This plant with very green leaves and an irresistible scent is not only very fragrant and delicious, but hides many beneficial properties for health
The origin of the name “basil” has its roots in the Latin “basilicum”, which in turn dates back to the ancient Greek “basilikón phutón”, which means “royal plant” or “king’s plant”.
You can sow seeds directly into the soil after the last spring frost or transplant seedlings from a nursery after hardening them off.
How to store basil
Basil embellishes summer recipes with a truly unique colourful, fragrant and inviting touch. Yet it loses its characteristics with the arrival of the cold.
Anyone who doesn’t want to give up herbs even in winter should learn how to preserve basil for the winter impeccably.
Store fresh basil
Let’s start to understand how to store fresh basil short term (1 week): choose the greenest leaves and place the bunch in a container full of water (if it has roots) away from light or wrap the stems with slightly wet kitchen paper and place it in the upper part of the fridge .
Freeze the leaves in the freezer
The easiest and fastest way to preserve basil is to freeze the leaves in the freezer. This way it will be possible to use it in the kitchen throughout the year. In this case how to preserve basil?
All you need to do is wash the basil leaves, pat them dry with a clean cloth and let them dry on a baking tray lined with foil.
Immediately afterwards it is necessary to put the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours and then divide the portions into food bags or airtight containers.
In short, nothing new. Let’s say that how to store basil in the freezer it’s one of the first tricks you learn.
Store fresh basil in salt
Maybe not everyone knows how store fresh basil in salt, yet this method ensures the preservation of basil leaves for a long time.
Simply wash and dry the basil leaves and place them in an already sterilized airtight jar: arrange the leaves, pour in the fine salt and proceed in this way (concluding with the salt).
At this point you need to crush the layers with the back of a teaspoon, close carefully and store the jar in a cool, dry place.
Actually know how to preserve salted basil it is not enough to obtain an excellent result as you must be careful to add salt after each use and not to flavor the recipe too much.
Store the leaves in oil
Know how to preserve basil in oil it brings with it the advantage of always having a perfect base available for preparing basil pesto.
Just wash, dry and chop (optional) the basil leaves, pour in EVO oil and a little salt and transfer everything into sterilized glass jars with airtight closures. Close and place them in the fridge or freezer.
When you decide to use this type of preparation for pesto then you need to take out the mixture and season with garlic, pine nuts and cheese. Be careful to consume it within a few weeks.
Store the dried leaves
Another trick for store the basil for the colder months is to give life to the drying process. It is one of the most long-lasting methods. So how to store dried basil?
All you need to do is dry the basil: extract the leaves with a few centimeters of stem, wash with running water and dry them with a dry cloth.
At this point it is necessary to tie the leaves with kitchen string, hang the bunches on a hook and leave to dry for at least 10 days in a dry place exposed to the sun, but not subject to drafts.
Alternatively you can dry the basil by placing the leaves on a baking tray lined with baking paper and placing them in a preheated oven at 50 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
At the end it will be necessary to collect the bunches, break up the basil with your hands and transfer the chopped mixture to a spice rack.