There are several different ways to store fresh basil. We've read about placing cut basil in a plastic bag with damp paper towels and stashing it in the fridge. We're heard about chopping the leaves into bits and putting them in ice cube trays, then freezing for later use. But our personal favorite is this:
Snip off the ends of the stems, as you would fresh flowers
Fill a jar or glass with cool water and push in stems
Fit a plastic bag loosely over basil
Store on counter at room temperature. (Storing in the refrigerator can turn leaves brown more quickly.)
That's it. With this storage method, your fresh basil should be good for 1 to 2 weeks.
Doesn't even need the bag if stored out of direct sunlight. Choose basil with flowers on and place in a pretty jug or vase so it makes a lovely display. Freezing, drying or layering basil leaves changes the flavour, so standing in water is a good solution for medium term storage.
Posted by: Altissima | March 24, 2010 at 05:50 PM
I agree, frozen basil does not taste like fresh basil to me.
Posted by: All Adither | March 24, 2010 at 05:59 PM
oh, great trick! i've always gone with the ziploc + damp paper towel method, but the leaves always went limp. i'll give this a shot. thanks!
Posted by: carolyn | March 24, 2010 at 06:45 PM
That's good to know! With warmer weather coming up, I'll be planting my herb garden soon and I always plant at least a row of basil. This way I can keep some in the house and I don't have to go outside everytime.
Posted by: Lisa @ The Cooking Bride | March 25, 2010 at 10:13 AM
My mom always stores her basil like this - sans the bag. She's just using the last leaves of a plant she plopped on her counter 4 WEEKS ago!
Posted by: Carrie | March 31, 2010 at 09:58 AM
This is amazing! Our basil is constantly turning brown and generally gross. Thank you!
Posted by: Joy @ The Herbed Kitchen | April 06, 2010 at 04:53 AM
good idea, i store greens in a ziplock with slightly damp paper towel in with the greens.
Posted by: R Becklund | April 07, 2010 at 08:38 PM
I never thought to cover it on the sill, where I keep it in my little canning jar! Thank you for the tip!
Posted by: Donata | May 26, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Thank you for posting this. I needed a few leaves and had to buy a huge bunch of organic basil and was trying to find a way to store it until I found another recipe to use it in. I'm definitely trying this. By the way - I love your blog!
Posted by: Susie | February 19, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Thank you for this! I just bought a big bunch at my farmers market and wasn't sure how to store it. :)
Posted by: Amy Carruthers | August 06, 2011 at 08:28 PM
Try Deb Meyers Green Bags . Wash and dry and wrap basil with a paper towel and store in fridge.
My lettuce lasts 2 weeks with green bags
Posted by: Lee | August 25, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Thanks... excited to try since I just picked some basil and was gonna do the fridge thing. I typically wash/de-stem/let dry and then freeze in single layer in ziplock bag. Then move to a storage bag in the freezer,especially for over wintering. I've had great success with the freezer method and the basil is still very strong and green. My family love it especially when I make my basil mayo. Thanks again for the tip and good luck all.
Posted by: Judy | April 25, 2012 at 08:24 AM
thank you for this wonderful advice, i grow basil and it is really growing, so i was i was wondering how to store it, cant wait to try this. Sandra July 29,2012 at 4:10
Posted by: Sandra Wardlow | July 29, 2012 at 02:17 PM