How To Freeze Basil

How to freeze basil

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 I freeze whole basil leaves?

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 is the best way to preserve basil?

Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for two to four hours, or until dry and crumbly. Allow the basil to cool completely, crumble, and store in an airtight container for up to a year.

Is it better to freeze or dry basil?

Is your garden overflowing with 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.

Is it better to freeze basil in water or oil?

Chop and Freeze 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.

Can I freeze fresh basil 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 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 will frozen basil last?

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 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.

How do you preserve fresh 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.

Can you keep basil alive forever?

Depending on the climate conditions, its life cycle lasts 6 to 8 months. However, in USA climate zones 10 and 11, this plant can be grown as a perennial outside in the garden. In other areas, the only way to keep the plant for more than one season is to grow it indoors in pots protected from low temperatures.

Why should basil not be refrigerated?

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.

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 do you store fresh basil long term?

Follow these simple steps for the best way to store your fresh basil leaves:

1. Trim the Basil Stems.
2. Put the Basil in a Jar or Glass Vase with Water. ...
3. Cover with a Plastic Bag. ...
4. Store Basil Jar at Room Temperature. ...
5. Trim the Stems and Replace the Water Occasionally.

Can you vacuum pack and freeze basil?

Vacuum sealing is one of the best ways to store tender leafy herbs. Blanched herbs should be frozen to stay fresh for even longer.

How do you preserve fresh basil for the future?

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.

Can I freeze basil in ice cube trays?

Place herbs in an ice cube tray, silicone ones work best. Fill each well with water, just enough to completely cover the herbs. Press the herbs into the water so they are fully submerged. FREEZE.

Can fresh basil be preserved 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 is the best way to freeze herbs?

Remove stems and loosely fill a Ziploc bag with the leaves. Tightly compress the leaves into the bottom of the bag, seal and roll the bag around the bundled herbs. Secure with rubber bands or twine and place in the freezer. Rolled herbs can then be sliced as needed for use in recipes.

How do you use frozen basil leaves?

When you need them, defrost or not — it's up to you. It's easier to get out of the bag if you don't defrost first. Just take the frozen basil/oil mixture out of the bag and drop it in your pasta sauce or whatever you are cooking. It will add amazing flavor to your recipe.

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