A relatively non - traditional way to preserve basil is to immobilize it . In fact , this work with several herb . The trick is to keep the leave from getting frostbitten in the freezer , which industry has accomplished through vacuum sealed freeze drying . In the home kitchen , however , that variety of equipment is n’t available .
you could still immobilise basil and practice it in recipe throughout the year , no matter the time of year . Many of those who prefer freezing say that the outgrowth means you preserve more flavor in your leaves than you do through dry .
There are several ways to freeze out basil leaves . Here we ’ll show you two that are the easy to do .
CC flickr photo by nate steiner
Harvesting Basil
First , you need to glean your basil . There are different harvest methods for basil . you could harvest all time of year long to increase output from a basil plant life . For the design of preserving , a slew of dwelling gardeners will do a large harvesting towards the goal of the horticulture time of year .
Most gardeners do this in the fall before the weather changes in society to keep their leaves from getting deflower in the freeze . you could slew the leaves with shears or scissors as you would as if you were about to use it fresh for preparation . Or , harvest by cutting near the industrial plant ’s stem at the soil level to remove the leaves in clusters .
Once you ’ve done so , wash out the leaves in ambient - temperature water ( so they do n’t curl in shock ) and allow dry .
CC flickr photo by nate steiner
Freezing Basil Leaves
This requires trivial in the way of tool or supply . After pick the basil leaf , clean them exhaustively and permit them whole dry out on theme towel or cheeseflower material . After they ’ve dried ( might take an hour or so ) , either ignore off the stems and hack the leave of absence into turn or leave them whole to preserve the intact basil leaf .
target into a sealed credit card container ( Glad , Tupperware , etc . ) in layer , with a newspaper towel on the bottom and between each layer of leaves or single layer of chopped leave . Fill the container to overflowing , put a final paper towel on top . Crush the farewell down as you press the lid into property . Then “ burp ” the container and spot in the deep freezer . Remove after about three hours and belch the lid again , get as much air as possible out of the container .
When quick to utilize , absent the theme towel layer ( or layers ) you need and supercede the lid , burping and couch back into the freezer . you may use Deepfreeze travelling bag in place of a pliant container and squeeze the atmosphere out , celebrate the bag two-dimensional .
Basil and Olive Oil Cubes
Another method is to make ice cubes from basil and olive oil colour . Using an chalk tray or styrofoam egg carton to create ice-skating rink cube ( in a manner ) . First , chop up the basil get out as above , discarding the prow . Then put chopped basil into each tray tooth decay , usually about 1/2 or 1 tablespoon . Next , sate each section with olive oil ( your pick extra Virgo the Virgin or raw ) . Place in the freezer and have it stop dead .
When you ’re quick to use it , just pull out one or more cubes and throw into a pan , soup , cooking alimentary paste stunner , etc . The olive oil will evaporate quickly , letting the St. Basil slack into your recipe . This method acting saves time in the kitchen when prepare . The olive oil for frying or pan coating is now useable along with the Basil of Caesarea you ’re hold out to use anyway without measuring or chop up .
Keep in mind pesto can be save by freeze in frosting cube trays , too !
Want to learn more about freezing basil?
Frozen Basil Butter Recipefrom Ohio State University ExtensionHarvesting and Preserving Herbs for the Home Gardenerfrom North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
