The most effective way to dry fresh basil is by using a food dehydrator. Follow these steps to dry fresh basil with a food dehydrator:
1. Begin by washing basil leaves, blotting them dry with a paper towel, and pulling any stems off.
2. Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays in a single layer, making sure to leave some space between them.
3. Set the food dehydrator at around 95°F (35°C).
4. Allow the leaves to dehydrate for several hours or overnight. The time will depend on your environment and the amount of moisture in the leaves, but the leaves should be completely dry and crumbly when they’re done.
5. Allow the basil leaves to cool completely. Once cooled, you can store the dried basil in an airtight container, like a mason jar or Ziploc bag. The dried basil can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to air dry basil?
It typically takes basil about 12 to 24 hours to air dry. To air dry basil, you’ll need to gather about 10-20 stems together and tie them together with a rubber band or string. Hang the bouquet in a warm, dry, and dark area such as a closet or pantry.
Check the herb daily and rotate the bouquet if it is not drying evenly. Once the basil leaves are crumbly to the touch, they are dry enough to remove from the stems. Strip the dried leaves from the stems and discard them.
Place the dried leaves in an airtight container. To ensure maximum freshness, store the container in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or pantry.
Is it better to dry or freeze basil?
It really depends on your intended use. If you want to keep the basil’s flavor and aroma as fresh as possible, then freezing is the best choice. Frozen basil will retain its freshness and can be used over a longer period of time.
However, if you are looking to use the basil in a cooked dish, then drying is probably the better choice. Dried basil has a more intense flavor and aroma, so it can be very useful when adding flavor to a cooked dish.
It also takes up much less space, which makes it a good option if you’re short on freezer or refrigerator space.
How do you dry basil indoors?
To dry basil indoors, start by cutting the basil stems just above the leaves, leaving about 2 inches of stem so the leaves can be tied in a bundle. Gently rinse the leaves and then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Tie the leaves together at the stems with kitchen twine. Place a few bunches of basil upside down on a paper towel. Place the paper towel in a warm, dry spot and allow it to sit for 3-4 days. Every day, carefully check the basil and take off any brittle leaves.
Once the leaves are completely dried and brittle, remove them from the stems and store the leaves in an airtight container or glass jar. You can also store them in the freezer and use them as needed.
How long does dried basil last?
Dried basil can last up to 1 year if stored properly. It should be stored in airtight containers, preferably in mason jars, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the leaves become brittle over time, this may indicate that it is no longer fresh and should be discarded.
As an additional precaution, you can freeze dried basil in sealed bags to extend its shelf life. The best practice is to always follow the product label’s instructions for best storage, use and shelf life.
Do you wash basil before drying?
Yes, you should always wash basil before drying it. Washing the leaves will help remove any dirt and impurities on the leaves. Additionally, washing helps preserve the natural oils and flavors of the basil.
To wash the basil, first fill a large bowl or basin with cold water. Dip and swish the basil leaves around in the water for about 30 seconds. Then, use a salad spinner or gently press the leaves against a strainer or colander to remove the excess water.
Lastly, lay the leaves out on paper towels or clean kitchen towels to air dry. Make sure all the leaves are completely dry before placing them in an airtight container or bag for storing.
Can you freeze fresh basil?
Yes, you can freeze fresh basil. Freezing basil is a great way to preserve it while it is still at the peak of its flavor. To freeze, clean and dry the basil leaves. Spread the basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet, and place in the freezer.
Once the leaves are frozen, put the basil leaves in an airtight container such as a zip-top bag. when you are ready to use the basil, remove it from the freezer and gently crush it before adding it to your dish.
Freezing basil is best for recipes that don’t require it to be used in its fresh form.
What do you do with basil at the end of the season?
At the end of the season when your basil is ready to be harvested, you can use it in salads, sauces, and other recipes. Consider drying your basil leaves and storing them in an airtight container or canning your basil leaves in oil or vinegar, which can help them last up to a year or more.
You can also freeze basil by pureeing it and adding it to ice cube trays, which can last up to 6 months. Additionally, you can make homemade pesto with your basil, either with the plant still on the stem or already chopped up, and freeze it in snack-sized portions.
Finally, you can preserve basil by infusing it in olive oil or turning it into tea. With a little planning and time, you can enjoy your basil all year-round.
Will basil come back every year?
Basil is an annual herb, meaning that it will not come back automatically in the same way that perennial plants do after the winter months. This means that to maintain a crop of basil, you will need to replant again each year.
While you can save seed from the previous year, it is highly recommended that you purchase fresh seed, as the older the seeds, the less likely they are to germinate and grow. Keep in mind that basil is a fairly hardy herb, so it can easily be grown in a pot on a patio, porch or balcony.
Make sure to provide it with plenty of sunlight, water, and well-draining soil, and you should have wonderful basil crop throughout the summer months.
Can I freeze fresh basil without blanching?
Yes, you can freeze fresh basil without blanching. To preserve the herbs’ texture and integrity, they need to be blanched before freezing; however, if you are planning on using them for a pesto or sauce, you can freeze them without blanching.
The general technique is to take the leaves off the stem and rinse them gently in cold water. Next, pat them dry on several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Then, place the basil leaves on a baking sheet or other flat surface lined with parchment paper and pop the whole thing into the freezer.
Once the basil leaves are mostly frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and place in the freezer. The basil should last for up to several months.
Will basil grow back after cutting?
Yes, basil will grow back after cutting. To ensure that it grows back, use a sharp knife or scissors to make a clean cut just above a set of leaves. For larger plants, you can remove 1/3 or more of the plant to encourage new growth.
After cutting, place the clipping into the soil with the cut end facing down. Basil likes to be in full sun, so make sure the plant is getting an average of 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Additionally, splashing the plant with water after cutting will help the plant regrow as quickly as possible.
Is basil better cooked or raw?
The answer to whether basil is better cooked or raw really depends on how you are using the herb. If you need something that will blend into a sauce and lose its identity, then cooked basil is generally the best option.
However, if you’re looking to add flavor and texture to dishes, then raw basil can be a great choice. Raw basil is most often used to add a bright, herby touch to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Additionally, it can be blended into pesto, used to top baked dishes such as pizza and eggplant parmesan, and added to butter and olive oil to give them flavor.
Meanwhile, cooked basil can be steamed, sautéed, boiled, or fried. It can then be used as a flavor enhancer for soups and stews, included in vegetarian curries, and added to goat cheese and cream cheese spreads.
Additionally, cooked basil can mellow and also complement the other ingredients in a recipe, rather than stand out as it does in its raw form. The bottom line is that the best way to utilize basil may depend on the dish in question and the desired outcome.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, basil leaves can be eaten raw! Raw basil is a flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. It has a sweet, mild taste and a slightly peppery flavor. Basil also contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and magnesium.
Eating raw basil may provide health benefits, such as improved digestion, improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and relief from stress. In addition to adding it to dishes, raw basil can be made into a tea that may help with migraines and improve immunity.
You can even muddle the leaves and add them to cocktails. Whether chopped, shredded, or left whole, basil adds a kick of flavor and aroma to whatever you include it in.
What foods go well with basil?
Basil is extremely versatile and can be used with almost any type of cuisine! It pairs especially well with Italian dishes such as pesto, pasta, and tomato-based dishes, but can also be used in other international cuisines such as Thai and Vietnamese food.
To get the most out of basil, it’s important to use it fresh, as the flavor and aroma can rapidly diminish when it is dried.
In Italian cuisine, basil is a classic addition to dishes such as spaghetti with meatballs, lasagna, and other tomato-based dishes like eggplant parmesan. It can be used as a topping for your favorite pizzas, and to give flavor to sauces and marinades.
It’s also amazing when chopped and added to salads, or as a topping for grilled foods such as chicken, or to give flavor to sandwiches and wraps.
In Thai cuisine, basil is essential for several famous dishes such as Pad Thai, green chicken curry and Pad Khing. The leaves are usually chopped and fried until crispy, then added as a garnish or ground into a spicy paste with other aromatic herbs such as chilli and garlic.
In Vietnamese cuisine, basil is usually added to summer rolls, noodle dishes, stir-fries, and as a topping for noodle soups. It is also an important ingredient in sauces and dips.
So, there are many foods that pair well with basil – the possibilities are seemingly endless!