How do you store basil after harvesting?

How do you store basil after harvesting?

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.

What do you do with fresh basil at the end of the season?

In a few weeks, your basil plants will be ready to harvest again. Final Harvest: At the end of the season (before the first frost), cut the stems to the ground and pick off all the leaves. Add the stems to the compost pile, and bring the leaves indoors for an afternoon of cooking and preserving.

How do I preserve basil leaves?

Store the leaves just like you would your salad greens. Pack them loosely into a container, and place them into the fridge. I use my salad spinner to spin dry the leaves, then I store them in the fridge right in that. It works great, and they will stay fresh for a few days.

Can basil be frozen raw?

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.

What can I do with too much basil?

If you enjoy basil as much as I do, you will often find yourself wondering, “What to do with too much basil”….1. Freezing Blanched Basil Leaves

1. Step 1: Prepare The Basil. Remove the basil leaves from the stems and wash them well.
2. Step 2: Blanch It.
3. Step 3: Ice Bath It.
4. Step 4: Freeze It.

Is it better to dry or freeze 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.

What can I do with an abundance of fresh basil?

Here are some other everyday ways to use it:

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!

How do you freeze basil without turning it black?

Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. 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….Tips

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

Can basil be frozen whole?

Freeze leaves whole. You don’t want to cook them. Blanching helps retain basil’s nice green color. Use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove them and place in the cold water for several seconds to cool down and stop the cooking. Remove the leaves from the cold water bath and dry well on paper towel.