How to Store Fresh Basil for as Long as Possible

So many of our favorite summer recipes use garden-fresh herbs like basil. Whether it’s Ree Drummond’s bruschetta, homemade pesto, or blueberry-basil limeade, we can’t get enough of the delicate herb. In fact, Ree loves basil so much that she’s even been known to “accidentally” plant too much of it in her own backyard garden. “We end up overrun with it by mid-July,” she says, “It’s a great problem to have!” But if you have a garden full of basil or you simply bought an extra-big bunch from the supermarket, you might be looking for some tips on how to store fresh basil.

We know what you’re thinking: Basil has a tendency to go from bright green and perky to wilted and brown in a matter of days. But just like storing other herbs, you can keep basil fresh with a few simple tips. That means you can make all your favorite basil recipes (Caprese salad, included!) without worrying about your basil going bad. Even if your herbs do get limp, all you need to do is follow The Pioneer Woman’s clever trick to revive them to their former glory. “Just a reminder not to throw out wilted herbs,” Ree says. Read on for everything you need to know about how to store basil.

How do you store fresh basil?

Fresh cut basil leaves can be stored in a couple of different ways. The first is by keeping the basil in a bouquet (just like flowers!) and the second is using an air-tight container or zip-top bag. Both will keep for about 2 weeks, so here’s how to do it:

Storing Basil in a Bouquet:

This is Ree’s preferred method! Simply trim the basil and place in a jar filled with a few inches of water. Keep it on your countertop at room temperature away from sunlight and replace the water every few days. Or you can loosely cover the basil leaves with a plastic bag to help extend the shelf life.

Storing Basil in a Container:

Start by wrapping the basil in dry paper towels to help absorb moisture and keep the basil fresh. Place the wrapped basil in a food storage container or air-tight plastic bag and store in the fridge.

Can you freeze fresh basil?

If you’re looking to keep your basil for a little bit longer, turning to the freezer might be a good idea. But just note that it won’t be the same as when it’s fresh from the garden. You’ll need to preserve the basil in oil by chopping it in your blender or food processor, then placing the basil paste in an ice cube tray topped with oil. Store in the freezer for about 3 months.