Last Updated on October 18, 2022

How Do You Freeze Fresh 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.

Can fresh basil be frozen 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.

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 freeze basil without turning it black?

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….Tips

1. Basil tends to turn black when it’s frozen. …
2. Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh 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. To freeze your basil, pull leaves from stems.

What can I do with lots of fresh basil?

How to Use Basil

1. Top whole leaves onto pizza.
2. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
3. Blend it into sauces.
4. Puree it into soups.
5. Chop it up to add to a salad.
6. Use it to garnish avocado toast.
7. Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

How long does basil 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.

What can I do with large amounts of basil?

How to Use Basil

1. Top whole leaves onto pizza.
2. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
3. Blend it into sauces.
4. Puree it into soups.
5. Chop it up to add to a salad.
6. Use it to garnish avocado toast.
7. Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

How do you preserve basil for later use?

Directions:

1. Remove fresh basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely.
2. Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil. …
3. 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 does frozen basil last?

6 months
Once frozen, pop out the individual cubes and place them in a freezer bag and freeze; they’ll keep at least 6 months. Use in pasta dishes and in soups or serve as is. If you need inspiration for using fresh basil now, try today’s recipes.

What can I do with basil to preserve it?

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.

Can basil be frozen?

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.

Is basil better cooked or raw?

Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.

Why should you not refrigerate basil?

Refrigerating basil will not only make it wilt faster; it will also absorb all of the other smells around it. If you want to store the herb in the best way possible, sit it inside a cup of fresh water, like flowers.

What can I do with an abundance of fresh basil?

How to Use Basil

1. Top whole leaves onto pizza.
2. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
3. Blend it into sauces.
4. Puree it into soups.
5. Chop it up to add to a salad.
6. Use it to garnish avocado toast.
7. Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

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.

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.

How long will basil keep in olive oil?

You can preserve them in olive oil for up to three months in your fridge, enjoying the same freshly-picked flavor. This works particularly well with basil and parsley, but try it out with chives, thyme, and your other favorite herbs. Thoroughly wash herbs and allow to completely dry.

What can I do with too much basil?

Too Much Basil?

1. Dipping Oil – Chop finely and mix with other herbs such as thyme, oregano, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. …
2. Pizza Topping – Try adding torn basil leaves as a pizza topping.
3. Caprese Salad – Nothing says summer like a Caprese salad.

Is basil good for high blood pressure?

Sweet basil is high in eugenol. Research has linked this plant-based antioxidant to many health benefits, including lowered blood pressure ( 3 ). Studies suggest that eugenol may help reduce blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.

What do you do with basil in the winter?

Should you keep the basil indoors during the winter?

1. Step 1: Place your basil inside a greenhouse or a room in your home.
2. Step 2: Move your basil to the kitchen. …
3. Step 1: Shift to artificial light sources in the darker winter months. …
4. Step 2: Keep the soil warm and drained from excess of water.