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The best way to preserve basil is to treat it like the delicate leafy herb it is, using methods that lock in moisture and flavor rather than drying it out.
You can preserve basil successfully with a few simple techniques, whether you want it fresh for a week or frozen for months.
If you’ve ever watched your store-bought basil turn black in the fridge within a day, you know that preserving basil correctly makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to preserve basil, from countertop storage to freezing and making pesto.
Let’s dive into keeping those fragrant leaves vibrant and delicious.
Why Preserving Basil The Right Way Matters
Preserving basil properly matters because basil is one of the most fragile herbs in the kitchen.
When you preserve basil incorrectly, you end up with slimy, bruised leaves or a flavorless powder that tastes like hay.
The goal of preserving basil is to retain its bright, peppery aroma and that incredible fresh taste.
Basil is mostly water, so the key to preserving basil lies in managing moisture and temperature.
Let’s look at the easiest and most effective methods to preserve basil at home.
1. The Fresh Cut Flower Method
The best way to preserve basil for short-term use is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
Trim the stems at an angle and place your basil bunch in a jar with about an inch of water.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
Keep the jar on your counter, away from direct sunlight, and change the water daily.
Using this method to preserve basil keeps it fresh for up to a week, sometimes longer.
This is perfect when you plan to use the basil within a few days.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Fridge Method
If you must refrigerate basil, the damp paper towel method is your best bet.
Gently wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves, because excess moisture is the enemy.
Wrap the dry leaves in a slightly damp paper towel, not a soaking wet one.
Place the wrapped basil in a resealable bag or airtight container.
This technique to preserve basil in the fridge can extend its life by several days.
Check the towel every couple of days and re-dampen if it’s dry.
Freezing Basil For Long-Term Storage
Freezing is the most reliable way to preserve basil for months without losing too much flavor.
You don’t need to blanch basil first, which is a common myth.
There are a few ways to freeze basil, but the oil method is the best way to preserve basil’s color and taste.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Freezing Basil Leaves In Olive Oil
To preserve basil in oil, start by washing and thoroughly drying the leaves.
Chop the basil coarsely, or keep leaves whole if you prefer.
Place the basil in an ice cube tray and fill each compartment with extra virgin olive oil.
Freeze the tray until solid, then pop the basil cubes into a freezer bag.
This is a fantastic way to preserve basil because the oil prevents freezer burn and locks in the flavor.
You can toss a cube directly into soups, sauces, or sautés later.
2. Pureed Basil Cubes
Another brilliant way to preserve basil is by pureeing it with a little water or broth.
Blend about two cups of packed basil leaves with a quarter cup of water until smooth.
Pour the puree into ice cube trays and freeze.
Once frozen, store the cubes in a labeled freezer bag.
Each cube is roughly a tablespoon, making it easy to add just the right amount to your cooking.
This method to preserve basil is perfect for smoothies, stews, or pesto.
Preserving Basil As Pesto Or Compound Butter
Sometimes the best way to preserve basil is to transform it into something even more delicious.
Pesto is the most classic and beloved way to preserve basil for the winter months.
1. Making A Batch Of Basil Pesto
To preserve basil as pesto, combine basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor.
Pulse until smooth but still slightly chunky.
The olive oil is crucial because it creates a barrier that preserves basil’s vibrant green hue.
If you’re freezing the pesto, leave out the cheese until you’re ready to serve it.
Cheese doesn’t freeze as well and can become grainy.
Store the pesto in small jars, topping each with a thin layer of olive oil before freezing.
This way to preserve basil gives you instant dinner starters for months.
2. Basil Compound Butter
You can also preserve basil by mixing chopped leaves into softened butter.
Add a pinch of salt and some black pepper to the butter.
Roll the basil butter into a log using plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze it.
When you preserve basil this way, the butter freezes beautifully for up to six months.
You can slice off a pat to melt over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or crusty bread.
It’s an easy and luxurious trick to preserve basil’s fresh taste.
Drying Basil And Other Common Mistakes To Avoid
Drying basil is the least effective way to preserve it, but it still has its place.
If you want to preserve basil by drying, use the lowest possible heat setting in your dehydrator.
Or, hang small bunches in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from light.
However, dried basil loses most of its essential oils and becomes much milder.
You should never use the oven to dry basil because it will cook the leaves.
Let’s look at some mistakes that ruin your efforts to preserve basil.
1. Washing Basil Right Before Storing
Moisture is the number one killer of stored basil.
If you wash basil and store it while wet, it will wilt and develop rot quickly.
Always dry the leaves completely with a salad spinner or towel before storing.
This simple step is vital when you preserve basil, no matter the method.
2. Storing Basil In The Fridge Door
The fridge door is the warmest part of the refrigerator, which is bad for basil.
Basil prefers cooler, more consistent temperatures found deeper inside.
Place your wrapped basil on the middle shelf instead of the door.
And never store basil near fruits like apples or bananas, as the ethylene gas will make it deteriorate faster.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you preserve basil much more successfully.
So, What Is The Best Way To Preserve Basil?
The best way to preserve basil depends on how quickly you plan to use it.
For immediate use, the cut-flower method on the counter is absolutely the best way to preserve basil’s fresh texture.
If you want to preserve basil for weeks or months, freezing in olive oil or as pesto is the superior choice.
These methods maintain the flavor far better than drying ever will.
So, the best way to preserve basil is to match the technique to your timeline.
Store it fresh for the week, freeze it for the season, or blend it into pesto for a quick meal.
Armed with these techniques, you can now confidently preserve basil and enjoy that amazing summer taste all year round.
Happy cooking, and may your basil always be vibrant and fragrant.