Here are three ways to freeze basil how to freeze okra year-round use, plus tips on how to keep basil at its best. Choose the method that works for you. Erin Huffstetler is a writer with experience writing about easy ways to save money at home. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
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Spread them out on a cookie sheet and flash freeze them. Transfer the frozen basil to freezer bags and use them as needed. Blanch washed basil leaves for 15 seconds and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Dry the leaves thoroughly and then flash freeze and transfer to freezer bags as described in option 1. Use a food processor to coarsely chop washed basil leaves. If you want bigger cubes, use a two-inch cube ice cube tray. Each cube will hold about a half cup of basil.
It’s also a great size for freezing leftover broth, wine, and buttermilk. Oil should only be added to basil if it will be frozen. Storing basil in oil, either in the refrigerator or at room temperature, is a botulism risk. If you’re planning to use your basil in heated dishes, add your frozen basil directly to the pot.
There’s no need to thaw it first. Dry some of the basil from your garden, so you won’t have to buy dried basil at the grocery store. You can use a dehydrator or a low-temp oven to dry it quickly, but if you aren’t in a hurry, just hang small bunches of basil upside down in a warm, dry room and allow it to air-dry. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Vegetable Planting Calendar for Central Maryland Click the image to open the PDF. F on a Mac to search the PDF. Calendario de Siembra de Hortalizas para la Región Central de Maryland Haga clic en la imagen para abrir el PDF.