Basil can be preserved by drying or freezing. To dry the herb, cut stems 6 to 8 inches above ground when plant starts to flower. Hang upside down in warm, dry, dark room, or dry individual leaves on cheesecloth or netting screens. When dry, leaves crumble easily and can be stored whole or crushed in airtight containers. To freeze basil, wash the leaves, pack in ice cube trays and fill with water. When frozen, remove cubes and store in plastic bags. Defrost in a strainer and use as fresh.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reach
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
Can fresh basil be preserved for use during the winter?
Last Updated: November 30, 2011
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
