How to store fresh basil in the refrigerator

The aromatic spice basil is appreciated and loved by culinary experts all over the world. Greens are rich in essential oils, vitamins, tannins and ascorbic acid. Due to the specific aroma, taste and content of useful substances of the spice, conventional methods of storing greens are not suitable. The article will tell you how to store basil in the refrigerator correctly.

Can basil be refrigerated

Basil is a universal seasoning. It is added to salads, soups, hot dishes, served fresh and used as a decoration. Basil leaves are used in the manufacture of sauces for meat and fish, added to gravy, combined with vegetable oils. When fresh, the spice reveals the taste of cheeses, eggplants and nuts.

Green basil is prized in cooking and Violet... The latter is often served fresh. The leaves of the plant are fragrant, have a unique, tart taste.Green basil less aromatic, has a sweetish taste. It is added to soups, sauces, cocktails and hot drinks.

Basil is perfectly stored in the refrigerator, not only fresh, but also frozen.

Refrigeration is only worthwhile if the cut greens are to be used soon. In case the herbs have to wait for their time for several days or weeks, it is recommended to purchase basil in a pot. So the spice will retain its useful properties longer and will delight you with its appearance for a long time. To prepare greens for the winter, it is advisable to use the freezer compartment.

Nutritionists say that fresh spice contains the most nutrients. After cutting, the plant loses some of its useful properties, but the greatest loss occurs when freezing. Therefore, supporters of a healthy diet are advised to abandon this storage method.

Greens prepared using the "shock freezing" method will retain their beneficial properties. But at home, this is impossible.

How to prepare basil for storage

The plant does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature, does not like direct sunlight. Basil leaves are very tender, after cutting they quickly begin to darken and lose their unique aroma.

When collecting basil on your site, follow these guidelines:

• harvest in dry, sunny weather;
• cut the stems at least 15 cm long;
• the stems on a flowering basil bush are not suitable for assembly and storage;
• the frequency of harvesting the plant - once every 1.5 months - so the plant will grow and develop better.

In stores, basil is sold in bunches, pots and frozen.

A potted plant will do well in a dark place, away from sunlight. To increase the shelf life, such a pot is stored in the refrigerator, periodically watered.

Cut basil on store shelves is presented in bunches or packs. You should opt for plants without visible damage, clean, with a typical basil aroma.

Actions after purchase:

1. Disassemble the bunch, check the greens. Leaves of poor quality are discarded. Only fresh greens are well stored, without wilted leaves, signs of rot and damage.
2. After parsing the bundle, inspect the stems. Remove damaged ones.
3. Rinse the plant under running water.
4. When it drains dry the leaves on a paper or waffle towel. Do not store raw stems. Basil will quickly fade, rot, and become unusable.

If the leaves are harvested for long-term storage, then it is advisable to use a freezer.

How to freeze:

1. Rinse the plant.
2. Place in a colander and drain off excess liquid.
3. Dry on a paper or waffle towel.
4. Cut dry leaves.
5. Place in an even thin layer in a tight plastic bag intended for freezing.
6. Send to the freezer.

The method of preparing spices for drinks is the same as for freezing. The difference is that the plant is placed in an ice container, filled with cold water and frozen.

In what container to store basil in the refrigerator

To store fresh leaves, select a clean, dry container with holes (for sufficient air exchange). If the container is tightly closed, the plant will quickly become unusable.

The main task of the container for storage - keep the plant fresh and ready to eat for as long as possible.

Suitable for storage:

• perforated plastic bag;
• container with holes on the lid;
• a special bag made of natural materials for storing vegetables, fruits and herbs;
• thick paper for storage;
• a glass of water;
• package marked "For freezing".

Storage periods

The shelf life of cut greens in the refrigerator is a week. The plant is perfectly stored in the fruit and vegetable compartment in paper or in a perforated bag. You can use regular cling film, remembering to make holes with a toothpick. Greens are stored in the freezer for 1 year.

How to keep basil fresh in the refrigerator for as long as possible

Unusual ways to store spicy herbs will help to maximize shelf life:

1. Fresh herbs keep better when sprinkled with salt.
2. Fresh chopped basil is placed in ice molds and poured with olive oil, then frozen.
3. The greens are grinded with a blender into a homogeneous mass and frozen in an ice container.
4. Fresh herbs are placed in a glass jar with a sealed lid, then poured with olive oil and sent to the refrigerator.
5. Chefs recommend keeping the plant in the form "Basil oil"... The plant is cut, sprinkled abundantly with coarse sea salt and poured with any vegetable oil. This dressing will perfectly complement salads and Italian dishes.
6. Fresh basil is marinated in vinegar or wine.

Conclusion

Basil is easy to store if you follow all the nuances. The frozen spice doesn't take up much freezer space and will last for about a year. It will stay fresh in the fruit and vegetable compartment for a week. Only dry leaves without damage and clean containers with holes are suitable for storage.