How To Keep Basil In The Fridge

You can keep basil in the fridge, but only if you handle it the right way.
 
Basil is one of those herbs that can turn into a sad, black mess in the fridge if you just toss it in there.
 
Keeping basil in the fridge is totally possible though, and it’s actually the best way to make your harvest last for weeks instead of days.
 
The secret is all about moisture control and temperature, because basil hates being cold and wet at the same time.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods for how to keep basil in the fridge, what mistakes to avoid, and how to store basil in the fridge so it stays fresh and fragrant.
 
Let’s get your basil sorted out.
 

Why You Should Keep Basil In The Fridge

Basil is a tender herb that wilts quickly at room temperature, so storing basil in the fridge slows down the aging process.
 
When you keep basil in the fridge, the cold air reduces the rate at which the leaves lose moisture and break down.
 
Leaving basil on the counter might seem fine for a day, but by day two, the leaves will start to droop and lose their punch.
 
Keeping basil in the fridge also protects it from fruit flies and dust, which are common problems when herbs sit out in the open.
 
The fridge is your friend here, as long as you follow a few simple steps to keep basil in the fridge without turning it into a soggy disaster.
 

1. Basil Hates Direct Cold Spots

The biggest mistake people make is placing basil in the coldest part of the fridge, like the back of the top shelf.
 
Basil is a tropical herb, so it’s sensitive to temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
 
If you keep basil in the fridge near the freezer vents, the leaves will develop dark spots and water-soaked areas.
 
To keep basil in the fridge successfully, aim for the middle shelves where the temperature is more stable.
 
The door is too warm, and the back is too cold, so middle shelf is your sweet spot.
 

2. Moisture Is Both Friend and Enemy

Basil leaves are about 90% water, so they need some humidity to stay crisp, but too much water causes rot.
 
If you wash basil and store it soaking wet, you’ll end up with slimy leaves within a day or two.
 
The trick to keeping basil in the fridge is to dry the leaves thoroughly after washing.
 
Use a salad spinner or pat them gently with a clean kitchen towel.
 
Then you can keep basil in the fridge with just a tiny bit of residual moisture.
 

3. The Paper Towel Method Works Wonders

One of the easiest ways to keep basil in the fridge is the paper towel wrap method.
 
Take a few layers of dry paper towel and lay your basil leaves or sprigs on top in a single layer.
 
Roll the paper towel around the basil loosely, and then place the bundle in a zip-top bag.
 
Leave the bag slightly open to allow airflow.
 
This way, the paper towel absorbs any excess moisture, while the bag keeps the basil from drying out completely.
 
You can keep basil in the fridge like this for up to two weeks, and it’ll still look vibrant.
 

The Best Ways To Store Basil In The Fridge

There are a few different methods for how to keep basil in the fridge, and the right one depends on how you plan to use it.
 
Let’s break down the top three approaches so you can keep basil in the fridge with confidence.
 

1. The Jar Of Water Method

This is like giving basil the stem-in-a-vase treatment, but in the fridge.
 
Trim the ends of the basil stems and place them in a glass or jar filled with about an inch of water.
 
Cover the top of the jar loosely with a plastic bag, and secure it with a rubber band.
 
When you keep basil in the fridge this way, the stems stay hydrated while the leaves get a breathable environment.
 
This method is best for short-term storage of about three to five days, and the leaves stay super fresh.
 
Change the water every couple days to keep bacteria from growing.
 

2. The Freezer Trick For Longer Storage

Now, if you want to keep basil in the fridge for more than two weeks, you might actually want to skip the fridge and use the freezer.
 
But if you’re set on fridge storage, you can blanch the leaves first, then store them in an airtight container.
 
Blanching means dipping basil in boiling water for a few seconds, then into ice water.
 
This deactivates the enzymes that cause browning, so you can keep basil in the fridge for up to a month.
 
Pat the blanched basil dry, lay it on a paper towel, and roll it up.
 
Then put the roll in a zip-top bag, and you’re good to go.
 

3. The Chopped And Oiled Method

Another great way to keep basil in the fridge is by chopping it and mixing it with olive oil.
 
Place the chopped basil in a small glass jar, then pour enough olive oil over it to completely cover the leaves.
 
The oil creates a barrier against air, which slows down oxidation and spoilage.
 
You can keep basil in the fridge this way for about a week, and the oil infuses with basil flavor for cooking.
 
Just remember to use a clean spoon each time you scoop some out.
 

Common Mistakes When You Keep Basil In The Fridge

Even with the best intentions, a few common slip-ups can ruin your basil.
 
Here’s what to avoid so you can keep basil in the fridge successfully.
 

1. Washing Too Early

Don’t wash basil right before storing it in the fridge.
 
Instead, wash only the amount you’re going to use right before cooking.
 
If you wash the whole bunch and then try to keep basil in the fridge, the extra water will do more harm than good.
 
Damp basil in a closed bag is basically a petri dish for mold.
 

2. Packing Too Tightly

Basil leaves bruise easily, so don’t cram them into a container.
 
You want to keep basil in the fridge with a little breathing room, otherwise the leaves will turn black where they touch.
 
If you’re stacking leaves, place a paper towel between the layers to cushion them.
 

3. Ignoring The Ethylene Gas

Some fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening and aging.
 
If you store basil in the fridge next to these fruits, the basil will yellow and wilt faster.
 
Keep basil in the fridge in a separate drawer or on a different shelf from ethylene producers.
 

So, How Do You Keep Basil In The Fridge?

You can keep basil in the fridge, and now you know exactly how to do it.
 
You can keep basil in the fridge by wrapping it in a dry paper towel, placing it in a loosely closed bag, and storing it on the middle shelf.
 
You can keep basil in the fridge with the jar-and-water method for a shorter burst of freshness.
 
Or you can keep basil in the fridge for longer by blanching or chopping it with oil.
 
Just remember to keep the leaves dry, give them airflow, and avoid the coldest spots.
 
With these tips, you’ll never have to throw away wilted basil again.
 
Now you can enjoy fresh, fragrant basil whenever you need it, straight from your fridge.
 
Happy cooking, and enjoy your basil!