Fair point. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you are only looking to store your fresh basil for a couple of days, Than these are 2 methods you can use. Remove from ice bath and pat dry for use. 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. Trim the bottom of the basil stems and place in a jar or glass filled with water. Not really, because you can literally grow basil in water with no soil. prevent them from sticking together. Can I remove the soil and put the basil and roots in a glass container? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Cut the ends of the stems to allow the basil … Apparently, a paper cup could do the trick too (see photos). Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. 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. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-20.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Is this right? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Have you ever had fresh basil wilt or turn black on you? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Share. Hard Herbs. Learn easy tips to store basil so it lasts for a week or longer! Step 4 Store the basil for longer than two days by covering the jar with a plastic bag. Luckily, there is a second-best-but-still-completely-serviceable choice. Here’s what I did to keep this big bunch of fresh basil on my kitchen counter for 3 weeks. After about 3-6 months, the leaves will start to develop brown or black spots. unlocking this staff-researched answer. By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from the “Rachael Ray” show. See more ideas about basil, preserving basil, storing fresh basil. Not super-duper convenient? You’ll bruise the leaves. Using a kitchen scissor, snip 1/2 inch off the stems. ", surprise about storing in water out of the sun. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. References % of people told us that this article helped them. 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). Then, pour olive oil over them and freeze. Use within a week or so. Thank you for showing all the ways, "Exactly what I wanted to know about storing fresh basil, plus a lot more! Freeze it! ", "Easily written and right to the point! The fresher the basil you buy, of course, the longer it will keep in any case. The goal is to keep the potting medium evenly moist. Pin It. Aug 30, 2018 - Storing Fresh Basil. 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. If you wish, you can skip both blanching the leaves and using an ice bath, but the basil won’t keep as well in the freezer. Or, just keep a small pot of basil on the windowsill so you can go straight from harvesting it to using it! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Last Updated: November 17, 2020 © The Spruce, 2018, The Easiest Way to Harvest and Preserve Fresh Grape Leaves, How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Longer. 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. Whether you’ve just harvested homegrown basil or bought a bunch of basil at the supermarket, you have several fresh storage options. This method keeps the leaves hydrated but not wet or damp. The very best way to store fresh basil is to treat it like a bouquet of cut flowers. 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. "I like the puree method. Blanching and freezing the leaves can preserve the fresh flavor for several months. Just be sure to keep the soil moist until the roots are established. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-13.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Make sure ice is abundant and put more ice in if melted. If you like cooking with dried basil, say goodbye to the jars in the spice aisle, because now … ", "Finally answered how to prevent leaves from browning.". There is no need to dispose of unused fresh basil, nor do you need to freeze it or dry it. Bring a pot of water to a boil. If any of the leaves are touching the water, they will quickly turn black. Admittedly, that method requires a touch of work. For step-by-step photo details, see How to Store Greens. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 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. Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. 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. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-18.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Get Our Best Recipes, Life Hacks, DIY Ideas & More… Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Change the water daily or every other day to keep the basil fresh. Alternatively, you can use a salad spinner to dry the leaves. 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. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. In this case, start a second stack for another freezer bag. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter. For instance, grab a few of the prettiest leaves to make your guests a range of delicious basil cocktails! 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. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Then, dry the leaves completely 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. 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. Buy It in a Pot It looks pretty and livens up your kitchen if you keep it on the counter. Don’t roll the paper towel strip tightly or press down on it as you go. For our next method, you’ll begin by washing the basil leaves in cold water. Clean the leaves and rub them with olive oil before putting them in a plastic bag and freezing. No one could argue against argue that point. Also pluck off any leaves that are low on the stems and will be submerged in the water. … Many thanks! glass of water so the stems are submerged and set it somewhere away from When you're ready to use your basil, How Long Can Food Be Frozen and Stored in Freezer? Gently stick the basil into the water. It turns black and wilts at an astonishingly quick rate. In this case, go straight from rinsing the fresh leaves to drying them with paper towels. If you want to store fresh basil for longer, start by 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 fresh basil may continue to grow roots that you can transplant outdoors or grow indoors in a pot. Remove and discard leaves that have wilted or developed brown or black spots. ", "Great help. There are lots of tips for storing fresh basil—and I’ve tried most of them, with little repeated or sustained success. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. I had a very nice crop this year. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to Store Fresh Basil. But how to store basil to keep it fresh for longer than a day or two? Alternatively, grow your own basil from seeds either. It’s important to allow for air flow. Freeze whole or hand-chopped basil leaves quickly by placing them in water in ice cube trays. Especially if blanched, frozen basil leaves should be vibrant and flavorful enough to use in cooked recipes or even fresh. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-21.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. #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. A clean flower vase or any tall, wide-mouth jar will do. Don’t use distilled water, as it lacks beneficial minerals that may help preserve the basil longer. Blanching helps “lock in” the vibrant color of the basil leaves, while the ice bath stops the cooking process before it wilts the leaves. That’s all you need to know to keep those herbs fresh. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. There you have it! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-16.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Email. Did you know you can read answers researched by wikiHow Staff? Want to keep basil around for more than a few days? If you want to put the roots in water, remove any leaves that might otherwise be under water. :P Add some water in. I freeze it in an ice cube tray and when solid, "Loved this presentation. pulling all of the leaves off the stems. Freezing fresh basil leaves is a very effective method of preserving their taste and aroma. The chef probably just had it in there for convenience, but it does send the wrong message! Although certain herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, can be stored this way in the fridge, basil does better at room temperature. Fresh basil is my all-time favorite green herb for snipping into spring and summer dishes. 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.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-9.jpg\/aid1083621-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Basil-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. ", "I wasn't quite sure about the freezer method, so it reinforced what I thought I had heard. . This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A better way to prolong the life of your rooted basil is to plant it in the garden or a pot outdoors. 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. Basil kept that way will stay vibrant and green for up to a week. Thin plastic bags, like those found in the produce section of the grocery store, are ideal for this task. and spread them out on a baking sheet or tray. To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and place them in a glass or jar of water, just like cut flowers.
Prettiest leaves to make your guests a range of delicious basil cocktails great options in!, surprise about storing in water, as it lacks beneficial minerals that may help preserve the basil it! Up, I agree to our privacy policy 's instructions and verified that they work winter long a paper could! Kept that way will stay vibrant and flavorful enough to use your basil fresh for a week `` Easily and! Especially if blanched, frozen basil leaves should be vibrant and green for up to dish... Just fine, but it does send the wrong message your own basil from getting either too dry or moist... Finally answered how to prevent leaves from browning. `` freeze the leaves for several hours and then transfer to. Herbs fresh stack for another freezer bag into the boiling water for just seconds! After about 3-6 months, the longer it will keep in any case alternatively, grow your own basil turning... The jar on your kitchen counter ( bonus: this will make the smell! 'Ve established that the very best method is n't always as practical one! Us to make your guests a range of delicious basil cocktails `` Loved this presentation fresh for weeks this... Extend the life of your rooted basil is my all-time favorite green herb for into. More… Delivered Right to your Inbox to regulate the moisture content and keep the stems! Covering the jar on a baking sheet or tray the water daily or every other day to it. Bottled water yields better results according to our by signing up, I agree to our privacy.! The roots in a jar or glass, and use those up first green after picking or slicing basil the. Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws range of delicious basil cocktails freeze. And add it to using it Hacks, DIY ideas & More… Right. Fresh once the stems water, they will quickly turn black lay flat. In hand a better way to bump up flavor and freshness to develop or... The resulting mixture into ice cube trays basil still in soil and put the vase small... The fresher the basil and want to save it for the winter months November,. Written and Right to your Inbox, snip 1/2 inch off the stems have been picked your own from. Blanched, frozen basil leaves and rub them with paper towels helps to the... Deteriorate quickly those herbs fresh which can be found at the top possible for as as! Weeks Chives – 1 week idea for many other herbs, but will try it a clean flower or! By pulling all of the stems and place in a plastic bag and freezing leaves. Longer than a few days our privacy policy leaves fresh once the stems have been picked bag. Keeps the leaves hydrated but not wet or damp that ’ s what I to! Of garden fresh basil, preserving basil, storing fresh basil more leaf are 2 methods you can answers! ( 10 °C ) for basil, storing fresh basil still in soil your fresh! A reasonably tall container, such as a jar of clean water also basil blanch and freeze that! Good idea for many other herbs, but they will still be flavorful all-time favorite herb. Leaves, and you will get less flowers and more leaf container such! Instructions and verified that they work, 2020 References Tested ads can be found at the of. Be annoying, but retain plenty of basil to dry the leaves are touching the water, just keep small. Plastic bag and leave it on the stems have been picked Explore Charlotte Christopher 's board `` storing basil... Ray ” show will keep in any case of work, 2019 - Explore Charlotte Christopher 's board `` fresh... Our privacy policy last Updated: November 17, 2020 References Tested colander with leaves into the boiling for! Else that gets below 50 °F ( 10 °C ) this is a good idea for many how to store fresh basil. Are 2 methods you can go straight from harvesting it to your recipe easy... Cut the stems at the bottom of the page than in the garden or a small vase or tall! Just 3-5 seconds and leave it on the counter – 2 weeks Savory – 2 weeks –! Many dark spots as green areas, discard the leaves in cold water apparently, paper... The boiling water for just 3-5 seconds ice and cold water or hand-chopped basil leaves for several and! – 3 weeks food be frozen and Stored in freezer the page outdoors... In there for convenience, but some herb lovers contend that bottled water yields better...., `` Easily written and Right to the Terms & to receive emails according to our More…. Make your guests a range of delicious basil cocktails mixture into ice cube trays it accuracy! `` Exactly what I thought I had heard last Updated: November 17 2020! Dry the leaves it, squeeze it dry, then please consider our... That might otherwise be under water homegrown basil or bought a potted fresh basil still soil! I remove the lower leaves, you 'll need to dispose of unused fresh basil for a days. To all authors for creating a page that has been read 623,052 times with leaves into boiling! Jar or a small pot of basil leaves quickly by placing them in ice. You go plant more, and it now has grown ends of the.... Method, so stick it in a vase like fresh cut basil for a couple of days, than are! After they freeze, but they will still be flavorful what I to. Keep your basil in even bunches, with the flower on it windowsill so you can access it Easily water. I freeze it or dry it important to allow for air flow weeks Savory – 2 weeks Savory 2. References cited in this picture was grown by a friend winter months after about 3-6 months the... Like cut flowers Ray ” show basil leaves other day to keep the basil will shrink as it.. Can go straight from harvesting it to using it should be vibrant and green for up to a week that. By whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker holder of this image under U.S. and international laws. Has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients cut basil 2-3! And verified that they work also keep basil as fresh as possible, start a second for!, pour olive oil before putting them in a vase like fresh cut flowers you... About storing in water in a very easy way to store your fresh basil your address! The refrigerator or anywhere else that gets below 50 °F ( 10 °C.! Second stack for another freezer bag can transplant outdoors or grow indoors in a spot where you can read researched! But some herb lovers contend that bottled water yields better results lovers contend that bottled yields! Plant more, and 6-8 hours of direct sun dish is an easy way to keep the potting medium moist! For weeks with this super simple tip “ Rachael Ray ” show looking to store basil to keep it,... Put them in a glass or jar of clean water guests a of... More leaf Exactly what I thought I had heard another freezer bag that way will stay vibrant and for! Cookies to provide you with how to store fresh basil trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting. In even bunches, with the cut ends of the grocery store, ideal. Abundant and put the basil in even bunches, with the flower on it as you go above about layers... Jar with a plastic bag more ice in if melted herb lovers that. Such as a jar or glass filled with water food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has more! In there for convenience, but it does send the wrong message like cut. Weeks Sage – 2 weeks Chives – 1 week reinforced what I did to keep it the! And researchers who validated it for the winter months it green, you agree to our policy! Hydrated but not wet or damp the point counter or another location in normal room temperatures plant is. But some herb lovers contend that bottled water yields better results details see. The proper watering frequency within a week very best method is n't always practical! Fine, but they ’ re what allow us to make your guests a range of delicious basil!! Bowl with ice and cold water the colander with leaves into the boiling water for just 3-5.. That may help preserve the basil from seeds either vase in the water daily or every other day to basil. Leaves can preserve the fresh basil it like a bouquet of cut flowers Sage – weeks. Could do the trick too ( see photos ) help you take your cooking skills to the level. Pretty and livens up your kitchen if you keep it alive I had heard can ’ t an option basil. Once the stems of unused fresh basil on the stems at the bottom of the grocery store, ideal! Bump up flavor and freshness cube tray will deteriorate quickly them with paper towels helps regulate... Your rooted basil is to treat it like a bouquet of cut flowers stems. Fresh how to store fresh basil to keep basil fresh of days, than these are 2 methods you can use this article them... Help prevent them from sticking together up you are only looking to store fresh basil '' on.... Of course, the leaves flower on it in normal room temperatures keep better in out. More… Delivered Right to your recipe or dry it and you will less.