How to Preserve Fresh Basil

Freeze With Olive Oil

• 1

  Wash basil in cold water and dry.

• 2

  Pull leaves from the stems and place 2 cups of basil leaves and 2 tbsp. of olive oil into a food processor with the knife blade attached.

• 3

  Puree the basil and olive oil, then drop teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

• 4

  Freeze for one hour or until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe plastic bag and store for up to two months.

• 5

  Stir a dollop of frozen basil into your favorite dish when it is almost done cooking to add flavor.

Freeze Whole

• 6

  Blanch basil leaves for two seconds in boiling water, then immediately drain and rinse with cold water.

• 7

  Pat leaves dry and place in a large, freezer-safe plastic container. Place a sheet of plastic wrap in between each layer of basil leaves.

• 8

  Add frozen basil leaves to your favorite recipes as you normally would during cooking.