Can You Freeze Thai Basil – Can You Freeze Fresh Thai Basil Leaves – What Can I Do With Too Much Thai Basil – How Long Can You Freeze Thai Basil – How To Store Thai Basil In Fridge
Welcome to this post about how you can preserve and even freeze a lot of the excess thai basil you might have stashed up from the season. Making sure you get the most out of your plants is an important part of gardening. Not wasting anything should be a priority for all. Especially when it’s your own hard work that has created these plants. In this article, we will discuss some of the best techniques you can use for preservation. These vary from pickling to fermenting or simply freezing. They all have their pros and cons so follow along and we’ll discover them together.
If you are interested in preserving Thai basil in some more specific ways then we have written the perfect article for you. It covers some more fundamental ways of preserving it, find it here, How To Preserve Thai Basil.
How To Freeze Thai Basil
To freeze Thai basil, start by washing the leaves and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Once the leaves are dry, remove them from the stems and discard any damaged or wilted leaves.
Next, chop the leaves finely or leave them whole, depending on your preference. You can also choose to mix the leaves with a small amount of oil or water to help preserve their flavor and texture during freezing.
Once the leaves are prepared, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Place the container or bag in the freezer and freeze for up to six months. Frozen Thai basil can be used in a variety of recipes, such as curries, soups, and stir-fries. When ready to use, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and thaw before using in your recipe.
Can You Freeze Fresh Thai Basil Leaves
Another approach you can take is freezing the basil. Then the best way is finely shredding it and then freezing it in a container. Once you need you can simply take a fork and scrape the surface until you get the amount that you want. It surprisingly keeps the flavor very well.
I want to reiterate again now what we have been talking about. Thai basil can be preserved in a number of ways, from drying to making pesto and even freezing. Drying is one of our favorites because it keeps the longest. Never going over 110 degrees will also ensure you keep all the wonderful flavors.
It can sometimes be a mystery why your basil is starting to grow leggy. In this article, we explain why this can happen and what some of the best solutions are. Find it here, How To Fix A Leggy Basil Plant.
What Can I Do With Too Much Thai Basil
If you have too much Thai basil and don’t want it to go to waste, there are several things you can do with it:
- Freeze it: Thai basil freezes well, so you can store it for future use. Simply wash the leaves and pat them dry, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.
- Make pesto: Thai basil can be used to make a delicious and unique pesto. Simply blend the basil leaves with garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth.
- Add it to salads: Thai basil adds a fresh and unique flavor to salads. Simply chop the leaves and add them to your favorite salad recipe.
- Make a stir-fry: Thai basil is commonly used in stir-fries and adds a unique flavor to the dish. Simply chop the leaves and add them to your stir-fry recipe.
- Make tea: Thai basil can be used to make a delicious and refreshing tea. Simply steep the leaves in hot water for a few minutes and enjoy.
- Give it away: If you have too much Thai basil and can’t use it all, consider giving it away to friends, family, or neighbors who enjoy cooking with fresh herbs.
How Long Can You Freeze Thai Basil
Thai basil can be frozen for up to 6 months if stored properly. It’s best to freeze Thai basil using a flash-freezing method, such as laying the leaves out on a baking sheet and placing them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it tightly. When you’re ready to use the frozen Thai basil, you can remove as much as you need and return the rest to the freezer. While the leaves may lose some of their texture after being frozen, they will retain most of their flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
How To Store Thai Basil In Fridge
Storing Thai basil in the fridge is a good way to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove any damaged or wilted leaves from the Thai basil and discard them.
- Wash the remaining leaves in cool water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Place the Thai basil in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
- Add a slightly damp paper towel to the bag or container to help keep the leaves fresh and prevent them from drying out.
- Seal the bag or container tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
Thai basil can last for up to one week in the fridge if stored properly. Be sure to check the leaves periodically and remove any that may have started to wilt or spoil. Also, avoid storing Thai basil near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, such as bananas or tomatoes, as they can cause the basil to spoil more quickly.
