Make the most of your summer basil bounty! If you have a surplus of fresh basil plants and worry about them going to waste, here are some fantastic methods to preserve them. With these easy and effective preservation techniques, you can enjoy the just-picked flavor of basil year-round.

Learn Great Ways To Preserve Basil

fresh basil plants
Learn Great Ways To Preserve Basil – Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Read through these great how-to tips for preserving your Thai basil. In fact, there are many different ways to do it, depending on what recipe you plan on making in the future.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

Easy Ways To Preserve Fresh Basil

basil with purple flowers
Easy Ways To Preserve Fresh Basil – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Preserving basil is easy. Below are covered freezing, pesto, preserving in olive oil, and several other ways. Think about the recipes you enjoy making to help you decide which option will be best for you.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Easy Ways To Preserve Fresh Basil

Tips For Freezing Basil

frozen basil in bag
Tips For Freezing Basil – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Basil can be preserved by freezing. Freezing Thai basil is a simple and effective way to preserve it to use in recipes when you can not source fresh. However, note that the flavor may not be as intense as fresh leaves, so you may want to use a slightly larger amount in your recipes.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Tips For Freezing Basil

Olive Oil and Basil Freezer Cubes

basil in ice cubes
Olive Oil and Basil Freezer CubesImage Credit: Canva Pro

To preserve basil in cube form using ice cube trays and olive oil tap on over for the step-by-step instructions.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Olive Oil and Basil Freezer Cubes

Pesto Makes Busy Day Dinners Easy

pesto
Pesto Makes Busy Day Dinners Easy – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Making pesto freezer cubes is a great way to preserve basil.  This way, you can have fresh pesto on hand whenever you need it. Simply make your favorite pesto recipe and then use it to fill up ice cube trays and keep them in the freezer.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

Butter Up Your Basil

basil butter
Butter Up Your Basil – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Basil butter is another excellent way to preserve your Thai basil. This is a wonderful way to add fresh basil taste to a variety of dishes.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

How To Dry Whole Basil Plants The Old Fashioned Way

basil bundles
How To Dry Whole Basil Plants The Old Fashioned Way – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Drying whole  Thai basil plants is a great way to easily preserve them for up to a year if sealed in an air-tight container. To hang large bundles of basil in a dry place to dry. Get the step-by-step instructions.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

How To Make Basil Infused Vinegar

basil vinegar
How To Make Basil Infused Vinegar – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Basil vinegar can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Create a refreshing salad dressing by combining basil vinegar, olive oil, honey, and salt. It can also be used as a marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or beef, adding a delightful twist to your dishes.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

Dehydrator Tips and How-To For Drying Basil

dried basil
Dehydrator Tips and How-To For Drying Basil – Image Credit: Canva Pro

Dried basil leaves will keep for several months and can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh basil. You can also crumble them up and use them as a garnish on salads or pasta dishes.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

How to Keep Basil Fresh Before Preserving

basil farm in Allasio, Italy
How to Keep Basil Fresh Before Preserving – Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

If you have a bundle of fresh herb stems from a Thai basil plant that you would like to keep fresh for a few days before you preserve it, you can do the following. To preserve cut basil in water and maintain their freshness. Tap for all the simple steps.

Get The Full Recipe Instructions: Preserving Basil Hacks

Get More Recipe Ideas

follow intentional hospitality
Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Be sure to follow me by tapping the follow button above this post. Also, if you would like me to email you my favorite recipes and give you fun party ideas, sign up by tapping below.

Join Intentional Hospitality’s Email List