If you've ever wondered how to best store fresh basil, this article is for you. Basil may be stored properly to keep it fresher for longer and to lock in its fresh peppery flavour. Basil is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen, and it also has some significant health advantages. For example, did you know that basil is commonly used in folk treatments to treat nausea and insect bites? It also contains antioxidant plant components and is commonly used in holistic medical systems such as Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. That's a lot of goodness in a small handful of leaves. But how can you keep this amazing herb at its peak freshness? Each technique of keeping this tasty plant has advantages and disadvantages.
Storage Methods
•Dry the basil with a paper towel or salad spinner after washing it. Wrap the basil in a paper towel and store it in an airtight container or ziplock plastic bag. Keep it in the vegetable crisper with other salad greens. When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, basil should last about two weeks.
•Like a bouquet of flowers, keep the bunch of basil in a glass jar at room temperature on the kitchen counter and out of direct sunlight. To keep the water fresh, change it every couple of days. The sliced basil will keep for about two weeks.
•Basil can also be dried and stored for later use. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or the lowest setting. Bake the basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet for two to four hours, or until the leaves are dry and crumbly. Fill a jar halfway with dry basil leaves. Use a teaspoon of dry basil for every tbsp of fresh basil when substituting.