How to Store Basil Pesto After Opening

Basil pesto can spice up pasta, veggies, sandwiches and soups.

Basil pesto, originally from Genova in northern Italy, is an easy-to-make sauce that can spice up anything from pasta to pizza. Basic pesto is made by mixing a combination of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil. It's a simple sauce that brings a taste of Italy into your meal. Keep in mind that proper storing will keep your pesto looking and tasting fresh for your next meal.

Things You'll Need

• Basil pesto
• Olive oil
• Glass or plastic container
• Zip lock bags
• Ice cube trays

Instructions

Storing in Refrigerator

1. Spoon basil pesto into a glass or plastic container. Be sure to have a lid that fits tightly to create an airtight seal for your pesto. The better seal you have for your pesto, the fresher it will taste when you are ready to use it.

2. Pour a thin coat of olive oil over the top of your pesto to help prevent discoloring and oxidation. This will help your pesto retain its bright green color and be more palatable.

   You could also cover the top of your pesto with plastic wrap, but be sure to cover it completely so no air gets in.

3. Place the top securely on your container. If using a plastic container, lift one corner as you press down on the center to "burp" the extra air out of the container.

4. Cool the basil pesto for 15 minutes and place it in refrigerator. Basil pesto will keep for about a week.

Freezing Basil Pesto

1. Pour the basil pesto into an ice cube tray or zipper-top plastic bag. The ice cube tray will give you individual servings of pesto that you can pop out and use as needed. The bag will serve a larger crowd, depending on the amount you've saved.

2. Cover the ice cube tray with plastic wrap, to prevent air from turning the basil brown.

   If using a bag, press all the air out of the bag before sealing. To do this, gently roll the bag toward the opening to express the excess air.

3. Place the ice cube tray or the bag containing the pesto in freezer. Basil pesto will store for up to 6 months frozen.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use custard cups to freeze individual servings of basil pesto.

• Try adding basil pesto to pizza, sauted vegetables, mashed potatoes or mixed with mayonnaise as a sandwich spread.

• It's best to date your basil pesto; that way you know how long it's been stored.

• Store your basil pesto as soon as possible after preparation.

References

• In Mama's Kitchen: Pesto
• What's Cooking America: Basil Pesto