How do you dry and store fresh basil?

How do you dry and store fresh 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.

What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?

Remove basil leaves from the stem and toss them in a pot with boiling water for 3-5 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer the leaves to a bowl of ice cold water. Dry the leaves completely and store basil leaves in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.

Is it better to dry or freeze 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. To freeze your basil, pull leaves from stems.

Can you air dry fresh basil?

Using a dehydrator or the microwave to dry your basil may provide more consistent results. Freezing or making pesto are other sure fire ways to preserve your basil. That said, it is not impossible to air dry basil by hanging it.

Do you wash basil before drying?

Before you put your basil in the oven, you’ll need to prepare the leaves quickly before doing so. The most important thing to do is to wash your basil leaves properly and dry them thoroughly. You want to wash the leaves so that all of the bacteria is removed, and dry them so that the leaves don’t cook in the oven.

How long does dried basil last?

about 2 to 3 years
Properly stored, dried basil leaves will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of dried basil leaves purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.

What do I do with all my fresh basil?

How to Use Basil

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

How do you store fresh cut basil?

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.

What can I do with too much fresh basil?

What to Do With Too Much Basil

1. Make pesto. Making pesto may be the most obvious answer, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the power of such a vibrant homemade condiment.
2. Make cocktails. Know what else basil goes great with?
3. Use it in a rehydrating salad.
4. Save it.
5. Root it.
6. Try These Basil Recipes.

How do you dry basil naturally?

Hang the drying basil in a dimly lit to dark room with low humidity and warm temperatures. The bag will catch dry bits of the leaves as they fall off. You can also dry basil in a food dehydrator. Lay each leaf in a single layer on the racks and allow them to dry in the machine until completely crisp.

Why do you need to dry basil leaves?

The leaves have high moisture content and need to dry quickly to prevent molding. Air has to circulate freely around both sides of the leaf for the fastest drying. Drying fresh basil is an easy way to preserve the fresh lemony-anise to spicy-pepper flavor of the herb.

Can You air dry Basil in the oven?

Yes! Basil can absolutely be air dried using a screen or herb drying hanger. (I like to use an upside down tomato cage.) Air drying basil should be done in a warm, dry place and will take a week or more depending on the conditions in the room.

Which is stronger fresh basil or dried basil?

Dried herbs are generally three to four times stronger than the fresh herb. The leaves have high moisture content and need to dry quickly to prevent molding. Air has to circulate freely around both sides of the leaf for the fastest drying. Drying fresh basil is an easy way to preserve the fresh lemony-anise to spicy-pepper flavor of the herb.

How long will dried basil last in the fridge?

Dried basil, when stored properly, will last 1 to 2 years, if it makes it that long. This is why using a clean, dry jar is so important. Any moisture in the container the dried basil is stored in could affect its longevity. The delicious flavor of dried basil is perfect for soups and marinara sauce, so it may get used up pretty quickly!