How to Freeze Fresh Basil for Quick Cooking All Year

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

The best way to keep the taste of fresh basil all year is to freeze it. You don't have to throw it away if you grow it yourself or buy too much. This guide will show you easy ways to freeze fresh basil that will keep the taste and color. From oil cubes to blanched leaves, we'll show you step-by-step how to do it all.

🍅 Craving Cozy Comfort? Savor Wild Zora Tomato Basil Instant Soup!

How to Freeze Fresh Basil?

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

One easy way to preserve fresh basil for a long time is to freeze it. Depending on the method, basil plants can retain much of its flavor and color for several months, typically up to 6–9 months when stored with oil. You can use this method with Thai basil, lemon basil, or sweet basil. It also helps you waste less food.

Blanch, Dry, and Freeze: The Leaf Method

Basil doesn't turn black when you blanch it, and it keeps its fresh summer basil color and taste. This method is great when you want just basil to sprinkle into cooked dishes like pasta or soups.

• Clean the basil: Wash fresh basil leaves and remove the stems. Pat them completely dry.

• Blanch quickly: Boil water and dip the leaves in for 5–10 seconds. Then move them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

• Dry and freeze: Lay the leaves flat on a tray to freeze for 30–60 minutes.

• Store in bags: Transfer frozen leaves into freezer bags. Push out extra air before sealing.

Chop and Freeze in Oil: The Basil Cube Method

To make basil ready to use in cooking, it's best to cut it into cubes. You can mix them with pasta dishes, salad dressings, or stir-fries. It's quick and easy, and the fresh taste stays the same.

• Chop the basil: Use a food processor bowl or knife to finely chop the basil.

• Add olive oil: Mix in just enough oil to lightly coat the chopped basil. This keeps it from drying out.

• Fill the tray: Press the basil-oil mix into ice cube trays.

• Freeze and store: Once frozen, move the cubes into freezer bags for later use.

What Is the Best Way to Freeze Basil?

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

To make basil ready to use in cooking, it's best to cut it into flavor cubes. You can mix whole basil leaves with pasta, salad dressings, or stir-fries. It's quick and easy, and the fresh taste stays the same.

Choose Based on How You'll Use It

You can use basil in different ways with each method. Choose what works best for you when you cook.

• Use basil cubes: Great for fast meals like soups or sautéed veggies.

• Freeze basil leaves: Best when you want fresh herbs in cooked dishes without too much prep.

• Make basil pesto: Perfect when you want bold and fresh flavor ready to go.

Avoid Common Freezing Mistakes

Follow these steps to properly freeze fresh basil so that it stays fresh, preserve basil and doesn't lose its flavor or texture.

• Don’t freeze wet leaves: Always dry basil well to stop ice crystals from forming.

• Don’t use plain water: Basil frozen in water loses flavor. Add olive oil for better results.

• Don’t overcrowd: Spread leaves or cubes out so they don’t stick together.

Is It Better to Freeze Basil in Water or Olive Oil?

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

Olive oil is better for basil if you want it to keep its fresh taste. Freezing basil in water can damage cell walls, leading to mushy texture and diminished flavor due to ice crystal formation.

Olive oil keeps the basil's natural oils fresh and makes it easy to use later. It works great with both chopped basil and cubes of basil.

• Longer freshness: For best flavor, use basil-oil cubes within 3–6 months, though they can remain usable up to 9 months with proper storage.

• Better texture: The oil stops freezer burn and keeps the color fresh.

• Ready to cook: Drop a frozen cube right into your pan—no need to thaw.

When to Use Water (If You Must)

It's not the best idea to freeze basil in water, but it can be done, mostly for cooking.

• Only for hot meals: Water-frozen basil should go directly into spaghetti sauce or soups.

• Not for fresh use: Avoid using water-frozen basil in salad dressings or cold meals.

How Do You Keep Basil from Turning Black in the Freezer?

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

If you don't freeze fresh basil the right way, it can turn black. To keep basil fresh, you need to stop it from oxidizing and dry it out. This helps the green color and fresh taste stay while it's being frozen and when it's used later in cooking.

Use Blanching or Oil to Prevent Browning

You can either blanch basil or cover it in olive oil to keep its color. These tips will help your chopped or pureed basil stay fresh in the freezer.

• Blanching process: Dip the fresh leaves into boiling water for just 5–10 seconds, then quickly place them in an ice bath.

• Pat dry: After blanching, use paper towels to fully dry the leaves to prevent ice from forming.

• Use more oil: When freezing pureed basil in an ice tray, add olive oil to help keep the color.

• Prevent air exposure: Store basil in a freezer safe container or zip lock bags to avoid freezer burn.

Store Basil Correctly for Best Results

How you store basil makes a big difference, even after you freeze it. Use containers that don't let air in, and don't stack a lot of them on top of each other.

• Use a ziploc bag: se a vacuum-sealed or well-pressed ziplock bag to reduce air exposure and prevent frost buildup.

• Avoid frozen chunk piles: Don’t freeze a whole bunch of leaves stuck together, spread them out first.

• Label clearly: Always write the date on the plastic bag to track freshness and use it within the year.

What Fullyhealthy Offers for Basil Lovers

Not everyone has time to plant herb gardens or grow basil. Luckily, Fullyhealthy makes it easy to enjoy the taste of basil even when it's not in season. You can use their products to cook, take care of your gut, and more.

Keep Dried Basil Handy in Your Pantry

If you buy basil a lot or run out of fresh herbs, Simply Organic Basil is a great essential to keep in your pantry.

• Easy to store: Comes in a compact bottle and keeps well year round.

• Good for so many dishes: Works well in pasta, soups, or anything with parmesan cheese.

• Simple to use: Just shake the dried basil into your cooking process—no prep needed.

Try Unique Fermented Basil Products

Fullyhealthy also has creative ways to store basil that preserve its flavor and help your gut.

• Basil garlic kraut: Add to your finished dish for a tangy, healthy twist.

• Kraut shots: A new way to enjoy basil, in a probiotic drink.

• Same method, new product: Like preserving your favorite herbs, but ready to go from a jar.

Final Thoughts

If you like freezing herbs and want to have basil all winter long, you need to learn how to do it right. These tips will help you save money, cut down on waste, and always have basil on hand for quick meals, whether you freeze one cube of basil in olive oil or a whole bunch on a cookie sheet.

During the growing season, freezing basil is a smart idea. You can use a large pot to blanch the leaves or mix them with pine nuts for pesto. It's easy to keep the flavor and cut down cooking time. You can use basil in all your favorite dishes, even in the middle of winter.

FAQs

Can you freeze basil with pine nuts and parmesan cheese?

Yes, when making basil pesto, blend with pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and freeze it for later use.

How do I keep frozen basil from turning dark?

To stop it from turn dark, blanch for a few seconds, then dry and freeze properly.

Is it worth growing herbs if I love freezing them?

Yes! Growing herbs at home lets you freeze the extras and save money on store-bought herbs.

Do I need a large pot to blanch basil?

A large pot of boiling water helps you blanch basil evenly during the blanching process.

Can I freeze basil on a cookie sheet before bagging?

Yes, freeze leaves first on a cookie sheet before transferring to bags, it prevents clumping.