Freezing Basil

Of course it's super easy:

Wash & dry basil leaves.
Lay out on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
Freeze until firm, 12-24 hours.
Transfer leaves to a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible.

Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?
Can you freeze fresh basil leaves?
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Should you wash basil before you freeze it?
How do you freeze basil without turning it black?
What can I do with lots of fresh basil?
What temperature will kill basil?
How long will Basil keep in olive oil?
Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?
How do you dry and store basil?
Can you freeze basil butter?

Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?

You can simply freeze the whole basil leaves or chop them and store them in a container or freezer bag, but keep in mind that they might shrink a little. You can also try blanching them: Remove basil leaves from the stem and toss them in a pot with boiling water for 3-5 seconds.

Can you freeze fresh 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.

What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?

When the leaves are completely dry, place them on a cookie sheet, again single layer and place in the freezer for about two hours. Once they are frozen, place the leaves in a freezer safe container or bag.

Should you wash basil before you freeze it?

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. ... You can also freeze leaves whole and keep them for up to a year.

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. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed.

What can I do with lots of fresh basil?

How to Use Basil

Top whole leaves onto pizza.
Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
Blend it into sauces.
Puree it into soups.
Chop it up to add to a salad.
Use it to garnish avocado toast.
Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

What temperature will kill basil?

Basil plants are sensitive to frost, and any prolonged exposure to subfreezing temperature can kill the plant. But even temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can stunt the plant's growth and might damage leaves.

How long will Basil keep in olive oil?

Other Useful Tips for How to Store Basil

It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.

Is it better to freeze or dry fresh basil?

Fresh basil is one of the tastiest and most useful herbs, but it doesn't keep its color and flavor well when dried. Fortunately, there are other, better ways to preserve it, including freezing. However, if you stick a bunch of fresh basil into the freezer, it will be discolored and mushy when it thaws.

How do you dry and store basil?

Dry: Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly. Crumble & store: Remove the basil from the oven and cool.

Can you freeze basil butter?

Basil butter will keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you are storing it in the freezer, pop the rolled log of butter wrapped in baking paper into a freezer bag and get rid of the excess air. Preserve fresh basil by making basil butter.