How to Freeze Basil
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Freezing Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
1 cup basil (approx)
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Calories
1 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
American
How to Freeze Basil
Description
How to Freeze Basil covers techniques to freeze fresh basil leaves to extend their usability. One method involves rinsing and drying whole basil leaves before spreading them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid. Once frozen, the leaves can be stored in airtight bags, allowing users to pull off only what they need. Another approach slices the basil and combines it with olive oil in an ice cube tray before freezing, making convenient flavored cubes that can melt directly into dishes. Both methods preserve the herb's green color and flavor better than simply freezing after chopping or leaving in bunches.
These freezing methods maintain basil's fresh taste for future cooking and avoid the sliminess and browning that happen with refrigeration. When frozen individually and spaced out on trays, leaves don’t clump together, making it simple to use just the right amount. Adding oil helps protect against freezer burn and captures the herb’s aroma to infuse sauces and marinades.
Freezing basil by itself or in oil provides a flexible option for those who want to save fresh herbs harvested at peak freshness. It allows users to easily add the herb to soups, dressings, sautés, and other recipes after the fresh season is over. Storing basil this way also reduces waste and frequent trips to buy fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 1 basil fresh, bunch
- olive oil optional
Instructions
Prepare Basil:
- Remove basil from stems.Use a salad spinner to rinse and dry basil. Alternatively, rinse the basil and set aside to dry.
Freeze Dry Basil Leaves:
- Lay basil in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until each leaf is frozen.Move the leaves into an airtight freezer bag.Pull out the amount of leaves desired as you're ready to use them. If desired, slice or break apart the frozen basil before using.
Freeze Basil in Oil:
- Thinly slice the basil.
- Divide the basil slices into a silicone ice cube tray.Drizzle a little oil over each cube, and then push the leaves into the oil.Freeze until hardened, and then pop the basil cubes out of the tray and move into an airtight freezer bag.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1cup basil (approx)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1kcal | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 2mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 42IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 1mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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