Have you ever chopped a bunch of fresh basil only to find it wilted and brown the next day? Here’s a key fact: Basil is quite delicate, needing special care once cut. In this article, we’ve gathered effective tips to keep your chopped basil vibrant and full of flavor for longer.
Stay with us – your salads and pestos will thank you!
Key Takeaways
- Keep chopped basil in an airtight container with dry and slightly damp paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain freshness.
- Bake chopped basil at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 hours to dry it out, then store it crushed in an airtight container for long-lasting flavor.
- Prevent chopped basil from turning brown by blanching the leaves, drying them well, using a sharp knife to cut them, and storing with paper towels in an airtight container in the fridge.
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How To Store Chopped Basil
Storing chopped basil isn’t just about tossing it in the fridge and hoping for the best – there’s an art to keeping those green gems vibrant and flavorsome. Let’s delve into some nifty tricks that’ll make your basil last longer, so you can enjoy that fresh, aromatic punch in dishes anytime.
Airtight Container Lined With A Paper Towel
Keeping chopped basil fresh is easy with the right method. First, grab an airtight container. Next, line the bottom with a dry paper towel to soak up any extra moisture. Place your chopped basil inside gently.
Then, take another paper towel, make it slightly damp and put it on top of the basil. This setup helps stop the leaves from drying out or getting too wet.
For best results, store this container in your fridge away from strong-smelling foods like onions or garlic. Doing this can give your chopped basil a longer life so you can enjoy its flavor for weeks! And remember to change the paper towels if they get too wet — this keeps mold away and protects those tasty green bits for your next meal!
Bake It In An Oven
To keep your basil tasty for a long time, try baking it. This method is simple and works great. You just spread the chopped basil on a baking sheet and bake it low and slow. Set your oven to a cool setting, about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let it cook for 2-4 hours until the leaves are dry but still green.
After the basil is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool down. Once it’s not hot anymore, you crush it into small pieces with your hands or a spoon. Then, find an airtight container to store your crushed, dried basil in to keep its flavor fresh.
Now you have delicious basil ready anytime you want to add some zing to your dishes!
How to Harvest Basil for Optimal Freshness
Harvesting basil with care keeps it fresh and full of flavor. Indoor gardeners can follow these steps for the best results.
- Look for a set of leaves on your basil plant. Cut or pinch the stem right above this spot.
- Use scissors or your fingers, but make sure they are clean to avoid harming the plant.
- After cutting, place your basil in water right away to stop the leaves from wilting.
- Fresh – cut basil loves light, so put it near a window but away from direct sunlight which can be too strong.
- For bunches of basil, use a glass jar filled with water. This keeps them hydrated like cut flowers.
- Keep room temperature in mind; basil does well in warm but not hot conditions.
- Cover the jar loosely with a plastic bag to create a mini – greenhouse effect.
- Remember to change the water every day. This keeps your basil healthy and happy.
How Do You Keep Chopped Basil From Turning Brown
Chopped basil turns brown when it meets air for too long. To keep your basil green and fresh, follow these steps:
- Plunge basil leaves in boiling water for just 10 seconds then quickly move them to ice water. This process is called blanching.
- Dry the basil leaves with a clean cloth or spin them in a salad spinner.
- Use a knife with a sharp blade to cut the basil. A dull knife can bruise the leaves, making them turn brown faster.
- Place the chopped basil on a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
- Put another damp paper towel on top of the basil. This keeps it moist but not wet.
- Slide this into an airtight container or zip-lock plastic bag.
- Store the packed basil in your refrigerator.
How Do You Store Chopped Basil In The Fridge
To keep chopped basil fresh in the fridge, gently dry your basil leaves after washing them. Next, take a clean, airtight container and line it with paper towels. Spread your chopped basil on top of the paper towel and then cover it with another layer of paper towels.
Snap the lid on tight to seal in freshness.
You can also freeze basil for longer shelf life. Pack your chopped herbs into ice cube trays and pour olive oil over them until they’re just covered. Freeze these cubes and use them later when cooking – perfect for adding a burst of flavor to soups or sauces!
How Long Does Fresh Chopped Basil Last
Fresh chopped basil keeps well for one to two weeks if you store it right. You have to put it in an airtight container with a paper towel inside. This helps keep the basil dry and safe from getting mushy.
If you can’t use your basil within two weeks, try freezing it! Lay the leaves flat on wax paper, stack them up, and pop them into a freezer-safe box. They’ll be good for about two months this way.
Then when you cook something like salsa verde or other green sauces, just grab some frozen basil to add that fresh taste!
FAQs – How To Store Chopped Basil
1. What’s the best way to keep chopped basil fresh?
Just like you would with parsley or mint, place your chopped basil in a container—a jar with some water works great. Then cover it loosely with plastic and pop it in the fridge!
2. Can I store basil with other herbs like cilantro and dill?
Sure! Treat them all the same—give them a bit of water and a cozy plastic wrap blanket, but make sure each herb has its own space so they can breathe.
3. How long will my chopped basil stay fresh in the fridge?
If you treat it right, your basil should stay happy for about a week… sometimes even longer! Just check if it still smells like that yummy aromatic herb we all love.
4. Is there another way to store basil if I don’t want to use the fridge?
Yes indeed! You can chop it up, mix it with olive oil, and freeze it in an ice cube tray—that way, you’ve got little bursts of flavor ready whenever you need them.
I’m George Brown, a keen gardener, passionate about helping beginners grow fresh herbs and plants. My guidance focuses on the essentials of plant growth and the pleasure of cultivating greenery. In my blog posts, I share practical tips on how anyone can transform their space into a thriving area for plants and herbs.
