Basil: How To Freeze This Amazing Herb For Later Use
Basil is an amazing herb with a distinctive aroma and flavor that is often used in cooking. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and salads. However, if you have a surplus of fresh basil or want to preserve its flavor for later use, freezing it is a great option.
Growing basil in the garden helps keep pests away from your tomatoes while improving their flavor. If you grow a lot of basil you may be wondering how to preserve your basil and other fresh herbs.
The benefits of freezing basil
Freezing basil is a great way to preserve its flavor and nutrients for later use. Here are some of the benefits of freezing basil:
Longer shelf life: Freezing basil extends its shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy fresh basil throughout the year.
Retains flavor and nutrients: Freezing basil preserves its flavor, aroma, and nutrients. This is especially important for basil, which loses its flavor quickly when stored at room temperature.
Convenient: Frozen basil is convenient to use in recipes. You can easily add frozen basil to soups, stews, and sauces without having to chop or prep it.
Saves time and money: By freezing basil, you can save time and money by preserving fresh basil before it goes bad. You can also save money by buying fresh basil in bulk and freezing it for later use.
Versatile: Frozen basil can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pesto, marinades, dressings, and more. It can also be used as a garnish for dishes such as pasta, pizza, and salads.
To freeze basil, simply wash and dry the leaves, chop them, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Alternatively, you can freeze whole leaves on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once they are frozen. Frozen basil can last up to six months in the freezer.
Ways to use frozen basil
Frozen basil is a great ingredient to have on hand for adding flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to use frozen basil:
Pasta sauces: Add frozen basil to tomato sauce or pesto for a quick and easy pasta sauce.
Soups and stews: Add frozen basil to soups and stews for a burst of flavor.
Pizza: Sprinkle frozen basil over your favorite pizza toppings before baking.
Salad dressings: Blend frozen basil into your favorite salad dressing recipe for a fresh herb flavor.
Marinade: Mix frozen basil into a marinade for grilled chicken or fish.
Herb butter: Mix frozen basil into softened butter to make a flavorful herb butter for bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
Infused oils: Add frozen basil to a bottle of olive oil and let it infuse for a few days to make basil-infused oil for dipping bread, drizzling over pasta, or using in salad dressings.
Cocktails: Muddle frozen basil into your favorite cocktail for a fresh herb flavor.
These are just a few ideas for using frozen basil. Experiment with adding it to your favorite dishes to give them a burst of flavor.
How to freeze fresh basil
Freezing fresh basil is a great way to preserve its flavor and aroma for later use. Here are the steps to freeze fresh basil:
Wash the basil leaves: Rinse the basil leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel.
Blanch the basil leaves (optional): Blanching basil leaves helps to preserve their bright green color and flavor. To blanch the leaves, bring a pot of water to a boil, and then blanch the basil leaves for 2-3 seconds. Immediately transfer the leaves to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the leaves and pat them dry.
Chop the basil leaves: Remove the leaves from the stems and roughly chop them.
Pack the basil into freezer-safe containers: Place the chopped basil into a freezer-safe container or bag. If you want to prevent the leaves from sticking together, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper.
Label and freeze: Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and then place it in the freezer.
Frozen basil can be used in a variety of recipes, such as soups, stews, sauces, and pesto. You can also use it as a garnish for dishes such as pasta, pizza, and salads. Frozen basil will keep for up to six months in the freezer.
How to make basil ice cubes
Making basil ice cubes is a great way to preserve fresh basil and add a burst of flavor to drinks, soups, and stews. Here are the steps to make basil ice cubes:
Wash the basil leaves: Rinse the basil leaves under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel.
Chop the basil leaves: Remove the leaves from the stems and roughly chop them.
Fill an ice cube tray with water: Fill an ice cube tray with water, leaving a little space at the top of each compartment.
Add the chopped basil to the ice cube tray: Place a few pieces of chopped basil in each ice cube compartment. You can also press the basil down into the water with a spoon.
Freeze the ice cubes: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze until solid, which should take a few hours.
Store the basil ice cubes: Once the ice cubes are frozen, remove them from the tray and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
Basil ice cubes can be added to drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails for a refreshing burst of flavor. They can also be used in soups and stews to add a subtle herb flavor. Simply drop the basil ice cubes into the dish and let them melt.
How to freeze butter with basil
Freezing butter with basil is a great way to add flavor to dishes while also preserving fresh basil for later use. Here are the steps to freeze butter with basil:
Soften the butter: Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to mix in the basil.
Wash and chop the basil: Rinse the basil leaves under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the leaves from the stems and roughly chop them.
Mix the basil and butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and chopped basil. Use a fork or spatula to mix the ingredients until the basil is evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Shape the butter: Spoon the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape the butter into a log or block, and then wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap or parchment paper. Twist the ends to seal the butter inside.
Label and freeze: Label the wrapped butter with the date and contents, and then place it in the freezer.
Frozen butter with basil can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. Simply slice off a piece of the frozen butter and add it to the dish as it cooks. The butter will slowly melt and release the flavors of the basil. Frozen butter with basil will keep for up to six months in the freezer.
Other ways to preserve basil
Apart from freezing basil, there are several other ways to preserve it and extend its shelf life. Here are some other ways to preserve basil:
Drying: Drying basil is a popular method for preserving it. Simply tie the basil stems together with string, hang them upside down in a warm, dry place, and let them dry out completely. Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container. Dried basil can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.
Salt preservation: Salt preservation is another way to preserve basil. Simply layer the basil leaves in a jar with salt, making sure that each layer of basil is completely covered with salt. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dry place. The salt will draw out the moisture from the basil, preserving it and adding flavor to the salt. Use the basil-infused salt as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and other dishes.
Vinegar preservation: Vinegar preservation is a method for preserving basil in vinegar. Simply add fresh basil leaves to a bottle of vinegar and let it sit for a few days to infuse the flavors. Use the basil-infused vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, and other dishes.
Pesto: Pesto is a classic way to use and preserve fresh basil. Simply blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
These are just a few ways to preserve basil. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you and your culinary preferences.
