To dry basil so it doesn’t turn brown, use the lowest temperature setting on your dehydrator, and ensure you never overcook it in the microwave or oven.
How do you dry basil and keep it green?
The best way to do this is to wash the basil leaves, dry them with a towel, and then tie them up using their stems. Then, hang them in a cool, dry place (ideally high in your kitchen). It’ll take 4 to 5 weeks to fully air-dry though!
How do you dry herbs without them turning brown?
Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air. Leave the herbs in a well ventilated area until the moisture evaporates. Sun drying is not recommended because the herbs can lose flavor and color.
Why does dried basil turn black?
It is true that basil can easily turn black. We find that this happens mostly with the larger leaf varieties, and when the drying conditions are not ideal – for example in cold and damp conditions. There are two solutions. Try cutting the leaves into smaller pieces before drying.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. Seal and store for one to two weeks.
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.
Do you wash basil before drying?
Do You Wash Basil Before Drying? Yes! Simply fill a sink with cool water and gently swish stems around to clean them. Lay them out, single layer, on a towel or hang to dry.
Why did my dried basil turn brown?
The reason for basil leaves turning brown, wilting and dying is because of dry soil due to underwatering, excess sun or wind, high temperatures or small pots that dry out too quickly.
Why does dried basil turn brown?
It shouldn’t hurt you, but it has been burned by overheating during the drying process. If you dry you herbs slowly, preferably with natural air-circulation, they shouldn’t go brown – they should retain a lot of their original colour and flavour.
Why are my dried herbs turning brown?
The biggest problem with dried herbs is that they’re usually ugly and brown. That’s because as they age, enzymes inside the leaves break down the chlorophyll. But this chemical terminator can be stopped with a quick dip in boiling water.
Can you still use basil after it turns brown?
I would not recommend consuming basil that has turned brown/black, especially if it is “slimy” to the touch. Even though a few brown spots are probably safe, it will be bitter and, well, slimy. Throw it away – and consider using some of the storage methods discussed in the link above.
Can I use basil that has turned black?
Originally Answered: Cooking: Is it okay to use basil leaves that have turned black for a pesto sauce? No—they will have a bitter taste.
Is it OK to eat basil with black spots?
As long as the leaves are not diseased or sprayed with any pesticides, basil with brown spots is perfectly safe to eat.
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.
How do you preserve fresh basil for later use?
Directions:
- Remove fresh basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely.
- Use a food processor to puree the basil leaves with olive oil.
- 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.
How long will basil keep in olive oil?
2 months
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.
How do you freeze basil without turning it black?
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.
Tips
- Basil tends to turn black when it’s frozen.
- Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen.
How do you store 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 freeze fresh basil for later use?
Simply chop leaves, stuff them into ice cube trays, cover with cold water, and freeze. The frozen basil bits will turn black as soon as they thaw, but they will still taste like basil. Frozen basil cigars are a great way to store basil with large leaves that can hold up to brief blanching.
How long does it take to air dry basil?
Air-drying basil is a really simple and easy way to preserve this yummy herb. The main requirement is time – it takes about 4 weeks for basil to dry properly.
Should I chop or tear basil?
Tearing basil with your hands (as opposed to using a knife) helps slow the process, as tearing tends to keep more of the cell walls intact than cutting does. But either way, the basil will indeed discolor over time, so your best bet would be to make sure that you chop or tear basil immediately before using it.