How to Store Fresh Basil

I’ve talked about my love of fresh herbs before. In fact, in the winter I have a whole windowsill full of herbs. When you grow your own, it is an inexpensive way to make your cooking gourmet. (that rhymes )

During the summer, I always plant basil in my garden around my tomatoes as a natural “partner”. And this year the basil has gone nutso. So I’ve been bringing it in to use in my cooking whenever the mood strikes (or, ahem, when the recipe calls for it.)

How do you store basil so it will keep fresh for weeks? Basil hates the cold, so keep it out of the fridge! Instead, keep it in water on a counter or table. My basil is acting as a centerpiece at the kitchen table. It smells great and has lasted for well over a month this way. This is particularly helpful if you’ve noticed your basil is ready to bolt and you currently have no time to make your fresh pesto.

When you do get ready to trim your fresh basil, I show you how to cut basil so you get more leaves here.

So remember, store bought or home grown, basil needs to be stored at room temperature in a glass of water – not in the fridge!

“The GBG: It Works for Me” is a weekly series all about that thing you’ve started doing that you’d wish you’d known you should be doing all along. Solutions, quick tips, and shortcuts. Time savers and sanity savers. Got one of your own? Let me know, I’ll try it then share it!