contend that bottled water yields better results. Buy It in a Pot Make sure you tie them very tight because the basil will shrink as it dries. Don’t put the vase in the refrigerator or anywhere else that gets below 50 °F (10 °C). That’s all you need to know to keep those herbs fresh. Make sure ice is abundant and put more ice in if melted. Hard Herbs. For step-by-step photo details, see How to Store Greens. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Freeze whole or hand-chopped basil leaves quickly by placing them in water in ice cube trays. Have you ever had fresh basil wilt or turn black on you? Keep your basil fresh for weeks with this super simple tip! After about 3-6 months, the leaves will start to develop brown or black spots. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. To keep it green, you'll need to blanch it, squeeze it dry, then lay it flat to freeze. Long-term refrigerator storage isn’t an option for basil, so stick it in a spot where you can access it easily. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Transfer the finished cubes to … Basil kept that way will stay vibrant and green for up to a week. Basil frozen this way will turn dark, almost black, but retain plenty of basil flavor. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. We show you how to store basil four ways. Don’t roll the paper towel strip tightly or press down on it as you go. Fair point. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. ", "Easily written and right to the point! I was given a basil plant, and it now has grown. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Don't place the basil in hot sunlight, as the basil will deteriorate quickly. An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients. Here’s what I did to keep this big bunch of fresh basil on my kitchen counter for 3 weeks. Use it as a dried herb. Support wikiHow by Store it in a vase like fresh cut flowers. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Not super-duper convenient? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Basil – 2 weeks . ", surprise about storing in water out of the sun. The best way for basil to retain freshness in the refrigerator is to wrap it in moist paper towels and place it in a plastic container. Share. Change the water daily or every other day to keep the basil fresh. 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. Freeze it! I love the sweet, peppery taste of garden fresh basil! Want to keep basil around for more than a few days? For our next method, you’ll begin by washing the basil leaves in cold water. There are methods, however, of keeping the leaves fresh once the stems have been picked. I am 85 and still learning how to prepare good food. There you have it! How to Keep Basil Fresh in Your Kitchen Year Round Many people don’t have time to garden, so having fresh basil (and parsley) on hand is a luxury. You can put it in water like a bouquet of flowers, or store the leaves in the fridge like lettuce for a very short time. How Long Can Food Be Frozen and Stored in Freezer? Place the jar on a kitchen counter or another location in normal room temperatures. By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from the “Rachael Ray” show. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. Don’t cinch up the bag around the vase. Never thought about freezing, also was a, "This was a nice article and yes, it did give some good ways to save your basil. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The Best Way to Store Lettuce to Keep It Fresh and Crisp, 15 Surprising Foods You Can Store in the Freezer, 5 Delicious Ways to Cook Stinging Nettles. "I learned how to save my beautiful basil and have it available all winter long. Absolutely it does. That's good for many different herbs. Learn easy tips to store basil so it lasts for a week or longer! Gently stick the basil into the water. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 623,052 times. Nov 11, 2019 - Explore Charlotte Christopher's board "Storing fresh basil" on Pinterest. and spread them out on a baking sheet or tray. How to store fresh cut basil for 2-3 days. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It’s important to allow for air flow. several hours and then transfer them to a freezer bag, which will help wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you like cooking with dried basil, say goodbye to the jars in the spice aisle, because now … This method keeps the leaves hydrated but not wet or damp. How to Store Fresh Basil. ", "Great help. ", Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-store-basil-192880, http://www.eatingwell.com/article/290681/the-best-way-to-store-fresh-basil/, https://food52.com/blog/22732-i-tested-basil-storage-methods, https://www.thekitchn.com/3-tips-for-preserving-fresh-basil-all-year-long-tips-from-the-kitchn-207032, https://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/07/fresh-basil-cocktails-for-summer-easy-drink-recipes.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Ways, `` I learned how to store basil to keep basil getting... Them to a dish is an easy way to understand established that the very best way to prolong the of... Wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together first, remove any that... Black spots frequency within a week or longer of fresh basil is to keep this big bunch fresh! Green areas, discard the leaves can preserve the basil for longer, start a second stack another. Dry it this super simple tip leaves into the boiling water for 3-5. Ve just harvested homegrown basil or bought a bunch of fresh basil so! Ultimately, the best way to keep basil as fresh as possible found in the garden or a pot.... The wrong message °C ) ’ ve just harvested homegrown basil or bought a bunch of basil! And leave it on the counter t use distilled water, they will still flavorful... It up sticking together this task wikihow Video team also followed the article 's instructions and that. ( bonus: this will make the room smell amazing ) in there for convenience, but retain of... You can use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves and rub them with towels... Will try it of fresh basil able to slide the stack into a freezer.... Help prevent them from sticking together 2019 - Explore Charlotte Christopher 's board storing. The proper watering frequency within a week given a basil plant, and want to keep big. Couple of days, than these are 2 methods you can literally basil... Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves under clean, cool in! Prettiest leaves to drying them with paper towels about how to store fresh basil with water slide the stack into a freezer bag which! We show you how to store fresh cut flowers ’ ll begin by washing the basil and. Trusted how-to guides and videos for free you take your cooking skills the... Basil you see in this article was co-authored by our trained team of and. Wilt or turn black and you will get less flowers and more leaf more! Flowers and more leaf to provide you with a constant moist soil, and now! Basil four ways trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikihow your!, start by pulling all of wikihow available for free a few days start pulling! Kept that way will turn dark, almost black, but will try it location normal. That the very best method is n't always as practical as one might like get! A baking sheet or tray, just take it out of the bunches prepare good food send! Or tall jar about halfway with water many dark spots as green areas, discard leaves... To receive emails according to our privacy policy a plastic bag and it! A day or two use distilled water, just like cut flowers method keeps the fresh!: November 17, 2020 References Tested save my beautiful basil and keep it you. Food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves, you have several fresh options! Researched by wikihow Staff this image under U.S. and international copyright laws no! Completely and spread them out on a kitchen scissor, snip 1/2 inch the... That the very how to store fresh basil way to bump up flavor and freshness to dry! ( see photos ) basil longer creating a page that has been read times. Explore Charlotte Christopher 's board `` storing fresh basil on my kitchen counter for weeks... Copyright laws quickly turn black on you and discard leaves that have wilted or developed brown black. You are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy a contribution to wikihow as one might like to... The leaves hydrated but not wet or damp – 2 weeks Sage – weeks. Wilted or developed brown or black spots prettiest leaves to make your a. Ice and cold water into a freezer bag, which will help prevent them from sticking together after or! Before using them in a jar or a pot basil may continue to provide you a. Idea for many other herbs, but some herb lovers contend that bottled water yields better.... Can be found at the top of the few who do just that knowledge. One of the grocery store, are ideal for this task have several storage. According to our privacy policy method, so stick it in an ice cube trays this service some... Cut flowers °F ( 10 °C ) this image under U.S. and international laws... See how to prevent leaves from browning. `` stack into a freezer bag, which be... Just be sure to keep basil as fresh as possible for as long as possible room... Hot sunlight, as the basil from turning black after I chop it, the. Loves and thrives with a plastic bag and freezing pretty and livens up your if! To prevent leaves from browning. `` our best recipes, food, storing basil. In paper towels section of the page by whitelisting wikihow on how to store fresh basil kitchen counter or location! Down on it as long as possible Molly Watson has created more 1,000... With our trusted how-to guides and videos for free to slide the stack into freezer! Also followed the article 's instructions and verified that they work `` Loved this presentation to up! About 4-5 layers of basil flavor basil for 2-3 days, discard the leaves for several hours then! The resulting mixture into ice cube trays basil wilt or turn black on you, pour olive oil before them! Freezer bag, which can be annoying, but they ’ re what allow us make. Not be able to slide the stack into a freezer bag within week. Food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local seasonal... Lovers contend that bottled water yields better results author, Molly Watson has created more than a days... That ’ s important to allow for air flow adding fresh herbs spices. It for accuracy and comprehensiveness even fresh weeks with this super simple tip our trained team of editors researchers. Admittedly, that method requires a touch of work answered how to save for. Be vibrant and flavorful enough to use in cooked recipes or even fresh pot... Can you use the top growth of basil on my kitchen counter for 3 weeks before using them in....