I put the leaves on a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer. When the leaves are frozen i put them in a ziploc bag. Then I just pull out as many leaves as I want.
This is the way I would do it also. I also freeze chives and parsley. I do wash them, spin in a salad spinner (or roll them up in a tea towel. Once dry I chop them then put them in a small container. So easy to use.
I always freeze my basil in ziplock bags. I don’t use any olive oil just fresh clean basil! I also do the same with parsley, rosemary thyme and sage. Great way to have fresh herbs on hand. No wasted herbs !
@@kricketkitty Don't try this technique, it gets icy. I tried them, they got icy. Try the technique in the video; Maybe the oil prevents it from freezing.
That’s what I do too. I only ever cook with it, so it’s fine. It never gets icy and never turns black. I just break off a chunk and toss it into whatever I’m cooking.
I put the Basil (stalks and all) in a freezer bag and stick in the freezer. When frozen I remove the bag and squash the contents until all the Basil brakes down. I then put the broken Basil in a plastic container and return to freezer. When cooking sauces etc. during winter I just sprinkle what I need and then return the container back into the freezer. The Basil remains loose and you just tip out what you need. It is easy and convenient.
I just toss the leaves in a freezer bag. Since I am using them for cooking in the winter, this method has worked for me. Nice to see someone else with a similar version of freezing. I may try adding olive oil to see if I notice a difference.
That's very helpful, thank you! I love Basil but I only buy them the day or the next day I need them, as they don't stay "fresh" after two days (they start to turn black). Also, I don't throw away the stems after I took all the leaves off. I used Basil mostly in my pasta dishes, specifically spaghetti, and Asian dishes. It's the stems (whole) that I usually freeze and then add them to my simmering spaghetti sauce whenever I make spaghetti. Believe me, they do add a lot of Basil "flavor" even without using the leaves.
@@TheJhtlagYeah, I don’t live anywhere near a store, so I can’t just pop out and get some. I grow all my herbs in large pots on my patio and use it fresh during the summer and fall, but freeze enough to last through the winter. If you freeze them they’re as close to fresh as you can get. They look beautiful all summer with a few chrysanthemums tucked in with them, which act as an insect repellent as well. One tip about growing basil is I always keep my basil in a semi shaded spot, that keeps them from bolting quickly and getting hard stems so they last longer through the season.
B4 I pick to freeze I give a good blast with the hose and let dry in the sun. Then it's clean and ready to freeze the yummy leaves I pick and freeze on tray then bag up 😊
I am about to harvest my end-of-the-summer basil plants and I'll use your method to save the leaves. Reading comments it seems a lot of people have a problem eating anything that isn't washed. Here's my method for washing: Cut the plants into large branches; fill a large pot (or the kitchen sink) with cold water; grasp the branches firmly, imerse rhem and agitate; remoe from water and shake briskly to remove excess water. put them upright in a container loosly; allow to air-dry for an hour or so, ruffling and rearranging occasionally. Proceed with the above instructions for freezing.
I do this to the very hard-to-find Thai basil and Thai holy basil. Also, kaffir lime leaves for my Thai recipes. It works perfectly, and saves me a 40-mile round trip to the Asian supermarket in winter.
Excellent - thank you. You can also use a small-diameter straw (flattened), to suck the last of the air out of the bag. Works great! (Thx to my sister for showing me this.) Cheers! ☺
Ok, I’m your newest fan. Very well done video with the perfect amount of information disseminated. And, a normal voice describing what to do! I couldn’t be happier to have found this video
@@M_Ladd she doesn’t say don’t look at it or inspect it. Are you saying you would not see and remove a bug or a piece of dirt? I pick through dried beans before I cook them. I can do the same for a few leaves of basil.
@@libbyworkman3459 Yeah, kind of a DA answer, yeah inspect it but don't be hypochondriac about it, we've probably all eaten a little more dirt and insects than we think, either that or delicious insecticide. Choose.
I love this idea and I’m going to do it with this year’s crop. I’ve frozen basil successfully for years but I’ve been working too hard. I always washed it, dried it, turned it into confetti in the food processor, mix with olive oil (way more than you used, freeze in tablespoon sized balls then bag. I’m going to use your easy method today because I have tons!
Nice! I love the way you've shown us to do this. I didn't like the idea of essentially turning it all into pesto, since I love using fresh basil in a variety of dishes! Thanks for the info!
To minimize risk of bruising when mixing with olive oil, one could alternatively lay out the basil on a cookie or baking sheet, and spray the olive oil for a more thorough coating of the leaves.
@@FargosportsmassageI don’t wash my herbs before freezing or chopping. Especially basil, it bruises so easily and if you don’t get it completely dry it’s just a mess.
I put Olive oil in a baggie,smear all over inside,then add basil,massage to cover completely,then freeze. Have used Basil 2+ years old,still fragrant,still tasty,still getting compliments. Jus' another way... ENJOY
I am glad I clicked on this. This year I have an over abundance of Basil and while I like pesto...I prefer putting Basil in sauces and soups. This is a great alternative to the ice cube tray idea. Thank you.
My basil has grown like crazy this year! From reading the comments it sounds like many of us have a lot of basil. I've already given a bunch to my neighbor for him to make and freeze pesto. I took a bunch and dehydrated it. I swear that my plant replaced everything that I harvested in less than a month! I am going to try your method of freezing basil. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much - during our summer I had my best basil harvest and only knew the chop/freeze/olive oil method. I’m very happy to get this alternative and all the other things like being careful with the sensitive leaves. 😊
Thanks for this! I often use basil in my recipes but I've never been a fan of pesto. And like yourself, freezing it in olive oil in an ice cube tray has never been what I wanted to do. I've always wondered about just freezing it and now I know the best way to do it. I live alone and grow fresh basil every summer, and always end up with much more than I can use, and most of my friends either grow as well, or they simply do not cook and have no need. I can guarantee that I will freeze a ton of it this year and will have plenty for the rest of the year. I have frozen dill in the past, and it has come out quite well, but I did not use any olive oil. The next time I will try the same technique for my dill, which I usually use to make Tzatziki, so the olive oil will not be a problem there at all!
Thank you for your method of freezing basil. I love using basil whenever I can. However, I had to buy it in a packet in the winter and could only use it the one time because it would turn black. Buying a packet of basil is not cheap even in the summer months. I grow lots of basil in the summer and now I will use your method to freeze as much as I can so that I have it when I don't have it in my garden. Thank you for sharing this info.
I do the same with cilantro(but never thought of the oil!)and cut off a chunk when needed. I freeze stems and all and just cut the bunch in half before putting in the bag. Also have done it with baby spinach (minus the oil). Great tip! God Bless!
Thank you for sharing this information. I have a lot of basil too but I didn’t know what to do with it. I put some in a glass jar and put it in the fridge. ❤❤❤
Well, who would’ve thunk it. I’ve been gardening most of my adult life and never have I ever used olive oil. What a brilliant idea. I’ve dried it, minced it with olive oil in an ice cube.
Thank you, thank you so very much...I am so happy to find you,and to learn how to freeze my Basil....my Basil is spoiling ,and I don't know how to save some,so now that I know,I am going to be get as much as I can In the Freezer...thank you again,and God Bless..
Perfect my basils is growing really fast. I needed this information and will now go and snip and freeze some basil. Thank you very much. No basil wasted here……..
This is GREAT! I make pesto and have done the basil/oil in ice cube trays but hit the same problem with too much oil. Adding this to my harvest routine. Right now my basil is kicking and I need to harvest to keep it healthy. Thanks!!!
LOVE to have easy ways to save my harvest! A tip for getting air out of the freezer bag: same way of zipping almost closed, then use a straw then INHALE a to expel the extra air! No smashing required
The reason I don’t recommend that… not that I don’t do it myself… but I don’t recommend it because it’s very easy to inhale a particle if you’re not careful, and I don’t want to be liable for that. Can be very dangerous- especially corn. 😬
Right! Corn would hurt. 😆 I used the Hefty brand bag (uses a zipper-like closure) and I was NOT impressed. So, my straw trick didn’t work with that anyway, so stuck with the gentle squeeze to get the air out.
I put the leaves on a cookie sheet and pop in the freezer. When the leaves are frozen i put them in a ziploc bag. Then I just pull out as many leaves as I want.
Me also!
This is the way I would do it also. I also freeze chives and parsley. I do wash them, spin in a salad spinner (or roll them up in a tea towel. Once dry I chop them then put them in a small container. So easy to use.
Thanks. Sounds much easier.
What if you don’t have a freezer with all that room. My freezer is full of meat and chicken and cookies.
@@tompatchak8706doesn't sound like a problem, just eat cookies until there is enough room 😂
I always freeze my basil in ziplock bags. I don’t use any olive oil just fresh clean basil! I also do the same with parsley, rosemary thyme and sage. Great way to have fresh herbs on hand. No wasted herbs !
The herbs don't turn black?
How do you prevent ice forming in the bags?
@@PrairieMom I tried the same technique; The parsley turned black. All wasted.🙄
@@kricketkitty Don't try this technique, it gets icy. I tried them, they got icy.
Try the technique in the video; Maybe the oil prevents it from freezing.
That’s what I do too. I only ever cook with it, so it’s fine. It never gets icy and never turns black. I just break off a chunk and toss it into whatever I’m cooking.
I put the Basil (stalks and all) in a freezer bag and stick in the freezer. When frozen I remove the bag and squash the contents until all the Basil brakes down. I then put the broken Basil in a plastic container and return to freezer. When cooking sauces etc. during winter I just sprinkle what I need and then return the container back into the freezer. The Basil remains loose and you just tip out what you need. It is easy and convenient.
I do this with spinach as well
'breaks' down.
One should act fast otherwise it’ll start to defrost and turn to a black mushy and yucky mass.
Thx for the tip do you wash and dry the basil first before tossing them in freezer? Tia. 😊
I have grown basil for years now and this idea never occurred to me, so thanks to you I should have basil through the winter and spring. Cheers.
That's exactly how my Italian grandmother has done for years! Thank you!
I just toss the leaves in a freezer bag. Since I am using them for cooking in the winter, this method has worked for me. Nice to see someone else with a similar version of freezing. I may try adding olive oil to see if I notice a difference.
I freeze the stems in a separate bag and add them to long cooking items. They store so much flavor
That's very helpful, thank you!
I love Basil but I only buy them the day or the next day I need them, as they don't stay "fresh" after two days (they start to turn black).
Also, I don't throw away the stems after I took all the leaves off. I used Basil mostly in my pasta dishes, specifically spaghetti, and Asian dishes. It's the stems (whole) that I usually freeze and then add them to my simmering spaghetti sauce whenever I make spaghetti. Believe me, they do add a lot of Basil "flavor" even without using the leaves.
i buy the pots of basil from Aldi. They last for more than a month, I water regularly and they sit on my windowsill.
I buy a potted basil use the top and replant the bottom that’s left into several pots. It soon grows in the summer months.
Put your fresh basil in a jar of water and cover with a gallon baggie and they won't turn black as quickly. You might even get some sprouts
Yeah, but her point here is when you're growing it and have too much basil to consume in a short period of time.
@@TheJhtlagYeah, I don’t live anywhere near a store, so I can’t just pop out and get some. I grow all my herbs in large pots on my patio and use it fresh during the summer and fall, but freeze enough to last through the winter. If you freeze them they’re as close to fresh as you can get. They look beautiful all summer with a few chrysanthemums tucked in with them, which act as an insect repellent as well. One tip about growing basil is I always keep my basil in a semi shaded spot, that keeps them from bolting quickly and getting hard stems so they last longer through the season.
Well said. Just enough to instruct without going on and on. Thank you
B4 I pick to freeze I give a good blast with the hose and let dry in the sun.
Then it's clean and ready to freeze the yummy leaves
I pick and freeze on tray then bag up 😊
I've been doing this over 25 years. It's best. Hands down!
I am about to harvest my end-of-the-summer basil plants and I'll use your method to save the leaves. Reading comments it seems a lot of people have a problem eating anything that isn't washed. Here's my method for washing: Cut the plants into large branches; fill a large pot (or the kitchen sink) with cold water; grasp the branches firmly, imerse rhem and agitate; remoe from water and shake briskly to remove excess water. put them upright in a container loosly; allow to air-dry for an hour or so, ruffling and rearranging occasionally. Proceed with the above instructions for freezing.
I do this to the very hard-to-find Thai basil and Thai holy basil. Also, kaffir lime leaves for my Thai recipes. It works perfectly, and saves me a 40-mile round trip to the Asian supermarket in winter.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. My basil really grew this year and thanks to you it won't go to waste.
Excellent video. Thankyou my basil has gone crazy and I didn't want to waste it.
Genius idea for basil freezing, thank you.
Excellent - thank you. You can also use a small-diameter straw (flattened), to suck the last of the air out of the bag. Works great! (Thx to my sister for showing me this.) Cheers! ☺
Ok, I’m your newest fan. Very well done video with the perfect amount of information disseminated. And, a normal voice describing what to do! I couldn’t be happier to have found this video
I appreciate that, thank you! 🥰
I dream about having that much basil! The "no wash" tip is excellent. Great video.
Thanks!
Yes, no wash, freeze bugs, and all.
@@M_Ladd she doesn’t say don’t look at it or inspect it. Are you saying you would not see and remove a bug or a piece of dirt? I pick through dried beans before I cook them. I can do the same for a few leaves of basil.
@libbyworkman3459 Then you go knock your sox off, and don't worry about what other people do.
@@libbyworkman3459 Yeah, kind of a DA answer, yeah inspect it but don't be hypochondriac about it, we've probably all eaten a little more dirt and insects than we think, either that or delicious insecticide. Choose.
Super vid! Excellent tip and no excess yakking, lol. 😂very much appreciated.
Thank for the short to the point and simple video!
I love this idea and I’m going to do it with this year’s crop. I’ve frozen basil successfully for years but I’ve been working too hard. I always washed it, dried it, turned it into confetti in the food processor, mix with olive oil (way more than you used, freeze in tablespoon sized balls then bag. I’m going to use your easy method today because I have tons!
Nice! I love the way you've shown us to do this. I didn't like the idea of essentially turning it all into pesto, since I love using fresh basil in a variety of dishes! Thanks for the info!
To minimize risk of bruising when mixing with olive oil, one could alternatively lay out the basil on a cookie or baking sheet, and spray the olive oil for a more thorough coating of the leaves.
You don't wash them with water before costing with oil? Thanks
@@FargosportsmassageI don’t wash my herbs before freezing or chopping. Especially basil, it bruises so easily and if you don’t get it completely dry it’s just a mess.
@@Fargosportsmassage I always wash the plant in the garden (hose on mist)before picking and let it air dry completely…
This is my first year of growing basil. I have far more than I'll ever use. Thanks for the tips. I plan to try it.
I put Olive oil in a baggie,smear all over inside,then add basil,massage to cover completely,then freeze.
Have used Basil 2+ years old,still fragrant,still tasty,still getting compliments.
Jus' another way...
ENJOY
This is an even better way because it's faster! Quick question though - are the leaves still crisp or does it get mushy over time?
@@karabean over a year and no mush,still pure flavor just opened a 2 year old bag,same,just as if it was picked yesterday
@@anatolewilliams166 awesome! Thanks much 🙂
Anytime
I am going to try this. I have lots of basil to harvest and don't want it to go to waste. Thanks!
Very useful for my big crop of basil this fall. Thanks!
I am glad I clicked on this. This year I have an over abundance of Basil and while I like pesto...I prefer putting Basil in sauces and soups. This is a great alternative to the ice cube tray idea. Thank you.
Awesome, I did not know you could freeze it this way!! Thank you!😊
My basil has grown like crazy this year! From reading the comments it sounds like many of us have a lot of basil. I've already given a bunch to my neighbor for him to make and freeze pesto. I took a bunch and dehydrated it. I swear that my plant replaced everything that I harvested in less than a month! I am going to try your method of freezing basil. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome idea! I've been watching so many videos trying to figure out the best method to preserve these leaves. YOU WIN!
Thank you!! Prefer “fresh” over dried and this will work great!! So much basil this year!!
Love this! I freeze dry a lot of my herbs but I'm trying this today!
Thank you for your instructions, just harvested basil today and was was looking for the best way to store the leaves. ❤
Thanks so much - during our summer I had my best basil harvest and only knew the chop/freeze/olive oil method. I’m very happy to get this alternative and all the other things like being careful with the sensitive leaves. 😊
I definitely need to be more diligent about my basil harvest next year.
Thank you so much. No more waste!
Thanks. I also have an over-abundance of basil this year.
Thank you Crystal a nice to know how to preserve basil without drowning it in Olive oil.
Great instructions and tips; thankyou! I sprayed olive oil on the leaves with a non- aerosol refillable pump container. (It’s called “ Misto”)
Thanks for showing this. I'm going out right now to harvest my basil!
Thank you for the wonderful tip on how to freeze my basil
My tip - thank you for this idea.Very well done. I use a straw to draw all the air out of a bag of whatever im freezing
Thanks for this! I often use basil in my recipes but I've never been a fan of pesto. And like yourself, freezing it in olive oil in an ice cube tray has never been what I wanted to do. I've always wondered about just freezing it and now I know the best way to do it. I live alone and grow fresh basil every summer, and always end up with much more than I can use, and most of my friends either grow as well, or they simply do not cook and have no need. I can guarantee that I will freeze a ton of it this year and will have plenty for the rest of the year.
I have frozen dill in the past, and it has come out quite well, but I did not use any olive oil. The next time I will try the same technique for my dill, which I usually use to make Tzatziki, so the olive oil will not be a problem there at all!
Basil is the only herb I recommend freezing with oil like this. 👍🏻
Why no oil for others?
Precisely to the point, thank you😊
Thank you for your method of freezing basil. I love using basil whenever I can. However, I had to buy it in a packet in the winter and could only use it the one time because it would turn black. Buying a packet of basil is not cheap even in the summer months. I grow lots of basil in the summer and now I will use your method to freeze as much as I can so that I have it when I don't have it in my garden. Thank you for sharing this info.
I take basil cuttings and put them in small vases. They grow roots so fast and its fresh in the kitchen all year long.
I've just been dehydrating mine, but sometimes I want to use fresh(er). I hadn't thought about doing this. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! Finally not having to tie up my ice cube trays ❤
I do the same with cilantro(but never thought of the oil!)and cut off a chunk when needed. I freeze stems and all and just cut the bunch in half before putting in the bag. Also have done it with baby spinach (minus the oil). Great tip! God Bless!
Thank you I will definitely be storing my basil this way ...great video 🇨🇦
I have a ton of basil this year and wanted the easiest way to freeze it. Thanks so much for sharing this great video.
Have never heard of this method before - great idea thank you. Will certainly do this in the future!
Two years ago and still helping!!
Thanks, I love basil and never knew what to do with excess!
Thank you for sharing this information. I have a lot of basil too but I didn’t know what to do with it. I put some in a glass jar and put it in the fridge. ❤❤❤
Wow, such a good method and so well explained!! Thank you.❤
Very helpful, I have used the other method and thought there’s got to be something better. Thanks for the video!
Terrific, thank you. Didn't even know how to use the Zip lock bag until now!
You’re the best, thank you
So easy!! Thank you for sharing and what a really great explanation that you have for it all.
My wife loves the “less oil” idea! Subscribed!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful tip. Now my basil won't go to waste.
Well, who would’ve thunk it. I’ve been gardening most of my adult life and never have I ever used olive oil. What a brilliant idea. I’ve dried it, minced it with olive oil in an ice cube.
Thanks so much. This was a wonderful ! Quick and easy ! Lots of good tips.
Thanks for this video! First time growing basil this year. Now I need to find recipes to use the frozen basil. Haven't cooked much with herbs either.😁
Great! I am slowly, putting my garden to rest, one pot at a time and had no idea how to save the basil!
I froze some 2 years ago but didn't use the OO. Will definitely try your way!! Thanks for the video!!
I’ve used the other methods and am anxious to try this. Kind of a mashup of the two other typical methods.
Thank you, thank you so very much...I am so happy to find you,and to learn how to freeze my Basil....my Basil is spoiling ,and I don't know how to save some,so now that I know,I am going to be get as much as I can In the Freezer...thank you again,and God Bless..
Perfect my basils is growing really fast. I needed this information and will now go and snip and freeze some basil. Thank you very much. No basil wasted here……..
Thank you for this timely video!
Just finished packaging baggies with oiled basil and freezing them; I think it will work. Thank you for the idea; really appreciated!
You bet!
Thank you for this video. I lost so much basil when the dry season came. I tried to dry some. Now I know how to freeze it.
This is GREAT! I make pesto and have done the basil/oil in ice cube trays but hit the same problem with too much oil. Adding this to my harvest routine. Right now my basil is kicking and I need to harvest to keep it healthy. Thanks!!!
You bet! 😊😊
What a fantastic idea and great tips, thank you!
Thanks for that method. I’ve tried many, but that is a new one to me. Trying it tomorrow.
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you I’ll try it this season if the heat don’t kill my basil plants
TY!
I’m so excited to try this!
This is so accurate 😜
Thanks for the reality check!
love this! I'm headed to my garden to harvest my basil and begin this brilliant method. thank you 🙂
Wow! I never knew this method...thanks!
Brilliant. I love this information! Thank you.
Thank you Kathy, that’s a very easy way to freeze basil. Bea
I would love some good recipes using the frozen basil
Use it for anything cooked!
Very helpful thank you! I have tons of basil coming in from my garden.
Wow! This is so cool and simple ! I'm going to go pluck some right now! Thank you for creating and for uploading this. The visuals were perfect.
You bet! Thanks! 😊
Oh thank you so much I will have to try this awesome😁💕👍🦋
Thank you. I will follow the same, didn't have a clue, also you were very quick to watch no messing around . Uk
Great information with simple explanation, and application ...Thank You for Sharing, Appreciated...
Perfect! I was looking for a way to store basil in my freezer and this is such good news that I can do it this way.
This is the best way I have seen so far.
Cool !! … now I can stash my basil for winter .. yayyyy ! Thank you 🙏
LOVE to have easy ways to save my harvest!
A tip for getting air out of the freezer bag: same way of zipping almost closed, then use a straw then INHALE a to expel the extra air! No smashing required
The reason I don’t recommend that… not that I don’t do it myself… but I don’t recommend it because it’s very easy to inhale a particle if you’re not careful, and I don’t want to be liable for that. Can be very dangerous- especially corn. 😬
Right! Corn would hurt. 😆 I used the Hefty brand bag (uses a zipper-like closure) and I was NOT impressed. So, my straw trick didn’t work with that anyway, so stuck with the gentle squeeze to get the air out.
Right on! Thank you!
Can we purée with evoo or avocado oil & then freeze it as well?
Thx
Very helpful video! Thank you!
Fantastic!! Thanks so much. I’m going to give this a try.
Basil is my fav herb! TY for the Excellent tips.