Basil is extremely fragile due to its tender stem and leaf structure and high moisture material. In turn, you might find yourself repeatedly buying the herb, only to have it rapidly wilt and lose flavor.

With that in mind, proper storage is essential for getting the most out of your basil and avoiding waste. Keep reading for specialist guidance on how to store basil, the very best way to package it for storage, and ideas for extending its service life..

Picking Fresh Basil.

When searching for basil at the supermarket or farmer’s market, “try to find lively, green leaves without acnes or dark spots,” recommends Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food expert and the author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. Ensure the leaves are smooth and entire. Fresh basil should likewise give off a strong yet pleasant organic smell with some hot citrus notes, according to the specialists at Purdue University.1.

The Right Temperature and Humidity for Storing Basil.

According to Le, basil is a tropical herb and is extremely susceptible to cold temperature levels. When basil is exposed to cooler temperatures, these oils and fats cause damage to the leaf tissues.

Rather, basil is finest kept on the counter at space temperature level in between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with 55 degrees Fahrenheit being the optimal storage temperature, notes Le.

Basil also thrives in 90 to 95 percent relative humidity storage, Le adds. You can increase the humidity in the air surrounding the herbs by keeping stems in water– or by loosely covering basil with a non-sealed covering, per specialists at Rutgers University.2.

Stop storing basil in the fridge! Cooler temperature levels triggers cellular damage to the leaves, shortening the herb’s service life. Rather, store basil on the counter.

How to Prepare Basil for Storage.

There are a number of ways to prepare and pack basil for storage.

One technique is to “put it in a container and place a dry towel on the bottom and a slightly moist towel on top,” says David Benstock, executive chef and owner of IL Ritorno in St. Petersburg, Fla
. Another option is to wrap the basil in a moist paper towel and put it in a plastic bag, as suggested by the professionals at Purdue University.1.
If the basil has stems, trim completions and place them in a glass container with a few inches of water (like a flower bouquet); then put a plastic bag on top. Make sure to change the water every day to keep the basil fresh. According to Le, this technique “helps keep the leaves and stems turgid, avoiding them from wilting and becoming damaged gradually.”.

Can You Freeze Basil?

Basil is prone to cold damage, it’s possible to freeze it for long-term storage by making herb cubes. To do this, combine a neutral oil with chopped basil (and any other of your go-to herbs) and move the mix into ice trays. This method will maintain the color and taste of the herbs while letting you enjoy them for longer.

If you wish to freeze specific leaves, make sure to blanch them initially. “Bring a small pot of water to a boil and salt it kindly. The salt will make the basil intense green since it brings out the chlorophyll pigments,” states Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based cooking arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. “Place [the] basil in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds, drain, and cool in an ice bath.”.

You can then squeeze out the excess water and freeze them individually on a flat pan (or slice the leaves) prior to putting them in an airtight container, where they’ll keep for about 3 months. Take note: Freezing will expand the herb’s cell walls, causing it to end up being limp and wilted after thawing. That said, this technique works best if you plan to use the frozen basil in prepared dishes (like soups or stews) instead of as a garnish.

Tips and Techniques to Extend Basil Shelf Life.

The exact service life of basil depends upon its freshness upon acquiring. In general, when saved correctly, it will last about one to 3 days, states Roszkowski. Follow these tricks to maximize this timeline:.

To get one of the most of your basil, prevent cleaning the herb up until you’re prepared to utilize it. Remember, the herb is already high in wetness, so the additional action can promote wilting.
It’s a great idea to examine the basil every day (or nearly every day) and get rid of pieces that have actually browned or wilted, as this can infect neighboring sprigs, states Roszkowski..
If possible, purchase basil that was grown hydroponically, suggests Roszkowski.

The Takeaway: Store Basil on the Counter.

For the finest outcomes, basil must be saved on the counter top at space temperature level. When saved effectively, basil will stay fresh about three days, if not somewhat longer.