Guide To Green Basil: How To Prep, Cook and Store Fresh Basil
Few herbs exude the delightful fragrance and vibrant taste of freshly picked basil during the summer season. This guide will provide all the information you need to prep, store, and cook basil to maximize its flavor and preserve its texture.
How To Select Green Basil
Basil is typically available year-round at supermarkets, but it is in season and most flavorful during the summer months. If you can’t grow herbs at home, you can purchase basil at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.
When purchasing fresh basil, look for bright green basil free of black or brown spots, wilted leaves, or mushy spots. The basil should be fragrant and appear healthy.
It’s best to buy basil plants in your produce section, or basil plant stems with the leaves packaged in a special plastic herb container.
How To Properly Clean Fresh Basil
To clean your basil prior to storage, run the leaves under cool water, removing any visible dirt or debris. If you purchased your basil at the store rather than picking it from your garden, remove any rubber bands, twist ties, or packaging that came with it before you wash it.
You can remove excess moisture by patting it with a paper towel and then letting it dry on a kitchen towel on your counter. Allowing it to dry after washing helps keep it fresh longer.
Storing Fresh Basil
Basil is a delicate herb that will wilt quickly if not properly stored. There are several ways to store basil to preserve its flavor, texture, and life.
“Fresh basil is my secret weapon. I keep it growing year-round and use it in everything from salads to cocktails. It has such a unique and lovely flavor, and it grows so easily indoors or out! Just don’t put it in the fridge — basil doesn’t like the cold!”
— Chef Jenn Allen, CookWhatYouLove.com
The first option is to store basil in a glass. Submerge the base of the basil bunch in a glass half-filled with water. Store the basil leaves on a kitchen counter away from the oven and other sources of heat. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight when using this method. The basil leaves will be kept for four to five days.
The second option is to store basil wrapped in a paper towel inside an airtight container. Wash and dry the basil, wrap it in dry paper towels, add it to the container, and store it in the fridge.
The third option is to dry your basil leaves. You can dehydrate them by placing them on a sheet tray in your oven at the lowest possible temperature or using a food dehydrator. Once the basil is fully dried, store it in an airtight container, such as a jar or glass container with a locking lid.
“When I have more basil than I know I can use, I dehydrate it and store the dried leaves in an airtight jar. If you have a dehydrator, use that. If not, put the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet on the lowest temperature in your oven for two hours. Once the leaves are dried and crumbly, place them in a jar. Make sure to use your home-dried basil within six months for maximum flavor and freshness.”
— Michelle Price, Honest and Truly
Freezing Fresh Basil
Frozen basil is not as fragrant or flavorful as fresh or dried basil. However, it can still add delicious flavor to your meals.
To freeze fresh basil, first chop the basil. Then, fill the individual compartments of an ice cube tray with the chopped basil. Pour enough cold water over top to cover the herbs, and then move the tray to the freezer. For the best flavor, use the frozen basil within four to six months.
Culinary Uses For Fresh Basil
Hardy herbs like rosemary or thyme can withstand higher temperatures and longer cooking times, while delicate herbs like basil are best added to the dishes at the very end of preparation.
“Fresh basil is so versatile and gives a refreshing burst of flavor. You can use it in so many dishes. Of course, there’s pesto, but you can use it to finish salads, pizzas and I like to add chopped basil to an omelet to enhance the flavor. The best thing is that you can grow it in your kitchen and pick it fresh for your dish as and when you need it.”
— Mandy Applegate, Splash of Taste
Wonderful Ways To Cook With Green Basil
Basil is popular in a variety of culinary preparations, including Mediterranean and Asian dishes. In Mediterranean cuisines, sweet basil, also known as Italian basil is used. In Asian cuisines, Thai Basil is more commonly used.
Fresh basil is wonderful as a topping for pizza, fresh pasta, or salads like a caprese salad. Adding fresh basil to marinara and other Italian sauces adds a wonderful depth of flavor. It can also be used in Thai dishes like curries.
To add basil to your dish, you can roughly or finely chop the leaves, tear them, or leave them whole. Chopping the leaves releases more of their essential oils before they are added to the dish. So, for the fullest flavor, tear the leaves by hand or leave them whole.
Gen La Rocca is a professional chef, writer and editor living in Southern California. She is the owner and recipe creator behind Two Cloves Kitchen, a food site featuring contemporary, California-inspired recipes. She has edited over 20 novels, short stories and essays for publication.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.