If you love the flavor of basil, drying your own basil leaves will ensure that you have flavorful herbs to cook with all year long. Basil should be harvested just before it flowers for maximum flavor. The best way to dry basil is by hanging it upside down in a warm, dry place .
You never know how long store-bought dried basil has been sitting on the shelf, so drying your own is going to be the fresher (and cheaper) option. Here’s how: Wash and thoroughly dry the basil. Remove the stems. Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven.
Is it possible to keep basil fresh after picking?
Basil, especially sweet basil or Genoa basil so popular in Italian dishes and used in pesto, is notoriously tricky to keep fresh. It turns black and wilts at an astonishingly quick rate. There are methods, however, of keeping the leaves fresh once the stems have been picked .
Some believe that Microwaved basil is dry enough once it’s easily crumbled . Don’t forget to store your dried herbs properly. Improper storage can strip your dried flakes of flavor. Store basil in an airtight container away from light. A cupboard is ideal, and make sure to choose the right type of container.
Can you freeze fresh basil leaves?
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. Basil frozen this way will turn dark, almost black, but retain plenty of basil flavor.
One source stated that You’ll need a glass jar half way filled with water, a pair of scissors, and a recycled shopping bag. Follow these simple steps for the best way to store your fresh basil leaves: Grab a pair of scissors and snip a little bit off the end of the stems at a 45-degree angle just as you would a flower bouquet.
How do you store fresh basil for the best shelf life?
To maximize the shelf life of fresh basil: ( 1 )Trim the ends and place basil in a glass containing about one inch of water; (2) Cover with a loose-fitting plastic bag and leave at room temperature; (3) Replace water when it gets cloudy. How long does fresh basil last at room temperature?
How long does it take for Basil to dry out?
It might take a couple of weeks , but if you already have lots of fresh basil at your disposal, it’ll probably be a while before you even need it. Store your dried basil in an air-tight container in your pantry. Be sure to label it. All of those little jars of home-dried herbs start to look the same after a while.
Homemade dry basil should stay crunchy and delicious for well over a year , though the intensity of flavor and aroma will degrade with time. We always keep one small spice jar of crushed dry basil ready on hand, and stash the leftover whole leaves away for later.
We learned plan to prep and dry basil once all the leaves have sprouted, but before you see flowers on the stems. Basil leaves have the most oil just before the plant flowers, so harvesting them at this point will ensure that the dried basil has as much flavor as possible.
How long does Basil last in the fridge?
Fresh basil will last one to two weeks when stored this way. Another popular method for storing basil is the plastic bag method (it sounds far less exciting than “basil bouquet,” I know). If you prefer to keep your basil stored in the fridge like salad greens, this method protects it from the harsh elements.
Is it safe to make butter Basil?
Making butter basil is an excellent way to preserve the fresh herb . It can stay for up to two months in the fridge. For freezing, wrap the butter in wax or parchment paper, pack in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to six months.