If you’re tired of making pesto or already have plenty in your freezer, this method of preserving basil is perfect for you.
This quick freezer technique is fantastic for adding basil to soups, sauces, and even pizza.
Let’s get started!
Why Freeze Basil?
Preserving basil allows you to enjoy its flavor throughout the year.
While dehydrating basil is an option, it can lose some of its aroma and potency.
Freezing basil using the method I’m about to show you helps retain much of its flavor and aroma, making it a great alternative to drying.
Step 1: De-stemming the Basil
First, we need to destem our basil. There are various methods, but I find that simply pulling the leaves off by hand works just fine.
If your basil has started to bolt and flower, don’t worry.
The flowers are edible and can be included in this process.
Step 2: Wash the Basil
Once destemmed, it’s time to wash the basil. I use a salad spinner for this step.
Washing helps remove any bugs or dirt, especially if you don’t use pesticides in your garden.
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Step 3: Pack the Basil in Olive Oil
For this freezer method, you’ll need basil, olive oil, and a food processor or blender.
Start by adding a small amount of olive oil to the bottom of the food processor. Then, add your basil in batches if necessary.
While processing, drizzle in more olive oil until you achieve a smooth puree.
Be careful not to add too much oil. You want the basil flavor to remain dominant.
Step 4: Freeze the Basil Puree
Now that you have your basil puree, it’s time to freeze it.
I recommend using silicone ice cube trays for this step.
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These trays make it easy to pop out the frozen basil cubes. Simply fill each compartment with the puree and freeze.
Step 5: Store the Frozen Basil
Once the basil cubes are completely frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag.
To minimize freezer burn and ice crystals, you can use a bowl of water to create a pseudo-vacuum seal.
Here’s how:
Place the bag in the water, leaving a small corner open. Submerge the bag until almost all the air is pushed out, then seal it shut.
If you would like a visual demonstration, check out the video on this post about freezing broth.
This method of preserving basil is convenient and helps retain much of the herb’s original flavor and aroma.
Whether you’re adding it to soups, sauces, or pizza, these basil cubes will be a delightful addition to your dishes!
