Basil, with its sweet, peppery flavor and hints of clove and mint, is a versatile herb that enhances vegetarian dishes, adding fresh, aromatic depth to everything from pastas and salads to soups and pesto.
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How to Prep and Store Basil for Maximum Freshness
- Harvest Fresh Leaves: Always pick basil just before use for the freshest flavor. However, if you need to store it, follow the tips below.
- Avoid Washing Until Use: Excess moisture can lead to faster spoilage. If you must wash, pat the leaves completely dry with a clean paper towel.
- Room Temperature Storage:
- Place the basil stems in a glass of water like a bouquet.
- Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Store it at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Basil thrives in warmth and doesn’t like refrigeration.
- Refrigerator Storage:
- Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel, place them in a loosely sealed plastic bag or airtight container, and store them in the vegetable crisper.
- Be aware this method may darken the leaves slightly over time.
- Freezing:
- Chop or puree the leaves and mix them with a small amount of olive oil. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays.
- Alternatively, you can freeze whole leaves by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds, cooling them in an ice bath, drying them thoroughly, and storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How to Pick Basil from a Plant to Encourage Re-Growth
- Identify Mature Stems:
- Look for stems that have at least three sets of leaves.
- Avoid picking from stems with very young growth unless necessary, as these are still developing.
- Pinch Above a Node:
- Use your fingers or sharp scissors to cut just above a pair of leaves (called a node).
- This action will encourage the plant to branch out and grow more leaves.
- Avoid Harvesting More Than ⅓ of the Plant:
- Taking too many leaves at once can weaken the plant. Aim to leave enough foliage for continued photosynthesis.
- Remove Flower Buds Promptly:
- If you see small flowers forming, pinch them off immediately. Flowering signals the plant to stop producing leaves and can make the leaves bitter.
- Consistent Harvesting:
- Regularly picking basil encourages healthy, bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody.
