How to Use Basil
- Top whole leaves onto pizza.
- Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
- Blend it into sauces.
- Puree it into soups.
- Chop it up to add to a salad.
- Use it to garnish avocado toast.
- Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Can you freeze fresh basil?
Simply chop leaves, stuff them into ice cube trays, cover with cold water, and freeze. The frozen basil bits will turn black as soon as they thaw, but they will still taste like basil. Frozen basil cigars are a great way to store basil with large leaves that can hold up to brief blanching.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.
How do you preserve basil for the winter?
Wash the leaves and dry them with a paper towel. Then gather them in bunches and wrap the stems with a twist tie. Hang them upside down for a week or two and then break the leaves off the stems into an airtight container and you will have dried basil for the winter. Basil lasts this way for about a year.
Salads, soups & more!
- Grilled peach and prosciutto caprese salad.
- Roasted artichoke and marinated white bean salad.
- Shrimp and basil stir-fry.
- Roasted tomato soup for one.
- Grilled pizza with slow-roasted tomatoes and creamy basil vinaigrette.
- Thai green curry with herby chicken meatballs.
Can you freeze whole leaves of basil?
Once your leaves are dry, you’ve got two options. You can freeze the leaves whole (the quickest and cheapest option), or you can freeze sliced basil in olive oil.
Is it better to freeze basil or dry it?
Is your garden overflowing with basil? You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this step.
Directions:
- Remove fresh basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely.
- Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil.
- Freeze the pureed basil in an ice cube tray, after frozen remove cubes and then store in a large resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container.
How long will basil leaves last in the freezer?
You can freeze basil, which will then keep for approximately three months. Here are two methods for freezing basil: 1. Basil leaves: Blanch fresh basil leaves in boiling water for three to five seconds.
Is freezing fresh basil good?
ANSWER: Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves, but they just need a little help. Basil is a particularly delicate herb because it hates the cold and darkens when cut. Keep in mind any fresh herbs that you freeze will not be entirely the same as fresh. Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable.
Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?
You can flat freeze basil without blanching. However, if your goal is to preserve garden fresh green basil then you should take the extra step to blanch. Fresh basil has enzymes on it that will decompose fresh plants. These enzymes will survive in the freezer and your basil will darken.
Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?
Is your garden overflowing with basil? You can dry it or freeze it, but freezing retains the fresh taste better. Before you start, wash basil in cold water and dry; a salad spinner works well for this ste.
Follow these simple steps for the best way to store your fresh basil leaves:
- Trim the Basil Stems.
- Put the Basil in a Jar or Glass Vase with Water.
- Cover with a Plastic Bag.
- Store Basil Jar at Room Temperature.
- Trim the Stems and Replace the Water Occasionally.
Does freezing basil ruin it?
Some herbs maintain their flavor better when frozen instead of dried. Freezing works well for herbs like parsley, dill, basil, chives lemon balm, mint or tarragon.
What is the best way to freeze fresh basil?
Lay basil in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until each leaf is frozen. Move the leaves into an airtight freezer bag. Pull out the amount of leaves desired as you’re ready to use them.
How do you freeze basil without turning it black?
Ensure that all the basil is coated with olive oil as it keeps it from going dark in the freezer. Generally 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for each batch in the food processor when making coarsely chopped basil like used for pasta sauce, stew, or soup during the winter.
Can I freeze basil in a Ziplock bag?
Freeze Dry Basil Leaves:
Lay basil in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until each leaf is frozen. Move the leaves into an airtight freezer bag. Pull out the amount of leaves desired as you’re ready to use them.
Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
- Basil tends to turn black when it’s frozen.
- Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.
Can you store basil in Ziploc bags?
Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.
Freeze basil whole leaves in these 3 easy steps:
- Blanch: Remove the basil leaves from the stem and blanch them in boiling water for 2 seconds.
- Ice bath: Transfer the leaves to an ice bath.
- Dry & freeze: Dry completely and store in a freezer-safe container, separating the layers with wax or parchment paper.
Why should you not refrigerate fresh basil?
Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter. Although certain herbs, such as parsley and cilantro or coriander, can be stored this way in the fridge, basil does better at room temperature. Refrigeration can turn the leaves black.