Glad®

Food Protection

How to Store Fresh Basil

Key Takeaways:

Room Temperature Storage: Basil stays freshest when stored upright in a jar of cold water, loosely covered with a plastic bag, and kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Refrigeration Not Ideal: Storing fresh basil in the fridge can cause it to wilt and spoil quickly, so it’s best avoided unless the basil is already blanched and frozen.
Freezing for Long-Term Use: Basil can be frozen after blanching and drying, either as whole leaves in a sealed bag or chopped into ice cube trays with water for easy use in sauces and soups.
Spoilage Signs: Discard basil if it has a foul odor, slimy texture, or mold. Composting is a good disposal option if local guidelines allow.
Thawing Frozen Basil: To use frozen basil, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Fresh basil adds a vibrant touch to sides, soups, and sauces, but keeping it fresh can be tricky. If not stored properly, it tends to wilt and brown quickly, so follow these simple tips to ensure your basil stays fresh and ready to use.

How to Keep Basil Fresh
- Basil is delicate, and improper storage can cause it to spoil quickly. Start by selecting the best leaves—look for even coloring and avoid any with brown spots or wilting. Once you’ve chosen the freshest basil, follow these steps to store it properly:
  "Stored this way, basil can stay fresh at room temperature for up to seven days."
- - Step 1: Trim
    Cut the stems about half an inch from the bottom. This helps them absorb water efficiently.
  - Step 2: Hydrate
    Fill a glass jar with cold water, ensuring the stems are submerged by about an inch. Stand the basil sprigs upright in the jar.
  - Step 3: Cover and Store Loosely cover the basil leaves with a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Quart Bag to help maintain freshness. Avoid sealing the bag completely or tucking it under the jar—this allows air circulation and prevents crushing the leaves. Change the water every few days. Stored this way, basil can stay fresh at room temperature for up to seven days.
How to Freeze Basil
- If you want to preserve basil beyond a week, freezing is the best option. Simply storing fresh basil in the fridge will cause it to wilt and spoil quickly. To maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor, follow these steps:
  Food Storage BagsGlad Storage Bag Zipper Lock (quart)
- - Blanch: Briefly dip basil leaves in boiling water, then transfer them immediately to ice water to halt the cooking process. This step prevents the leaves from turning dark or brown.
  - Dry: Pat the blanched basil leaves dry before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  - Freeze: Choose one of the following methods:
    - Whole leaves: Store them in a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Quart Bag to prevent freezer burn.
    - Ice cube method: Chop the basil and freeze it in ice cube trays with a few teaspoons of water. This method is perfect for marinara and pasta sauces, as well as soups and stews.
How to Thaw Frozen Basil?
- Thaw your frozen basil overnight in the fridge, or let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes before using.
How to Tell if Basil Spoiled & How to Dispose
- Your basil has gone bad if it has an off-putting odor, or its leaves have discolored and become slimy or fuzzy with mold.
- To avoid unpleasant odors, consider composting spoiled basil in Glad™ Compostable Bags, or using Glad™ Trash Bags to dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin. If you choose to compost, be sure to follow local guidelines.
How to Preserve Fresh Basil
- By using these simple storage techniques, you can learn how to preserve fresh basil for days—or even months—while keeping its flavor and aroma intact.
  FLEX'N SEAL™ Food Storage BagsGlad Flex N Seal Food Storage Bag Zipper Lock (quart)