Storing basil is very easy, and a great way to utilize an overabundance from your garden! There are several ways you can preserve basil for later use. In this post, I will walk you through each method in detail.
Basil is such a great crop in the summer, but you can also store it for the winter. With the right methods, you can keep that fresh flavor to enjoy all year long.
There are plenty of easy ways to store basil for the short or long term that don’t require any fancy equipment or planning.
Over the years I’ve experimented to find all the best methods to preserve basil and store it for later use. Now I want to share them with you.
How Long Does Basil Last?
When properly stored, fresh basil can last up to 10 days. However, when you preserve it, you can keep it for much longer.
Even though well preserved basil doesn’t really go bad, it will start to lose its flavor over time. So, no matter which method you use to store it for the long term, it’s best to use it up within one year.
Related Post: How To Preserve Herbs Fresh From The Garden: 9 Best Ways
How To Keep Basil Fresh
Basil does not store very well for the short term. So, it’s best to use it up within a few days. There are a couple of methods you can use to keep it fresh as long as possible.
But whatever you do, do NOT wash it before storing fresh. If you have already washed it, make sure to completely dry the leaves as quickly as you can, or they will start turning brown.
How To Store Fresh Basil Leaves In The Fridge
If you want to keep basil in the fridge, make sure the leaves are completely dry before storing it. Wet leaves will turn brown very quickly.
Also, do not wrap them in plastic, because the condensation will cause them to turn brown, black, or get spots on them.
Store the leaves just like you would your salad greens. Pack them loosely into a container, and place them into the fridge.
I use my salad spinner to spin dry the leaves, then I store them in the fridge right in that. It works great, and they will stay fresh for a few days. An herb keeper also works very well.
But honestly, putting basil into the refrigerator is the worst way to store it. So, if you want to keep it for longer than a few days, put it on the counter in a vase of water.
Related Post: How & When To Harvest Basil Leaves
Storing Basil In Water
The best way to store basil for the short term is to put the stems into a vase of water, and keep it at room temperature.
First, remove the lower leaves, and use those up first. If any of the leaves are touching the water, they will quickly turn black.
Leave it uncovered, and place it in a spot where it will get bright, indirect light, but keep it away from heat.
Then simply treat it like you would a flower bouquet. Change the water every few days, and snip off the bottom of the stems as they get slimy.
Related Post: How To Grow Basil: The Ultimate Guide
Preserving & Storing Fresh Basil
If you aren’t going to eat up your basil within a couple of days, then you need to use one of the methods below for storing it long term.
How To Dry Basil
One of the most popular ways to preserve basil is to dry it. You can use a dehydrator, warm oven, microwave, or lay them out on an herb drying rack. Then crush or grind them, and fill a spice jar for your pantry.
I use my mini food processor to crush the leaves for my spice rack, but you could use an herb grinder instead.
Like I said earlier, the dried leaves don’t retain their flavor as well as they do when you freeze them. But it still adds a nice flavor and aroma to your favorite dishes. Plus, it keeps my spice rack full!
Learn about all the ways you can dry it, with step by step instructions here.
How To Freeze Basil
The easiest way to store basil for the long term is to freeze it. You don’t even have to chop them up first.
Once frozen, they become very brittle, and you can crush them up really easily right in the baggie if you want.
Basil freezes very well, and it doesn’t take much prep time either. All you need to do is put the leaves into storage bags, and pop them into the freezer.
Again, it’s best to make sure your basil isn’t wet before preserving it this way (or you might end up with one giant popsicle).
You could also flash freeze individual leaves on a cookie sheet for 10-20 minutes before putting them into the baggie. That way they won’t stick together at all.
But if you do want popsicles, you can use an herb freezer tray or mini ice cube trays to preserve them. Just remember that anything in ice water needs to be well sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Learn more about how to freeze herbs from your garden here.
Make Pesto
You could also make a batch of homemade basil pesto, and freeze that for later use in your recipes. Simply put all your favorite ingredients into a food processor, and mix until smooth.
Pesto stores just as well as the leaves do, and you can use the herb trays or a mini ice tray to keep pesto in perfect portions for cooking.
Related Post: How To Prune Basil For Larger Yields
Preserving Basil In Oil
Preserving basil in oil is also a great way to store it for later. I prefer to use an ice cube tray for this, because I can measure out the exact amount I need in my favorite recipes.
Simply chop up the leaves, and fill your trays. Then, pour olive oil over the top to cover the leaves, and put the trays into the freezer.
Once they’re completely solid, pop them out of the trays, and store them in a freezer safe baggie.
Related Post: How To Grow Basil From Seed: Complete Guide
FAQs About Storing Basil
Still have a few questions that need to be answered? Here are a few common ones about storing basil. If you can’t find an answer to your question here, ask it in the comments below.
Does stored basil expire?
Fresh basil doesn’t expire per-say, but it will start to rot or mold if you don’t preserve it. If well preserved, it will last for a long time.
But it’s best to use stored basil within a few months, and replenish your stash with a new batch from your garden every year.
Is it better to dry or freeze basil?
There are pros and cons to both methods, so it really comes down to personal choice. Frozen basil keeps its flavor better than dried.
However, it takes up precious freezer space. I personally like to do both, so that I have some on hand whenever I need it.
With so many options, storing basil for winter use is well worth the effort. Trust me, you’ll want to savor that amazing flavor, because there’s nothing else like it. By preserving basil, you can bring a bit of your summer garden into the coldest part of the year.
More About Food Preservation
- How To Preserve & Store Fresh Parsley
- How To Preserve & Store Peppers Long Term
- How To Dry Oregano At Home In 4 Different Ways
- How To Store Apples For The Short & Long Term
- How To Store Aloe Vera (Leaves Or Gel)
Tell us your favorite way to store basil for long term use in the comments below.
Jan says
I harvested my basil and washed it in antipation of processing it, but life intervened. Now I have brown soggy basil. Can I save it or is it beyond hope? Thank you very much! good gardening
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awe bummer, brown soggy basil isn’t going to be good to eat anymore.
Debbie Conley says
I have a few plants but when I harvest there’s only a small amount. How can I save them till I have enough to make pesto and then freeze? Any help is appreciated!
Amy Andrychowicz says
It sounds like you need to prune your basil to get higher yields. Here’s how… How To Prune Basil For Maximum Production. I have heard of people making pesto from frozen basil leaves, but haven’t tried it myself. If you’re brave enough to try, I would freeze the basil leaves, and then try it out once you have enough. If you do, let me know how it goes! (BTW, here’s my easy basil pesto recipe if you don’t already have one.)
Mary Antaya says
Have a basil plant in the house and it is growing really tall. if I take leaves off do I take the leaves from the top how do I stop it from growing up out of control.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you can harvest the tops of your basil plants to keep them growing more compact, rather than getting taller. Here’s a post about how to grow basil for more details.
Joni Gross says
Kinda silly question, just harvested my basil leaves, is it necessary I wash them before I freeze them in plastic ziplock bags. I was going to break some off when frozen and then wash before I use it. Have tons of leaves, afraid they might not dry totally maybe get mold
Amy Andrychowicz says
You don’t need to wash basil leaves before you freeze them, but when they thaw they’ll be mushy, so it won’t be possible to wash them then. They don’t have to be completely dry in order to freeze them. To keep them from sticking together in one big block, you can flash freeze them before putting them into the baggies. Here’s a post that may help… How To Freeze Herbs From The Garden. No worries about the basil leaves molding either, they definitely won’t mold when they’re frozen.
Michelle says
I have a basil in a planter that I purchased at one of our Farmer’s Markets. I love the way it smells and I will be harvesting the first set of leaves this week. Thank you Amy for explaining the ins and outs of doing this harvest!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Enjoy your fresh basil harvest. 🙂
Glenda says
Basil leaves can also be dehydrated by very shor times in microwave. You do have to watch closely, but it is so much quicker and retains the brightness mostly.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great, thanks for sharing your tip for drying basil leaves.
anne says
Thanks for the great article! Do you know how long basil can be kept at room temperature after you harvest it? I would love to pick some in the morning, travel (via air) across the country, then put it in a refrigerator until we’re ready to make some pesto at our destination. I’m guessing it will be a maximum of 8 hours between harvest and refrigeration. Do you know if this will work? Thanks!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I’m afraid that your basil leaves probably won’t last that long without refrigeration after harvesting them. They will wilt and likely turn brown before you get to your destination. Instead, you could try taking stem cuttings and putting them in water, like a flowers in a vase, and transporting them that way. Just be sure to keep them out of the heat or sun while transporting them. Good luck!
Leslie says
Anne,
You should take some basil seeds with you or purchase basil seeds from your nearest store. Basil will grow in a planter or in your yard. It’s the easiest thing to grow and you will have endless basil as well as seeds when it begins to grow it’s seed pods. I love this plant and I now grow it and collect it seeds to grow every spring.
Cyndee says
Layer the stems and damp paper towels in a sealable container. I have tranported them 9 hours. They are still fresh in the fridge!
I LOVE CAPRIESE.!