How to Preserve Basil in Olive Oil

Field of Basil

Growing your own basil is very economical. Once the summer ends, however, you need to find a way to preserve your basil so that you have some to use during the winter. You may also want to preserve some basil so that you can sell extra basil to others. One of the best ways to preserve your basil is to use olive oil. This is all natural and will keep your basil's flavor intact.

Things You'll Need

• Basil
• Olive oil
• Frying pan
• Glass jar

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of olive oil into a frying pan. Turn the stove's heat to medium.

2. Tear 1 cup of basil leaves from their stems and add to the heated olive oil. Take the frying pan off of the stove and wait for the mixture to return to room temperature.

3. Wash and dry a glass jar.

4. Pour the basil in oil in to the glass jar and shut the lid tightly.

5. Place the jar in the refrigerator if you are going to use it in the next two weeks. Otherwise store the jar in the freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• Label the jar if you plan on storing other spices. This will ensure that you don't mix up your spices and use the wrong one in your next recipe.

• Don't let the oil begin to boil. You want to heat the mixture, not cook it.