How to Dry Fresh Basil
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
3 mins
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Total Time
3 mins
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Servings
1
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Calories
01 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
How to Dry Fresh Basil
Description
How to Dry Fresh Basil provides detailed instructions for preparing basil leaves for drying by rinsing and removing leaves from stems. The microwave method uses short bursts of heat with paper towels to evaporate moisture quickly. The oven method involves low-temperature baking for one to three hours with periodic flipping to ensure even drying. The air fryer method dries the leaves at controlled warm temperatures over 8 to 12 minutes with monitoring to prevent burning. Air drying is the slowest technique, where leaves are laid in a single layer on the counter for two to four weeks until fully dried.
Each drying method aims to preserve the herb’s green color and aromatic qualities, making dried basil easy to use as a seasoning in a variety of dishes. After drying, leaves can be crushed or stored whole according to preference. This flexibility helps maximize the use of fresh basil by extending its shelf life for cooking.
Ingredients
- 1-4 basil bunches
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the basil and then remove the leaves from the stem.
Microwave Method:
- Place leaves on a paper towel-lined plate. Cover the leaves with another paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Move the leaves around in a single layer, and microwave at 30 second-intervals until they are completely dried out. (Depending on your microwave this should take between 1 ½ - 3 minutes.)
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees, or the lowest temperature it will go.
- Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for a 1-3 hours, flipping them every 45 minutes to ensure even drying.
Air Fryer:
- Place the leaves in a single layer in the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Cook the basil leaves at 270 degrees for 8-12 minutes, checking on them halfway through to ensure they do not burn.
Air Drying:
- Place the leaves in a single layer on the counter and let air dry for 2-4 weeks.
- Store the leaves whole or crunch between your fingers to store it crushed. Dried basil will last in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 1-2 years. It will begin to lose its potency after 6 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 01 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 0.1kcal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.01g | 0% |
| Protein | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 0.02mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 1mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.01g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 21IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 1mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.01mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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