How to Pick Fresh Basil

Basil can be stored in a vase, like a floral arrangement.

Basil is a versatile herb that pairs well with Mediterranean foods, like tomato-based pastas. It also can be used in teas, as a green leaf in salads, and is the primary ingredient in pesto. Fresh basil is far more flavorful than the dried varieties found in the spice aisles of grocery stores. Basil plants tend to produce robust, full harvests and can grow very tall. To produce plants that are taller and less bushy, cut from the sides. To produce plants that are fuller and more bushy, cut from the top of the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors or shears
• Bag or vase

Instructions

1. Remove any flowers or flower buds from your basil plant to encourage further leaf production.

2. Choose a stem that you wish to cut, either from the sides or from the top of the plant.

3. Locate the closest pair of small leaves on the stem where you would like to cut.

4. Cut the stem directly above this pair of leaves.

5. Store the basil stem and leaves in a vase with water or in an unsealed plastic bag and store at room temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Fresh basil makes a flavorful, edible garnish on vegetable and tomato dishes.

• It is all right to pinch a leaf or two off here and there on the plant, if you only need a small amount.

• Never cut more than a third of your basil plant's growth or you will damage your plant.

• Harvest all of the basil plant's leaves before a frost or the leaves will blacken overnight.

References

• Danny Lipford; How to Harvest and Use Fresh Basil from Your Garden; Julie Day
• Diggin Food; How to Harvest Basil & Keep It Fresh; Willi Galloway; July 30, 2008