Basil actually likes to be “pruned” and will grow back even bushier when cut.
- Wash basil by gently swishing in a bowl of running water.
- Dry basil by laying it out on a clean towel for an hour or more to remove surface moisture.
- Gather 4-5 stems of basil and tie together with kitchen string.
Should basil be washed before drying?
Rinse the basil with cool water, but make sure to remove excess water. I typically just pat them dry with a clean towel. Any moisture leftover will cook your basil, instead of drying it.
What is the best way to wash fresh basil?
To avoid getting sick from your herbs, wash them properly. The best way to do this is to dunk the herbs in a bowl or salad spinner full of of cold water. Dump the water and repeat this step a few times, swishing the herbs around in the bowl, especially if the herbs are caked with a lot of dirt.
How do you dry basil quickly?
Microwave on High in three bursts: Place the basil leaves on a plate between two towels. Cook for 45 seconds, then 30 seconds, then 30 seconds again. The basil leaves should look shriveled and be mostly dry. All microwaves are different, so do a few more 10 second bursts as necessary to dry it out.
Why does basil turn black after washing?
One of the most common culprits for causing black spots on basil is a condition called downy mildew. Left unchecked, downy mildew can encourage one bacterial leaf spot on your plants. Even one leaf infected with this bacterial disease can quickly spread and kill all of your healthy plants.
Is it better to dry or freeze 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.
How do you dry basil naturally?
Place the individual basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. At a minimum, it will take an hour and half for the basil to dry in the oven. Check on the leaves regularly—they’re done when the basil crumbles easily between your fingers.
Do you need to wash herbs before drying?
Should you wash your herbs before drying? Some people prefer not to wash their herbs before drying because that could add moisture and cause spoilage. Others definitely wash to remove soil and other debris. I will only wash herbs that I plan to use for cooking.
How long does homemade dried basil last?
Store dried basil in jar for storage. I like to reuse spice jars I get from the store. If properly stored dried basil will last 1-2 years.
How long does dried basil last?
Dried herbs typically last 1–3 years. Examples include: basil.
How long does dried basil stay fresh?
2-3 years
Dried ground herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano last for 2-3 years. If they are dried and stored in their natural, whole form (e.g., basil or bay leaves), then they should last a little longer, about 3-4 years. Most seeds like anise seeds have a shelf life of 4 years.
Can unwashed basil make you sick?
Eating fresh herbs that have been contaminated with harmful bacteria can make you sick. Contaminated herbs have been linked to incidents of food poisoning caused by Cyclospora and E. Coli.
Is it OK to use fresh basil with black spots?
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. Save this answer.
Should basil be refrigerated?
To keep basil fresh, trim the stems and place them in a glass or jar of water, just like cut flowers. Loosely cover it with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter. Although certain herbs, such as parsley and cilantro or coriander, can be stored this way in the fridge, basil does better at room temperature.
What can I do with large amounts of 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 a large amount of basil?
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.
Do you wash fresh basil before freezing?
Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable. The basil will be suitable for adding to soups, stews and sauces. But you won’t be able to, say, garnish a dish with a fresh-looking basil leaf. When preparing any fresh herb for long-term storage, it’s best to rinse and dry it well first.
Is dry basil better than fresh?
Herbs like dill, parsley, and basil lose or change flavor when dried. Parsley, when dried, loses all of the fresh flavor that makes it worthwhile as an herb. Dehydrated basil, on the other hand, tastes more like mint than fresh basil — a flavor that won’t complement your pasta dish very well.
Is it worth drying basil?
Reasons To Dry Basil
Drying is a simple and cheap way to preserve herbs for a really long time (a year, sometimes longer) and done right it helps preserve the aroma, the flavor and the nutrients that have many health benefits and make herbs a great flavorful addition to all types of dishes.
Why hang herbs upside down to dry?
One of the oldest methods of preservation is simply to tie the herbs or flowers into bundles, and hang them upside down to dry. This way, the plant juices can flow to the brightest, tastiest parts of the plant via gravity.
Can you just hang herbs to dry?
Less Tender Herbs — The more sturdy herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, summer savory and parsley are the easiest to dry without a dehydrator. Tie them into small bundles and hang them to air dry. Air drying outdoors is often possible; however, better color and flavor retention usually results from drying indoors.