How to Freeze Fresh Basil for Winter Use

If you mourn the passing of your fragrant, delicious basil plants with the coming of October's frosts, here is an easy and convenient way to harvest and store the leaves for use in your favorite recipes during the cold winter months.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Water
• Cutting Board
• Sharp knife
• Empty ice cube freezer trays

1. 
    
   Basil stem

   Harvest your basil plants by cutting the stems back as far as there are fresh, unblemished leaves.

2. 
    

   To clean the stems, add water to the sink, put the stems in and swish them gently. Allow a few minutes for the garden dirt to sink to the bottom then gently remove the stems and shake off.

3. 
    

   Remove the leaves from the stems and chop them on the cutting board using a sharp knife. No need to finely chop.

4. 
    

   Pack the chopped basil leaves into the empty ice cube compartments, add enough water to cover and put the trays in the freezer. When the cubes are frozen, remove them from the trays and put into freezer bags. Remove as much air from the bags as possible and return them to your freezer.

5. 
    
   Basil Cube

   When you are preparing your favorite, soups, stews, and sauces this winter, remember your fragrant basil cubes and pop 1 or 2 into whatever you are cooking. The aroma and taste will transport you back to your summer garden.

Tips & Warnings

• A good method for removing the air from a freezer bag is to zip it almost closed, insert a straw, zip closely around the straw, then suck out the air removing the straw and zipping the bag closed quickly to prevent air from returning to the bag.
• A word about the basil flowers. At this time of year, all of your plants will undoubtedly have blossomed and, unless you are an avid dead header, there will be anywhere from 1 to 6 or 7 inches of flowers at the end of the stems. You will need to cut these flowers off and, in the process, sacrifice a few small basil leaves.