Basil is a popular herb that’s used in a variety of cooking styles around the world.
It adds unique flavor and aroma to dishes, but how long does it last? In this article, we’ll delve into the answers you need to understand how long fresh, dried, and frozen basil will last, and how to properly store each form to maintain its integrity.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Fresh basil lasts up to a week if stored properly.
If it is stored in a plastic bag in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks.
Dried basil, if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, can last up to six months.
Frozen basil can last up to a year if stored in an airtight container.
What Is Basil?
Basil is an herb with a unique flavor that can add a special touch to many dishes.
It is a member of the mint family and is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Its leaves are usually a dark green color and can range in size from small to large.
It has a sweet, slightly peppery taste and a bright, fragrant aroma.
Basil is a popular addition to many dishes, such as pastas, pizzas, salads, and sauces.
It is also used to make pesto and can be used to flavor salads, soups, and other dishes.
Basil can also be used for medicinal purposes, such as to reduce inflammation and to treat digestive issues.
How Long Can Fresh Basil Last?
Fresh basil is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking, thanks to its unique flavor.
But how long does fresh basil last?
The shelf life of fresh basil depends on how it is stored.
When stored properly, fresh basil can last up to one week in the refrigerator.
To extend its shelf life, wrap the basil in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag.
This will help to keep the basil from drying out.
If you want to store fresh basil for a longer period of time, it can be dried and stored for up to six months.
To do this, spread the leaves out on a baking sheet and let them dry in a warm, dark place for a few days.
Once the leaves are dry, store them in an airtight container.
If you don’t want to dry your fresh basil, it can also be frozen for up to one year.
To freeze basil, simply place the leaves in a plastic bag and freeze them.
When you’re ready to use the basil, thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
With proper storage, basil can be a delicious addition to meals for months.
Whether you’re using fresh, dried, or frozen basil, you can be sure that your dishes are always packed with flavor.
How to Store Fresh Basil
When it comes to storing fresh basil, it is important to take the proper steps to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
To begin, it is best to buy basil in small batches, as the leaves will lose their flavor the longer they are stored.
When you get home, you should immediately remove any damaged leaves and rinse the basil under cold water.
After that, it is important to pat the basil dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Once it is dry, the basil should be loosely wrapped in a paper towel and stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator.
This will help to keep it fresh and flavorful for up to one week.
It is also important to note that basil should not be washed until you are ready to use it.
Washing basil before storing it will cause it to spoil more quickly.
Additionally, it is best to avoid storing basil near fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as apples and potatoes, as this can cause the basil to wilt and spoil faster.
How Long Can Dried Basil Last?
Dried basil is a great way to extend the life of this popular herb.
When stored properly, dried basil can last for up to six months.
To maximize its shelf life, it’s important to keep it away from light and moisture, in an airtight container, such as a Mason jar or a zipper-lock bag.
To help keep it flavorful, it is best to store it in a cool and dark spot, such as a pantry or a cabinet.
When you are ready to use your dried basil, it’s important to note that the flavor does change when it is dried.
Dried basil has a more concentrated flavor and aroma than fresh, so keep that in mind when adding it to dishes.
To get the best flavor, it’s best to add it early in the cooking process, since the flavor does not intensify as much as it does with fresh basil.
It’s also important to remember to check on your dried basil regularly.
If you notice that it is starting to darken and lose its flavor, it’s time to discard it and buy a new batch.
Dried basil can be a great way to extend the life of your favorite herb, but it’s important to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t go bad.
How to Store Dried Basil
Storing dried basil is a great way to preserve it for use in recipes for up to six months.
To store dried basil, start by ensuring that the herb is completely dry.
Moisture will cause basil to spoil quickly, so if the herb is still damp, spread it out on a paper towel and allow it to dry completely.
Once dry, place the basil in an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.
For best results, use the dried basil within two months.
To maximize the shelf life of your dried basil, store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator.
This will help keep the basil fresh and flavorful for up to six months.
When ready to use, crush the dried basil leaves in your hands and sprinkle over dishes or add to recipes.
If you plan to use the basil in sauces or soups, add it to the liquid to rehydrate the herb before cooking.
How Long Can Frozen Basil Last?
When it comes to storing basil, freezing is one of the best options for keeping it fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time.
Frozen basil can last up to one year if stored correctly.
To get the most out of your frozen basil, it should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
This will help to keep it from getting freezer burn and will also help to preserve its flavor.
To use frozen basil, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
When freezing basil, its best to blanch it first.
This will help to preserve the freshness and flavor of the basil.
To blanch basil, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the basil leaves.
Boil the basil for about 30 seconds and then quickly transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Once the basil has cooled, remove the leaves and pat them dry.
Place the blanched basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours.
Once the leaves are frozen, store them in a freezer-safe container.
When using frozen basil, you may notice that the texture of the leaves may be slightly different than fresh basil.
Frozen basil may also have a slightly muted flavor.
To counteract this, you can add more of the herb to your dish to enhance the flavor.
Overall, frozen basil is a great way to store the herb for longer periods of time.
With proper care and storage, frozen basil can last up to one year.
It can be a great way to extend the life of basil and enjoy its flavor for months to come.
How to Store Frozen Basil
When it comes to storing basil, freezing is a great way to keep it fresh for up to one year.
To freeze basil, first rinse the leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Then, spread the leaves out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour.
This will help them keep their color and flavor better.
Once the leaves are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer.
When using frozen basil, make sure to take out only what you need each time.
Since basil has a strong flavor, a little goes a long way.
You can also add frozen basil directly to dishes when cooking.
Frozen basil should not be thawed before using, as this can cause it to lose its flavor.
By following these steps, you can keep your basil fresh and flavorful for up to one year.
With proper storage, you can enjoy the unique flavor of basil for months to come.
Final Thoughts
Basil is a flavorful herb with many uses and can be enjoyed for months with proper storage.
Fresh basil can last up to a week in the refrigerator, dried basil for up to six months, and frozen basil for up to a year.
Now that you know the answers you need, you can keep your basil fresh and flavorful for recipes all year round.