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How to keep fresh basil fresh?
About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil.
I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh for a few days to a week. Anyone? |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. You can't. Tie a string to the ends and hang it up in a warm dry place. A quick whirr in a food processor and you have fresh, dry basil. Paul |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. You can't. Tie a string to the ends and hang it up in a warm dry place. A quick whirr in a food processor and you have fresh, dry basil. Paul |
> "Paul M. Kook" writes:
> >"Petey the Dog" wrote: >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. >> >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh >> for a few days to a week. > > >You can't. Freshly picked (unwashed) basil will keep quite nicely in a zip-loc in the fridge for about a week. ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
> "Paul M. Kook" writes:
> >"Petey the Dog" wrote: >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. >> >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh >> for a few days to a week. > > >You can't. Freshly picked (unwashed) basil will keep quite nicely in a zip-loc in the fridge for about a week. ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > >"Petey the Dog" wrote: > >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > >> > >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > >> for a few days to a week. > > Freshly picked (unwashed) basil will keep quite nicely in a zip-loc in the > fridge for about a week. Wrap a paper towel around it before putting it into the bag helps. Hal Laurent Baltimore |
"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > >"Petey the Dog" wrote: > >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > >> > >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > >> for a few days to a week. > > Freshly picked (unwashed) basil will keep quite nicely in a zip-loc in the > fridge for about a week. Wrap a paper towel around it before putting it into the bag helps. Hal Laurent Baltimore |
at Tue, 31 Aug 2004 20:55:31 GMT in <ja0aj059qhlehdv8u85gu655thl8tmthst@
4ax.com>, cal (Petey the Wonder Dog) wrote : >About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > >I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh >for a few days to a week. > >Anyone? Keep it like a flower - snip the very bottom of the stem and stick it in a cup or a vase with plenty of water in it. Then set on a cool shelf, perhaps with some indirect sunlight (e.g. next to a kitchen window) I have used this to keep basil fresh for over a week. The problem used to mystify me as well and I found it hopeless as long as I stayed with the conventional food-storage tactics. -- Alex Rast (remove d., .7, not, and .NOSPAM to reply) |
I use quite a bit of basil, during the summer and fall it is not a problem,
but here in Wisconsin it is hard to keep a plant alive, During the season, when there's a lots of leaves, I pick them and I chop them up in a food processor with some olive oil and to keep them looking green I add a few spinach leaves ( Chlorophyll ), I put them in freezer bags lay them flat in the freezer ( about 1/4 to 3/8 thick )and when I need some basil I unzip the bag and break off a chunk of basil, It is better than the dried one. If I want some pesto I defrost one bag, chop some nut meat or pinoli add some garlic salt mix it in the food processor and add the defrosted basil last, here is where the spinach do make it green Sergio "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? |
I use quite a bit of basil, during the summer and fall it is not a problem,
but here in Wisconsin it is hard to keep a plant alive, During the season, when there's a lots of leaves, I pick them and I chop them up in a food processor with some olive oil and to keep them looking green I add a few spinach leaves ( Chlorophyll ), I put them in freezer bags lay them flat in the freezer ( about 1/4 to 3/8 thick )and when I need some basil I unzip the bag and break off a chunk of basil, It is better than the dried one. If I want some pesto I defrost one bag, chop some nut meat or pinoli add some garlic salt mix it in the food processor and add the defrosted basil last, here is where the spinach do make it green Sergio "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? |
Firstly, early every Spring, plant your own basil in two or three
pots.... set them out in the sun near you kitchen door at the last sign of frost .. if you're an apartment dweller, keep them inside by the kitchen window....failing this....keeping them in a glass of cool water is second best. As for storing them for the winter......pull the leaves from the stems, then rinse in cold water thoroughly and GENTLY pat as much moisture from the leaves as possible...spread them on a long sheet of saran,,,,,roll up the saran and fold in the sides as you go...seal in a small baggie removing all the air and freeze....when you want them for sauce, salad ect..unroll saran and remove desired amt and reroll and seal and return to freezer....tastes as fresh as the day it was picked....adding oil to basil if it not used within a few weeks results in a dank musty taste similar to puting chopped garlic in oil...yuk..... http://community.webtv.net/R-J-Q/FIRSTANNUALALLYEAR http://www.wtv-zone.com/cal555/index.html |
Firstly, early every Spring, plant your own basil in two or three
pots.... set them out in the sun near you kitchen door at the last sign of frost .. if you're an apartment dweller, keep them inside by the kitchen window....failing this....keeping them in a glass of cool water is second best. As for storing them for the winter......pull the leaves from the stems, then rinse in cold water thoroughly and GENTLY pat as much moisture from the leaves as possible...spread them on a long sheet of saran,,,,,roll up the saran and fold in the sides as you go...seal in a small baggie removing all the air and freeze....when you want them for sauce, salad ect..unroll saran and remove desired amt and reroll and seal and return to freezer....tastes as fresh as the day it was picked....adding oil to basil if it not used within a few weeks results in a dank musty taste similar to puting chopped garlic in oil...yuk..... http://community.webtv.net/R-J-Q/FIRSTANNUALALLYEAR http://www.wtv-zone.com/cal555/index.html |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? I simply put it in a small jelly jar, like flowers, with some warm water. Don't put it in the fridge, just set it on the counter. Just take the leaves as you need them...the rest will be fine for a week or two...or more. kimberly |
"Nexis" > wrote in message news:1jeZc.65305$4o.423@fed1read01... > > "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message > ... >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. >> >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh >> for a few days to a week. >> >> Anyone? > > I simply put it in a small jelly jar, like flowers, with some warm water. > Don't put it in the fridge, just set it on the counter. Just take the > leaves > as you need them...the rest will be fine for a week or two...or more. > > kimberly > >======== It's obviously too early for me to playing on here today... I read that as "...in a SMELLY jar..." LOL Cyndi |
"Nexis" > wrote in message news:1jeZc.65305$4o.423@fed1read01... > > "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message > ... >> About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. >> >> I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh >> for a few days to a week. >> >> Anyone? > > I simply put it in a small jelly jar, like flowers, with some warm water. > Don't put it in the fridge, just set it on the counter. Just take the > leaves > as you need them...the rest will be fine for a week or two...or more. > > kimberly > >======== It's obviously too early for me to playing on here today... I read that as "...in a SMELLY jar..." LOL Cyndi |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? Question: Do you get it with roots? It can be planted or kept in water for a few days. If not, clip the leaves and process in a food processor for shopped fresh basil and keep it in a zip lock bag in the fridge. If you have a dehydrator-dry it. If not, dy it in a brown paper bag for a couple of weeks and grind it up. One word of caution: If you wash it-dry it well as it will turn black if still damp. |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? Question: Do you get it with roots? It can be planted or kept in water for a few days. If not, clip the leaves and process in a food processor for shopped fresh basil and keep it in a zip lock bag in the fridge. If you have a dehydrator-dry it. If not, dy it in a brown paper bag for a couple of weeks and grind it up. One word of caution: If you wash it-dry it well as it will turn black if still damp. |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? Question: Do you get it with roots? It can be planted or kept in water for a few days. If not, clip the leaves and process in a food processor for shopped fresh basil and keep it in a zip lock bag in the fridge. If you have a dehydrator-dry it. If not, dy it in a brown paper bag for a couple of weeks and grind it up. One word of caution: If you wash it-dry it well as it will turn black if still damp. |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? You can also use it to make pesto. It freezes well. |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? You can also use it to make pesto. It freezes well. |
"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message ... > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > for a few days to a week. > > Anyone? You can also use it to make pesto. It freezes well. |
"Nexis" > wrote in message news:<1jeZc.65305$4o.423@fed1read01>...
> "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message > ... > > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > > for a few days to a week. > > > > Anyone? > > I simply put it in a small jelly jar, like flowers, with some warm water. > Don't put it in the fridge, just set it on the counter. Just take the leaves > as you need them...the rest will be fine for a week or two...or more. > > kimberly That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped in paper towels in a plastic bag. And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the leaves. Ken |
"Nexis" > wrote in message news:<1jeZc.65305$4o.423@fed1read01>...
> "Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message > ... > > About once a week, my friend gives me a bunch of fresh basil. > > > > I use it everyday, as I love it, but I need to know how to keep it fresh > > for a few days to a week. > > > > Anyone? > > I simply put it in a small jelly jar, like flowers, with some warm water. > Don't put it in the fridge, just set it on the counter. Just take the leaves > as you need them...the rest will be fine for a week or two...or more. > > kimberly That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped in paper towels in a plastic bag. And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the leaves. Ken |
> > That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice > glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like > flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. > > I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped > in paper towels in a plastic bag. > > And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad > or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the > leaves. > > Ken I was always tol dthat the flowers make the leaves bitter. |
> > That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice > glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like > flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. > > I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped > in paper towels in a plastic bag. > > And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad > or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the > leaves. > > Ken I was always tol dthat the flowers make the leaves bitter. |
"Kswck" > wrote in message .net>...
> > > > That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice > > glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like > > flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. > > > > I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped > > in paper towels in a plastic bag. > > > > And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad > > or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the > > leaves. > > > > Ken > > I was always tol dthat the flowers make the leaves bitter. Not in my experience. The flowers are tasty. But if you let the basil flower, it's putting energy into flower (and seed) production that could have gone into leaves. It's an annual: it sets seed and dies. Keeping it from seed production prolongs its usable life. -- Chris Green |
"Kswck" > wrote in message .net>...
> > > > That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice > > glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like > > flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. > > > > I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped > > in paper towels in a plastic bag. > > > > And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad > > or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the > > leaves. > > > > Ken > > I was always tol dthat the flowers make the leaves bitter. Not in my experience. The flowers are tasty. But if you let the basil flower, it's putting energy into flower (and seed) production that could have gone into leaves. It's an annual: it sets seed and dies. Keeping it from seed production prolongs its usable life. -- Chris Green |
"Christopher Green" > wrote in message om... > "Kswck" > wrote in message > .net>... >> > >> > That's how I keep mine, on the counter by the sink in a short juice >> > glass with water. The only thing I want to add is: Just like >> > flowers, if any of the leaves are below the water line, they will rot. >> > >> > I would guess a second way would be to store it like lettuce wrapped >> > in paper towels in a plastic bag. >> > >> > And the flowers are edible and make a great edible garnish on a salad >> > or tomatoes or soups or whatever. Just use them like you would the >> > leaves. >> > >> > Ken >> >> I was always tol dthat the flowers make the leaves bitter. > > Not in my experience. The flowers are tasty. But if you let the basil > flower, it's putting energy into flower (and seed) production that > could have gone into leaves. It's an annual: it sets seed and dies. > Keeping it from seed production prolongs its usable life. > > -- > Chris Green Thank you. |
One more trick I use if I have tons of basil at the end of summer is:
rinse the basil, half fill the blender with basil and half water and freeze in ice cube trays, When frozen put the cubes in Large baggies. I only use the cubes when making any kind of tomato sauce, ie, marinara, meat, mushroom or soups such as chicken, pasta faggiole, beef or whatever your li'l heart desires ...just drop 2 cubes in the "gravy" and it's great, presto, a little taste of summer all winter long. http://community.webtv.net/R-J-Q/FIRSTANNUALALLYEAR http://www.wtv-zone.com/cal555/index.html |
One more trick I use if I have tons of basil at the end of summer is:
rinse the basil, half fill the blender with basil and half water and freeze in ice cube trays, When frozen put the cubes in Large baggies. I only use the cubes when making any kind of tomato sauce, ie, marinara, meat, mushroom or soups such as chicken, pasta faggiole, beef or whatever your li'l heart desires ...just drop 2 cubes in the "gravy" and it's great, presto, a little taste of summer all winter long. http://community.webtv.net/R-J-Q/FIRSTANNUALALLYEAR http://www.wtv-zone.com/cal555/index.html |
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