How to Preserve Fresh Basil Easily With Items You Already Have at Home

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Fresh basil doesn't last long, but if you do it right, you can keep it fresh for months. Want to keep fresh basil for a long time without losing its color or taste?

You could freeze it, dry it, put it in oil, or make pesto to use it later. Each way works for various reasons. We'll show you how to keep your basil tasting like it did in the garden all year in this guide.

🍝 Love Italian Flavors? Make Basil the Star with Simply Organic Seasoning!

How to Preserve Fresh Basil?

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If you store basil the right way, you can enjoy its fresh taste for months. If you know how to freeze, dry, or store basil, you can use it in spaghetti sauce or mix it with other herbs. This will save you time and money. Simple things that keep air out, like freezer bags, ice cube trays, and containers, make a big difference.

Freeze Basil in Oil or Water Using Ice Cube Trays

One of the best ways to keep the flavor of freezing fresh basil right away. You can use it to cook things that don't need whole leaves.

• Prep the Basil Leaves: Wash gently, then dry completely with paper towels to stop ice from forming.

• Blend with Liquid: In a food processor, mix basil with a little olive oil or water. Use just basil if you want a plain cube.

• Freeze in Trays: Spoon the mix into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

• Store for Later Use: Move the frozen basil cubes to freezer bags or airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.

Make and Freeze Homemade Pesto for Easy Meals

Making pesto with frozen basil is a tasty and clever option if you frequently prepare Italian dishes.

• Make Your Pesto: Blend basil, olive oil, garlic, and other herbs or nuts in a food processor.

• Portion Into Trays or Jars: Fill an ice cube tray or small mason jars with the pesto.

• Seal with Olive Oil: Add a thin layer of oil on top to protect from air and freezer burn.

Should Fresh Basil Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

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It's not good for fresh herbs like basil to be in cold places. Basil doesn't like it when it's cold because it is a tender herb. It quickly withers when chilled and loses its bright color and pleasant smell.

Why Cold Temperatures Cause Basil to Oxidize

Although putting basil in the fridge might seem like a good idea, it makes it go bad faster. While freezing preserves basil for longer, refrigeration under controlled conditions (12–15°C, high humidity) is preferable for short-term use, especially when texture matters.

• Damage from Cold: Basil’s soft cells break down in the cold, making the leaves mushy.

• Turns Brown Fast: The cold air and moisture lead to oxidation, causing dark spots.

• Shorter Shelf Life: Refrigerated basil usually spoils within a few days.

Use the “Bouquet Method” for Room Temperature Storage

This method works best in a cool room (<22°C). In warmer environments, basil may wilt or grow mold faster even when placed in water.

• Trim the Stems: Cut the bottoms of the stems to help them absorb water.

• Place in Water: Stand the basil in a jar or glass like fresh flowers.

• Cover Lightly: Drape a plastic bag loosely over the top to trap moisture.

• Change Water Daily: Helps prevent mold and keeps basil looking fresh.

What Is the Best Way to Dry Fresh Basil Leaves?

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A great way to make your own dried basil at home is to dry it. If you want to save basil for later use in sauces or spice blends, this is the best way to do it.

Oven Drying Offers Fast, Reliable Results

For quick drying of basil, the oven works well if you don't have a dehydrator.

• Preheat the Oven: Set to 250°F for slow and safe drying.

• Prep the Leaves: Wash, dry with paper towels, and lay them on parchment paper.

• Bake Until Crisp: Check every 15 minutes after the first 30; they’re done when they crumble easily.

• Store Properly: Keep in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Try a Dehydrator for Consistent Flavor and Texture

Basil that has been dried in a dehydrator stays fresh longer and dries more evenly.

• Lay on Dehydrator Tray: Space out the leaves in one layer.

• Set to Low Heat: Dry at 95°F for 2 to 4 hours, depending on humidity.

• Check for Crispness: Basil should break easily when ready.

• Transfer to Jars: Use airtight containers to store your dried basil long term.

How Do You Store Fresh Basil So It Doesn’t Turn Brown?

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If you don't handle fresh basil right, it turns brown very quickly. You can keep your basil looking and tasting fresh longer if you store it the right way, even in the warmer months.

Use the Right Prep Method

Basil goes bad faster when it gets wet. It's important to dry and store it the right way.

• Don’t Pre-Wash: Only wash basil when you're ready to use it.

• Leave Stems On: Keeping the leaves attached helps them stay fresh.

• Dry Gently: Use paper towels to pat basil dry, avoid sealing wet herbs.

Blanch and Freeze for Longer Storage

This is a great way and great tip to keep whole basil leaves for later use in cooking.

• Boil First: Briefly place basil in boiling water for 15 seconds.

• Cool Quickly: Move leaves to an ice bath right after blanching.

• Freeze Flat: Spread on a cookie sheet and freeze, then transfer to airtight freezer bags.

What Can FullyHealthy Do for Basil Lovers?

With FullyHealthy, you can enjoy the taste of basil all year round without having to grow it or store it yourself. Their basil-based goods are ready to use and taste great. There's something for every kitchen, whether you need a quick topping, a quick spice boost, or a drink that's good for your gut.

Pickled Basil Products With Big Flavor

In these fermented options, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and garlic are mixed with other healthy ingredients to make products that are great for any time of all year.

• Basil Garlic Sauerkraut: Made with cabbage, garlic, basil, and salt, tastes great with pasta, salad, or served on bread.

• Basil Garlic Kraut Shots: A probiotic-rich tonic made from kraut brine, ideal for gut health during both summer and winter.

• Quick to Use: No need to boil, chop, or season, just open the jar or bottle and enjoy.

Simply Organic Basil for Easy Seasoning

Dried basil works just as well as fresh basil if you can't find it. It's great for soups, pasta, and seasoning blends.

• The Finished Product: Simply Organic basil is dried and ready to use, offering strong flavor and high required recipe ratings.

• Perfect for Cooking: Works well in sauces, stews, or any recipe that doesn’t need fresh whole basil leaves.

• Blends Well: Combine with mint, rosemary, or cilantro to create custom herb mixes for any dish.

Final Thoughts

You now know how to freeze, dry, and pickle fresh basil to keep it fresh for a long time. With these tips, you can enjoy this tasty herb all year long, whether you like it in pesto, on pasta, or mixed with sage and mint.

Basil is a wonderful herb to have in the kitchen. It can be used to make a fresh puree or a dried seasoning blend. Find a way that works for you, and if you post a comment about it, you can help other people.

FAQs

Can I preserve basil as a puree in a pot?

Yes, you can puree basil and olive oil, then store it in a jar or freeze it in a pot for later use.

What’s a delicious way to drizzle basil on food?

Make basil oil and drizzle it over pasta, soup, or salad, it's a delicious and wonderful way to use fresh herbs.

Can I mix basil with sage and still preserve it?

Yes, basil works well with sage, mint, and parsley when freezing or drying as a herb blend.

What’s the best treat using preserved basil?

A frozen basil treat like pesto cubes is perfect to melt into hot pasta or on toast.

Do you prefer basil frozen or dried?

I prefer frozen basil for stronger flavor, but comment something if dried basil works better for you.