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Instructions Wash and dry the basil leaves. Remove them from the stem. Microwave on High for 45 seconds. Remove the plate, spread out the leaves in a single layer. Microwave again on high for one more 30 second interval. Cool completely to allow to become perfectly crisp: the leaves will crisp more as they cool.
What is the best way to preserve fresh basil?
Go ahead and remove the leaves from the stems. 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.
Can you air dry fresh basil?
Yes, you can air-dry basil! The best way to do this is to wash the basil leaves, dry them with a towel, and then tie them up using their stems. Then, hang them in a cool, dry place (ideally high in your kitchen). It’ll take 4 to 5 weeks to fully air-dry though!May 3, 2021.
How do you dry basil quickly?
A super fast method of drying basil uses the microwave. Use caution to prevent the herbs from scorching. Lay the leaves in a single layer on paper towels and microwave on low for up to 3 minutes. Check them every minute and remove any that are dry to prevent burning.
Is it better to freeze or dry 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.
What do I do with all my fresh basil?
How to Use Basil Top whole leaves onto pizza. Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves. Blend it into sauces. Puree it into soups. Chop it up to add to a salad. Use it to garnish avocado toast. Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Can I freeze fresh basil?
ANSWER: Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves, but they just need a little help. Basil is a particularly delicate herb because it hates the cold and darkens when cut. Keep in mind any fresh herbs that you freeze will not be entirely the same as fresh. Freezing will change the texture and it won’t be as stable.
How long does dried basil last?
Dried ground herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano last for 2-3 years. If they are dried and stored in their natural, whole form (e.g., basil or bay leaves), then they should last a little longer, about 3-4 years. Most seeds like anise seeds have a shelf life of 4 years.
Is dried basil safe?
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot.
Do you wash basil before drying?
Wash basil by gently swishing in a bowl of running water. It’s very important to remove surface moisture from basil before you hang or bag it to dry. If you do not, you risk getting mold or brown water spots on your leaves – and you really don’t want that! In other words, dry your basil before you dry it!Jul 30, 2013.
How do you pluck basil leaves?
Pinch off basil leaves at the stem. When picking basil leaves, be gentle to avoid tearing them or damaging the stems they are attached to. Pinch basil leaves at their base, where they meet the stem. Gently pull away the entire leaf from the stem. You can also cut leaves with a small pair of scissors.
Should you wash herbs before drying?
The general guideline is to harvest herbs just before the flowers open. You can definitely give the herbs a wash in cool water prior to drying, just be sure to gently shake off the excess moisture, and remove any wilted leaves, spots, insects, or other unsavory elements.
Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?
To freeze basil, blanch the leaves, flash freeze them separately, then combine and freeze them long-term in an airtight, freezer-safe container. If you don’t need to preserve individual leaves, you can also freeze basil without blanching and flash freezing it, or you can freeze basil in puréed form.
How do you freeze basil without turning it black?
Chop and Freeze Add a drizzle of olive oil and pulse to lightly coat the leaves with oil; this will keep the basil from turning black in the freezer. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed.
How do you dry basil in the oven?
Instructions Wash the entire basil plant well by running under cool water. Preheat oven to the lowest setting (usually 170-180 degrees F). Remove basil leaves from the stem. Bake for 1 hour or longer (up to 4 hours) – until the basil is crispy and dry. Remove the leaves from the oven.
How long will basil keep in olive oil?
Other Useful Tips for How to Store Basil It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.
How do you preserve basil for the winter?
Remove the leaves from the stems. Wash the leaves and dry them with a paper towel. Then gather them in bunches and wrap the stems with a twist tie. Hang them upside down for a week or two and then break the leaves off the stems into an airtight container and you will have dried basil for the winter.
Why does basil turn black?
When basil has been exposed to cold and frost, the black spots which appear are signs of necrosis, which are irreversible and will continue spread onto the remaining healthy leaves if left on the plant. Prune away dead or dying leaves, snipping gently close to the stem.
