How to Store Fresh Basil

The key to keeping basil fresh and fragrant for days (and even weeks) after purchase or harvest is to not store it in the refrigerator. Basil leaves quickly turn black and slimy and lose their signature spicy sweet flavor when refrigerated. A better way to store them is in a jar of water on your kitchen counter top.

Things You'll Need

• Short, stout jar or vase

Instructions

1. Fill a short, stout vase or jar with 3 or 4 inches of tepid tap water.

2. Try to harvest longer stems if you pull it from a garden (rather than pinching off a few leaves). Bring the basil indoors and immediately stick the stems into the jar of water, making sure to add more water to the jar if the end of each stem is not submerged.

3. Remove the basil from its packaging if you purchase fresh basil from the grocery store. Trim the ends of the basil's stems and place them into the jar of water (this increases the basil's ability to take up water).

4. Place the jar in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Don't worry if the basil droops at first; it should perk right up after about 12 hours. Change the water in the jar daily. When stored this way, basil will stay fresh for weeks. In fact, if you leave the stems in water, they will eventually root and you can replant them in a pot or out in the garden.

Resources

• DigginFood