How to Store Fresh Basil to Keep It Crisp and Green

Like all soft, tender herbs, fresh basil wilts quickly, and is best used fresh off the stem. But since not all of us are blessed with a thriving basil plant, we have some tips for keeping the cut stuff fresh and fragrant at home for as long as possible. Ahead, you’ll find our best tips on how to store fresh basil—plus, tips on shopping for it to start with the freshest herb possible.

Tips for Choosing Fresh Basil

We love incorporating basil into dishes, including a peach, mozzarella, and basil salad, a shrimp and basil stir-fry, and, of course, pesto. The latter can then be used to complement pasta, paninis, and grilled veggies. But there’s nothing quite as disappointing as getting home from the market to find your basil has already begun wilting. Since basil already has such a fragile shelf life, it’s important to go ahead and spend a few extra minutes inspecting all your options at the store to find the freshest bunch to extend its lifespan.

Look for bright green basil with no signs of wilting or damage. Leave behind any basil that looks dry, dull, or has any black or brown spots. Fresh basil will have a sweet, peppery, and earthy aroma.

The Best Way to Store Fresh Basil

The best method for storing fresh basil is treating it like flowers in a vase with water. You’ll need to wait to wash the basil until just before using it, as excess moisture will cause it to rot more quickly. Stored this way, you can expect the basil to stay fresh for one to two weeks. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to store fresh basil:

1. Begin by trimming and discarding the ends of the basil stems.
2. Then, store the basil in a vase or jar with a few inches of cool, clean water, and keep it out of the sunlight at room temperature.
3. Change the water every few days. Take this a step further and cover the basil with a loose plastic bag or an upside-down zipper storage bag to help retain moisture.

Other Basil Storage Methods and Tips

If you’re in a rush and need a quicker storage method, you can simply wrap your basil up in a damp paper towel, stick it in an opened zip-top bag, and leave it on your kitchen counter. You can also place basil in a container lined with a dry paper towel and cover it with a dampened paper towel. Inspect your basil every few days and remove any parts that have begun wilting or browning to avoid it spreading.

How to Store Chopped Basil

Chopped basil will inevitably rot faster than whole basil, but the best way to store it is by placing it in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. 

Alternatively, you can turn chopped basil into a dried herb by placing it in a single layer on a baking sheet and baking it in an oven at the lowest possible temperature until fully dry and crumbly (about 2 hours). Store the dried basil in a jar and use it all year round. 

Can You Freeze Basil?

Yes, technically, you can freeze basil, but it won’t be the same as before when thawed. Here are a few ways to freeze it with some tips to keep in mind.

Create Basil Ice Cubes

The best way to freeze basil is by blitzing it with a bit of olive oil in a food processor or blender to make a green paste or sauce. Then, pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and pop it in the freezer.

Blanch and Shock Basil Before Freezing

An alternative option for freezing is to blanch washed basil leaves for 10 to 15 seconds and then shock them in ice water. Strain and pat the leaves dry, freeze them on a sheet tray, and then transfer them to freezer bags.

When you’re ready to use that frozen basil, go ahead and add a cube to soup, or melt the frozen basil cubes in a hot pan to bring basil flavor to whatever you’re cooking.