Drying Basil
Drying basil is almost obligatory since
there is usually some left at the end of the season and the thought of
throwing it away is rather painful. Most people wait until the end of
the season to dry it.
Basil leaves
Basil leaves are difficult to dry successfully. Here are two methods:
Lay in a single layer between layers of paper towel to dry. Or throw the
leaves into a shallow bowl and stir them around every now and then. When
they are completely dry, put them in a jar.
Whole stems
Cut whole stems of basil and hang them upside down from a drapery
chain or something suspended over a kitchen counter.The hanging basil
looks and smells pretty hanging there. When they are completely dry, remove
the leaves and crumble them into a jar (make sure they are totally dry
or they will mold.) When you get enough you can throw them in a food processor
and grind them fine. Sensational smell!
Fresh basil is always better but dried basil works well in sauces or on
pizza like oregano.
Preserve
Blend fresh leaves into olive oil and refrigerate or freeze the oil in
small batches.
Freeze
You can easily freeze fresh basil! Put a few leaves in ice cube trays
with a little water.
When they freeze, put them in plastic bags. Add the frozen basil cubes
to cooking or
drinks. You can also freeze them in larger quantities in margarine tubs.
If you make pesto, you can freeze that as well. |
