I am going to show you how to preserve holy basil and sweet basil leaves. Scoop the resulting mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Can You Freeze Thai Basil? [3 Must-Read Tips] | Freeze It How do I preserve Thai basil? - AnswersToAll Thai Basil plant care. How to Keep a Basil Plant Alive and Thriving (Indoors and ... Begin by filling a small container with pre-moistened potting mix. Prep: Remove the basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely. How long does fresh basil last in the freezer? How to preserve basil - What you need to know How to Get Rid of Bugs on Basil (Aphids, Beetles, Flies ... Homemade tamarind liquid will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks; you can also freeze it. Basil: How to Harvest this Favorite Herb All Summer Long Choose a method that works best for you and how you use basil when cooking. To preserve Holy basil leaves, dry them and store them in paper bags like you would do with tea leaves. April 2, 2018 17 Comments (Updated with alternative method to preserve fresh basil) Believe it or not, the bunch of Thai basil in the photo below is three or four weeks old (it's been so long that I don't remember). Thai basil can be frozen for around 6 months. Its easy to grow from seed and readily germinates at room temperature and grows ind. Preserve basil by freezing or in herbal vinegars. How Long Does Fresh Basil Last? - StillTasty If your Thai basil gets rootbound for a long period of time, it might eventually die. Storage: Cut basil stems and place in water like a fresh bouquet. Chop fresh basil leaves and place in clean ice cub trays. To freeze Thai basil, remove whole leaves from the stems, and blanch for two seconds, immediately placing leaves in an ice bath afterward. The other option is to use an ice cube tray. Dry thoroughly and store in an air-tight container or freezer bag, separating layers with wax paper. Sun is a key ingredient. Keep pruning every 34 weeks cutting your Thai basil down to the lower 33 of the plant. Transfer the finished cubes to freezer bags and use as needed. Freeze it! thyrsiflora) is a pleasant-smelling plant from the mint family. Basil will flower after all the leaves on one stem are full-grown, but the herb loses some of its flavor after flowering occurs. This is one of my favorite ways to preserve basil or any other fresh herbs. Prep: Remove the basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely. Genovese basil: This type of sweet basil has a vibrant clove flavor and crinkled, curled leaves. As the oil freezes, it will turn white or off-white in color. Harvest Thai Basil with the right technique, and it will grow back for continuous harvests. 1y. Set your oven to 200 degrees F, or the lowest temperature. Basil plants can be bought from the store, but they're sold on the premise of fast turnover with a lifespan of just two short weeks. The flowers appear in the middle of a bunch of leaves in a pyramid shape. Pin It. Thai Basil is also know as Sweet Basil or Asian Basil and the Thai name is bai horapa. Basil likes a lot of heat and cannot withstand frost - keep this in mind when you plant it. THIS Thai Basil Pesto will keep for 1-3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container or bag. Plan to prep and dry basil once all the leaves have sprouted, but before you see flowers on the stems. Store at room temperature, uncovered. Use a salad spinner or gently pat dry with a towel. Storage Tips: In general, fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator. Or, mix the chopped basil with a bit of olive oil and then freeze in ice cube trays. Freeze basil whole leaves in these 3 easy steps: If growing Thai basil in pots, select a premium organic potting mix with the Australian standards tick. Aside from ingesting Thai Basil, you can also bruise the leaves and inhale its aroma to relieve stress. Chop fresh basil leaves and place in clean ice cub trays. Thai basil can be frozen for around 6 months. Basil herbs are a delicious and healthy herb, and also happens to attract a bunch of bugs.. Place your Thai basil leaves in a sieve or colander and rinse well under the cold tap. allisonw. Share. Dec 9, 2008 12:08 PM 7. Wash and dry the leaves, using either a paper towel or a salad spinner. To do the water system, we should keep the dirt reliably sodden without getting waterlogged. To freeze basil, start by removing the stems and rinsing the leaves in cold water. Of course, you can easily grow Basil and other herbs indoors too! Wrap Basil in a damp paper towel or place it in a tall glass with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. I put my Basil plants into containers and keep them on the porch. Finally, place the basil in a freezer bag or container layered with parchment paper. Whether you're growing Thai basil indoors or out, the seed starting process is the same. Seal and store for one to two weeks. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - basil that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. Never place basil in the refrigerator; the cold air damages leaves. Thai basil: Also called anise basil, this small-leaf variety boasts a strong licorice flavor. Thai basil is sturdy and compact, growing up to 45 cm (1.48 ft), and has shiny green, slightly serrated, narrow leaves with a sweet, anise-like scent and hints of licorice, along with a slight spiciness lacking in sweet basil. Email. … Lay Out on Greaseproof Paper. Try adding it to your favorite curry, soup, rice, or . Cut basil leaves in the food processor and drizzle in enough olive oil to form a paste. We set our Excalibur dehydrator to the "herbs" setting, around 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Just put the fresh leaves in a ziplock bag and freeze. Cover with oil water or stock and. I can pull it out from the freezer whenever I need to use it. How do I preserve Thai basil. When the basil has fully cooled, dry the leaves thoroughly. This pesto is also great to freeze and use at a later date. Harvest Thai Basil with the right technique, and it will grow back for continuous harvests. Wrap Basil in a damp paper towel or place it in a tall glass with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. It's a longer shelf life than pre-packaged fresh basil that usually lasts just 5-days but figuring out how to keep a basil plant alive will prove trickier than you likely imagined. Is there any way to keep it fresh for a few more days? Freezing fresh basil will, however, preserve the flavor better than drying it. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Purple basil: Pungent and licoricelike, this basil possesses glossy, burgundy leaves. Store at room temperature with a loose plastic bag draped . To get the highest yield of tender and flavorful leaves, pinch the tip of each branch, starting in early summer when the plants are 6" tall, to encourage bushiness. Freeze: Freeze the pureed basil in an ice cube tray, then store in a large resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container. The easiest way to tell would be to see the pest for yourself. It has a rich history in Asia, from where Alexander the Great brought it to Greece, spreading it to Europe. Basil leaves are arguably THE most popular and versatile herb out there. Cover with oil, water, or stock and freeze.When ready to use, simply remove a few cubes and keep the rest in the freezer. Preserving Thai Basil. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven. Basil is a plant that requires a high measure of watering all through its development. Here's how to do this: Wash, dry & chop basil leaves. Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Basil is used in cuisines worldwide and is especially popular in Italian . Thai basil is wonderful eaten raw, slivered, and added to salads, both your plain old cucumber-tomato salad or something meaty like northern Thai larb. Thai basil (Thai name, bai horapa), also known as Oriental basil or Asian basil, is a cultivar of sweet basil commonly used in the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.Compared to the common Mediterranean sweet basil, it has a more pronounced licorice or anise flavor. Plant the new basil in a sunny area, water in, and fertilize with a nutrient-rich fish emulsion or seaweed solution two to three times during their active growing season. Carefully transfer the tray top the freezer and allow to freeze completely. During the hottest parts of summer, the sun in Zone 9 can be quite intense. Puree: Use a food processor to puree the fresh basil leaves with olive oil. Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Click to see full answer. Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Then, in a food processor, with knife blade attached, puree 2 cups packed leaves with 2 tablespoons olive oil. I buy it at the Asian grocery and it seems to wilt beyond usability in 1-2 days. When ready to use, simply remove a few cubes and keep the rest in the freezer. Freeze: Freeze the pureed basil in an ice cube tray, then store in a large resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container. Transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Don't Throw Away That Old Basil Plant! The "flower bouquet" method: Trim basil and place it in a jar with a bit of water. Once frozen, remove the cubes of basil and store in airtight containers in the freezer for future use. Toss leaves with a bit of olive oil (I used 3 c. of leaves to 2 TB. 2 (A). Save the Basil! It will store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 4 months, maybe a little longer. And, of course, there's nothing . How do you store Thai basil long term? If you wake up in the morning and notice that your basil plant was eaten but see no trace of the culprit, you may have to do some additional work to find out. I've tried putting it in water like I do with other herbs and that does not work. Tamarind liquid has loads of uses beyond the Thai kitchen: Add a little sugar and more water to make that agua de tamarindo, add it to cocktails, or try it in place of lemon in a salad dressing. Air-drying basil is a really simple and easy way to preserve this yummy herb. It's found in so many cuisines and dishes, it's known as the "king of herbs". Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. How do you store Thai basil in the freezer? Sign Up. Keeping Thai Basil fresh? Freeze Basil in Oil - Fellow Professional Home Economist Mairlyn Smith shows you how she freezes basil by chopping it and mixing with oil.. Usage Ideas: The pungent, anise-like flavor of Thai Basil is an excellent addition to any Asian or Indian dish. You can also make some fabulous pesto sauce and freeze it in batches. How do I preserve Thai basil? Also you can freeze the leaves whole. That is another thing. 5) Dry the Basil. During cold months, that means it's best to keep basil plants indoors and away from windowsills. Rinse and thoroughly dry basil leaves before using. Similarly, you may ask, how do I preserve Thai basil? Pull the basil from the water and place it in the ice bath to cool for a minute or two. This works better than freezing them individually on a tray and then putting them in a ziplock bag imo. Blanching isn't essential but can help it to retain some of its colour and flavour. Rinse and thoroughly dry basil leaves before using. Keep the plant in shade. It is important to remove the bottom leaves to avoid mold and change the water every other day if possible. Lemon basil: This specialty basil has a savory lemon flavor and is characterized by its flat, narrow leaves. After the basil and oil cubes are frozen solid, turn them out of the tray. You can definitely dry it. Thai Basil is perfect for botanical cocktails and other fresh rec. oil). They'll last for weeks, provided you remove any leaves below the water line and change water regularly. How to grow Thai basil. If you buy a basil plant, transplant it to a larger container. Frozen basil will last the same as dried, about one year. The main requirement is time - it takes about 4 weeks for basil to dry properly. Want More? Harvest the basil just before it flowers. Place your Thai basil leaves in a sieve or colander and rinse well . Rinse and thoroughly dry basil leaves before using. Sometimes I plant a Thai Basil in a pot along with parsley, chives, miniature chili,etc .. in a pot just for beauty, not culinary use and I like the basil to flower, the chili to grow fruits and get red . This aromatic herb is native to India, SE Asia, and NE Africa and is an important herb used in Thai cooking (and less significantly in other cuisines). If you use basil regularly, it will rarely have a chance to go to flower/seeds, unless you want that to happen. Chop fresh basil leaves and place in clean ice cub trays. Thai basil's roots grow almost at the same rate as its leaves and stems do. Cook the eggplant under your oven's broiler as the recipe calls for, or follow the lead of other home cooks and grill on the barbeque for a smokey flavor. Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Thai Basil pesto replaces pine nuts with peanuts, olive oil with sesame oil, and sweet basil with Thai basil for a sauce you'll want to eat by the spoonful. If growing in a garden bed, improve soil prior to planting with compost and aged manure. Water weekly but keep the water off the leaves; water from the base. As per the name, sweet basil has a sweet aroma and its flavor is also mild. Wrap the basil leaves in a dry paper towel and place inside a plastic bag. When ready to use, simply remove a few cubes and keep the rest in the freezer. Thankfully basil grows VERY well in containers and when planted in one, it . It is easy, quick and simple. By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from the "Rachael Ray" show. Keep your basil fresh for weeks with this super simple tip! Put the whole in in a refrigerator. Below is a way of freezing your Thai basil so you can add it to your recipes all year round: Wash and Dry. 4. Add the basil to a parchment-lined baking sheet on the upper rack of the oven. Thai basil plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to flourish. Strip the leaves from the stems and transfer to freezer bags and freeze.Thai basil easily turns black after 2 to 3 days in a fridge which just happened to me.Then just roll them up nice and tight.Then take a good number of them, maybe 5 or 6 leaves and make sure the biggest size leaf is on the outside of the stack. Freeze Basil Leaves - I will strip basil leaves off the stems and freeze them whole just as is - no oil, no water, no . We aim to enrich everyone's life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Choose a self-watering pot to maintain optimal moisture. I have a Foodsaver if that helps. Research shows that Thai Basil is high in antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, which is why it has been used in traditional healing since centuries ago. It takes a little longer than over-drying, but the results are just as good. Storage Tips: In general, fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator. For the greenest, freshest seeming basil: quickly blanch the basil in boiling salt water for 15 seconds, drain it, and dunk it into ice water to cool it quickly (this sets the green color), and then whirl it in a blender with just a bit of olive oil. The basil's there to add that extra punch of summertime flavor. It's the perfect ingredient for a thirst-quenching cocktail and pairs well with tequila, gin . By doing that I never have to worry about running out of holy basil and sweet basil anymore. Leave the basil bouquet out at room temperature replacing the water every few days. S. N. Smith Thai basil. TIA. This sandwich recipe is something vegetarians can really sink their teeth into. However, if you would prefer not to use your oven, air drying basil leaves works just as well. Freezing Basil Leaves 6 Ways Which Is Best An Oregon . Wrap Basil in a damp paper towel or place it in a tall glass with about 1 inch of water in the bottom. It's quick and easy, too. How do I preserve Thai basil? 2 (B). Below is a way of freezing your Thai basil so you can add it to your recipes all year round: Wash and Dry. … Freeze Until Firm. So, if the pot isn't big enough, at some point your plant's roots will bump into the wall of the container. Cover with oil, water, or stock and freeze. The more moisture on the leaves the more likely you'll get brown spots. Thai Basil is perfect for botanical cocktails and other fresh rec. Toss in a basil cube. Plant the new basil in a sunny area, water in, and fertilize with a nutrient-rich fish emulsion or seaweed solution two to three times during their active growing season. Next, place the leaves in a mesh strainer with a handle and dip the basil into a boiling pot of water for no more than 5-10 seconds. Chop and Freeze. There are a few ways to preserve fresh basil, but the best way is by using your oven to dry the leaves out. Thai basil leaves are firmer and longer than Genovese basil. Then, immediately place the leaves into a bowl of ice water so that they stop cooking. To freeze your basil, pull leaves from stems. Both Thai basil and Holy basil do not stay well in the refrigerator, so try to avoid it as much as possible. There are, however, many other types including Thai basil, lemon basil, and holy basil. Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment and place individual cleaned and dried leaves on the sheet. Remove the stems. But its hardy leaves stand up especially well to cooking—their flavor infuses readily into food and the leaves don't wilt quite as much as Italian sweet basil's would. Thai basil; ocimum basilicum, is variety of Italian sweet basil. Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray, freeze, and store the delicious flavor cubes in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Sun is a key ingredient. On the off chance that it needs more water, the plant risks hydration and inability to create. Thai basil (botanical name: Ocimum thyrsiflora) has a stronger aroma and flavor than that of sweet basil. Tuck the tray(s) of basil into the oven or dehydrator. In fact, the word basil actually originates from the Greek word basileus, which literally means "royal or king"!This is why we need to know how to preserve basil and keep it fresh. Tweet. Bake for two to four hours, or until dry and crumbly. The first option we'll look at is the simplest method for freezing whole basil leaves. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 1 cup of basil. Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. Roll dry pods around in the palm of your hand to remove the small black seeds. Flash Freeze Fresh Whole Leaves. Sandwich basil in a single layer between two pieces of paper towel. … Remove and Transfer to a Bag. Thai basil presents purple flowers compared to the white of a Genovese basil. Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. I've done it with regular basil so I don't see why Thai basil wouldn't work. There are several ways to freeze basil. Chopped & Coated With Oil. Thai basil easily turns black after 2 to 3 days in a fridge which just happened to me. Sweet basil has round leaves and gets white flowers. W. Basil can be dried or frozen for long-term use. Freeze Basil. To dry basil in the microwave: Wash basil and remove leaves from stems. Get Our Best Recipes, Life Hacks, DIY Ideas & More… Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Sweet basil is the most commonly used variety of basil. … Label and Return to the . The time it takes to dry basil depends on your individual machine or oven (and the amount of basil), so this next part is more of a sensory experience than a steadfast rule. 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. Place in microwave for 30 seconds at medium to high power. 1. Preserving. Thai basil plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight to flourish. This method is very popular on Pinterest and I wondered if coating in oil would somehow help preserve the leaves versus the other methods. A Tip to Keep It Fresh. The intense sun will cause Basil plants to bolt rather quickly. Allow the basil to cool completely, crumble, and store in an airtight container for up to a year . 5. Click to see full answer. Basil likes warm weather, so keep it away from temperatures below 50°F. Thai basil has a purple stem, and like other plants in the mint family, the stem is square. People freeze Thai basil, as well as other herbs, in a variety of ways. How do I preserve Thai basil? Water weekly but keep the water off the leaves; water from the base. How do you preserve Thai basil? Grow indoors on a sunny windowsill, or outside in full sun or part shade. Choose a pot that's large enough. Keeping the plants in shade will help keep the temperatures down and will reduce the intensity of the sun. It may start browning so I'd recommend using it sooner rather than later. How do you preserve Thai basil leaves? As long as they're completely dry, it's okay if the leaves overlap a bit. Basil is a universally-loved herb. Trim the cut ends, put the bunch in a glass, jar, or vase of water that will fit in the fridge, and cover the whole thing, or at least the basil leaves, with a plastic bag. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's leading gardening charity. Thai basil has a purple stem which is different than that of sweet basil. Dry well. Urban Leaf is a great source for healthy seeds, and they have other cool indoor-growing gear too! Pull the dry seed pods from the stem. There are several ways to do it effectively. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as anise or licorice basil, but it should not . Basil kept that way will stay vibrant and green for up to a week. Cocktails: If your Thai Basil is ripe for the plucking on Friday at 5, you're in luck. Basil is easy to grow, easy to harvest and easy to preserve. Basil is too-often sold at nurseries and grocery stores in cramped pots. Basil can also be preserved in oil or frozen to maximize its shelf life. Eggplant Sandwiches. In this manner, how do I preserve Thai basil? Seal fully dried basil seeds in a paper envelope and store in a cool, dry place. Thai basil seeds are fairly easy to come by, especially if you order them online. This technique will keep the basil fresh for a few weeks. The Latin name means "a scent fit for the king's palace." It is a gentle plant that takes some effort to grow but is wholly rewarding. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 1 cup of basil. Place the basil in the boiling water for 2-5 seconds. If you're looking for a good way to preserve basil immediately check out my Basil and Olive Oil icecubes Instructable. Puree: Use a food processor to puree the fresh basil leaves with olive oil. The best way to store basil to keep it fresh is to place the cuttings in a glass of water away from heat sources like direct sunlight or steam that can be produced in a kitchen. And yet it is almost as bright green and lush as it was on the day I bought it. Chop and Freeze. Properly stored, fresh basil will maintain best quality for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time. The Quick Answer. |. Yes, you can freeze Thai basil. To preserve Thai basil, wash and dry the leaves with a paper towel and keep them in the freezer. How do I preserve Thai basil? Cover with oil, water, or stock and freeze. Saving heirloom seeds from year to year is easy to do and will save you the expense of buying seeds.