How to preserve fresh basil to use in various meals

Fragrant and tasty basil can stay in optimal condition for longer if preserved correctly.

Whether you grow it yourself or buy it in the store, in this article we will give you the best tips on how to preserve fresh basil so that it retains its flavor, texture and smell.

Learn the perfect method to keep your basil as tasty as possible!

How to preserve fresh basil

Option #1:

• Basil is a fragile herb, as it has a lot of moisture , so if it is dried or cut, it can become dark and flavorless.
• To preserve its beneficial qualities, you should store it in cool, dark places.

Option n°2:

To maintain the fresh qualities of basil, it should be stored in a location that is not exposed to direct light.

• The herb can remain in a dark place for up to two weeks without losing any of its characteristics.
• Place the basil stems in a vase and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Option n°3:

The best way to preserve fresh basil is to freeze it.

• To preserve its aroma and flavor, you must first prepare it by cleaning it and removing the leaves from the stems (the stems can be thrown away).
• Rinse the leaves with water and dry them with a kitchen towel, being very careful not to crush them.
• Then, put them in a vacuum bag and put them in the freezer.

Option n°4:

Once dried, a good way to keep them in the freezer is to store them in airtight garnish containers.

• To do this, you must take the whole leaves. If you want more efficiency, it is best to place the basil on a tray before freezing it and make sure that none of the leaves touch each other.
• When they have hardened, put them in airtight containers until they are ready to use.
• Once thawed, you can chop them or use them as a garnish to add flavor and aroma to your dishes, such as pesto spaghetti.

Option n°5:

You can keep fresh basil for a long time by storing it in a milk carton. The process is super simple:

• Just rinse the cardboard and cut off the top, then place a bag inside to create a vacuum seal.
• Put it in the refrigerator and the leaves will maintain their flavor, color and aroma!

If you want to take advantage of all its benefits, you can also learn how to make basil oil.

Option n°6:

If you want to save the basil for later, making a pesto sauce is a great way to do it.

• Simply combine crushed basil leaves with a little olive oil and salt, which will help retain the herb’s nutrients, color, and flavor.
• Store the mixture in small airtight containers in the freezer.

This way you’ll always have pesto on hand to enhance your meals!