This article is for you if you've ever wondered how to preserve fresh basil. Basil can be kept correctly to preserve its fresh peppery aroma and keep it fresher for longer. In addition to being one of the kitchen's most adaptable herbs, basil offers a number of noteworthy health benefits. For instance, did you know that basil is frequently used in traditional medicine to soothe bug stings and nausea? It is frequently utilised in holistic medicinal systems like Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and also includes antioxidant plant components. In a tiny handful of leaves, that's a lot of goodness. However, how can you preserve the freshness of this wonderful herb?
Paper Towel Method
After washing, pat dry the basil with a paper towel or salad spinner. Store the basil in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag after wrapping it in a paper towel. Store it among other salad greens in the vegetable crisper. Basil should keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container.
Dried Basil Storage
Additionally, basil can be dried and kept for later use. Set the oven's temperature to the lowest possible setting, something around 93 degrees Celsius. Place the basil leaves on a baking sheet and bake them in a single layer for two to four hours, or until they become crumbly and dry. Spoon half of the dried basil leaves into a container. When replacing, use a teaspoon of dried basil for each tablespoon of fresh basil.
Glass Jar Method
Store the bunch of basil in a glass jar at room temperature on the kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight, much like you would a bouquet of flowers. Replace the water every few days to keep it fresh. You may store the sliced basil for up to two weeks.
Basil Paste Cube
Basil can be frozen, but when it thaws, it won't taste the same. The easiest approach to freeze basil is to mix or food processor it into a green sauce or paste, adding a little olive oil to blitz it. After that, transfer the mixture onto an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer.
Blanching Method
Blanching cleaned basil leaves for ten to fifteen seconds and shocking them in ice water is an alternate method to freezing. After the leaves have been strained and patted dry, freeze them on a sheet tray, and then place them in freezer bags.
Other Factors To Remember
- Till you're ready to utilise your basil, don't wash it. Note that the herb already has a high moisture content, so adding more steps may cause it to droop.
- Regularly check the basil. Take off any damaged or wilted parts since they may spread to nearby sprigs.