The easiest, fastest, best way to FREEZE BASIL!

[@melodyveit3014]

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.

[@RJisBack24]

Me also!

[@juliehock6059]

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.

[@pamglass6007]

Thanks. Sounds much easier.

[@tompatchak8706]

What if you don’t have a freezer with all that room. My freezer is full of meat and chicken and cookies.

[@kitchwatembo]

​@@tompatchak8706doesn't sound like a problem, just eat cookies until there is enough room 😂

[@nonnieanthonys2415]

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 !

[@PrairieMom]

The herbs don't turn black?

[@kricketkitty]

How do you prevent ice forming in the bags?

[@nihansahin5425]

@@PrairieMom I tried the same technique; The parsley turned black. All wasted.🙄

[@nihansahin5425]

@@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.

[@KMercure]

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.

[@annatraficante]

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.

[@wendymccollough156]

I do this with spinach as well

[@l.a.glover9172]

'breaks' down.

[@hana.the.writer5074]

One should act fast otherwise it’ll start to defrost and turn to a black mushy and yucky mass.

[@Smileyfacemom]

Thx for the tip do you wash and dry the basil first before tossing them in freezer? Tia. 😊

[@Kathy-20J-73]

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 😊

[@iainb1577]

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.

[@2Aries1953]

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.

[@juliehock6059]

i buy the pots of basil from Aldi. They last for more than a month, I water regularly and they sit on my windowsill.

[@gillianmountford4942]

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.

[@barbarac4750]

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

[@TheJhtlag]

Yeah, but her point here is when you're growing it and have too much basil to consume in a short period of time.

[@LPS-mh8kx]

@@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.

[@loubock3238]

That's exactly how my Italian grandmother has done for years! Thank you!

[@michaelgardner-vn6kn]

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.

[@denisehelton9403]

Well said. Just enough to instruct without going on and on. Thank you

[@haywardgarner4850]

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.

[@ninagerulski8832]

I freeze the stems in a separate bag and add them to long cooking items. They store so much flavor

[@anatolewilliams166]

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

[@karabean]

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?

[@anatolewilliams166]

@@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

[@karabean]

@@anatolewilliams166 awesome! Thanks much 🙂

[@anatolewilliams166]

Anytime

[@sarathurston3318]

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.

[@Meandmy2Vs]

I've been doing this over 25 years. It's best. Hands down!

[@kgrant3184]

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! ☺

[@lindamills5377]

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

[@wholefedhomestead]

I appreciate that, thank you! 🥰

[@gusgstratton8977]

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.

[@Fargosportsmassage]

You don't wash them with water before costing with oil? Thanks

[@LPS-mh8kx]

@@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.

[@hmh3808]

@@Fargosportsmassage I always wash the plant in the garden (hose on mist)before picking and let it air dry completely…

[@alisonreeder1587]

Excellent video. Thankyou my basil has gone crazy and I didn't want to waste it.

[@arejetko]

I dream about having that much basil! The "no wash" tip is excellent. Great video.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks!

[@M_Ladd]

Yes, no wash, freeze bugs, and all.

[@libbyworkman3459]

@@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.

[@M_Ladd]

@libbyworkman3459 Then you go knock your sox off, and don't worry about what other people do.

[@TheJhtlag]

@@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.

[@craigb.franklin7046]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. My basil really grew this year and thanks to you it won't go to waste.

[@catherinemcgill3004]

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!

[@debbiemurray9476]

Genius idea for basil freezing, thank you.

[@CeliniaGava]

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!

[@suzyr8121]

Thank for the short to the point and simple video!

[@lgrillo]

Super vid! Excellent tip and no excess yakking, lol. 😂very much appreciated.

[@crackerjack123]

I am going to try this. I have lots of basil to harvest and don't want it to go to waste. Thanks!

[@gailwelicki3963]

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.

[@annehebert6959]

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.

[@sbwyo1966]

Very useful for my big crop of basil this fall. Thanks!

[@cindyhappel7376]

Awesome, I did not know you could freeze it this way!! Thank you!😊

[@mapuanakupuna3471]

Aloha, for years I've been looking for a solution for preserving Basil without it going black & without having to have all of the Olive oil! I'm gonna definitely give your method a try! Your frozen Basil looks fabulous! Mahalo nui loa!

[@joeslaughter-rw3nx]

I appreciated the explanations of why add the olive and others. So many helpful tips from you and folks that entered theirs. Thanks,you are easy to follow and kept my attention. Definitely want to save money and basil this year.

[@sewdesire]

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!

[@barcham]

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!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Basil is the only herb I recommend freezing with oil like this. 👍🏻

[@laurelmatey2744]

Why no oil for others?

[@OTseven]

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.

[@wholefedhomestead]

You bet! Thanks! 😊

[@helenjzkkillick4097]

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. 😊

[@donnaarnold5768]

Great instructions and tips; thankyou! I sprayed olive oil on the leaves with a non- aerosol refillable pump container. (It’s called “ Misto”)

[@jlfoodforest]

Awesome idea! I've been watching so many videos trying to figure out the best method to preserve these leaves. YOU WIN!

[@tinafehr8394]

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.

[@lindaharbison9616]

Thank you!! Prefer “fresh” over dried and this will work great!! So much basil this year!!

[@jenniferkleine4713]

Love this! I freeze dry a lot of my herbs but I'm trying this today!

[@lucyleone5179]

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

[@LauraPerna-pg7tn]

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.

[@menow7851]

I take basil cuttings and put them in small vases. They grow roots so fast and its fresh in the kitchen all year long.

[@lauraregina1366]

Thank you for your instructions, just harvested basil today and was was looking for the best way to store the leaves. ❤

[@lisarisley7308]

Thank you so much!! Finally not having to tie up my ice cube trays ❤

[@BlandsPromisedLandRanch]

So easy!! Thank you for sharing and what a really great explanation that you have for it all.

[@lauriefaragher2347]

Thank you for the wonderful tip on how to freeze my basil

[@kerryonregardless]

Thank you Crystal a nice to know how to preserve basil without drowning it in Olive oil.

[@1stofAllHaHaHeeHee]

Thank you so much. No more waste!

[@jessicawoodruff3078]

I definitely need to be more diligent about my basil harvest next year.

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

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!

[@joycestewart4893]

Thanks. I also have an over-abundance of basil this year.

[@mysteriousu5528]

Water is a solvent. Its a friend sometimes and enemy at other times. In the case of basil, water is enemy. That's why you don't wash as it its difficult to dry it out both sides and freezing it with any wet leaves is an attraction for germs to rot it. Oil is full of fat. The more fat you carry, you feel less cold in the water. When basil is mixed in right amount of oil, it prevents the leaves from getting frozen. I never tried this method but I am going to try. I always use fresh basil in pastas and other Italian cuisines.

[@annie-k5213]

Thanks for showing this. I'm going out right now to harvest my basil!

[@ramonagaibor1898]

Precisely to the point, thank you😊

[@RunningWithBaconCoachMack]

This is so helpful! I also don't like the ice cube method... but that's just because we don't have as much freezer space. Your method is gonna happen in my kitchen this year!

[@ferretfriend5458]

Just put in a freezer bag and freeze, yup it's that simple 😂

[@mayasayonara9169]

Wow, such a good method and so well explained!! Thank you.❤

[@RS-gl9ht]

Have never heard of this method before - great idea thank you. Will certainly do this in the future!

[@kristantaylor1087]

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.😁

[@diannasantoro118]

I have a ton of basil this year and wanted the easiest way to freeze it. Thanks so much for sharing this great video.

[@patriciahall2223]

Thank you I will definitely be storing my basil this way ...great video 🇨🇦

[@Dgo53]

Very helpful, I have used the other method and thought there’s got to be something better. Thanks for the video!

[@sonsieplusollie]

I've just been dehydrating mine, but sometimes I want to use fresh(er). I hadn't thought about doing this. Thank you!

[@kathytappero7179]

Great! I am slowly, putting my garden to rest, one pot at a time and had no idea how to save the basil!

[@missluna3409]

This is so cool. Why do so many websites say you have to blanche the basil to preserve its color? You clearly prove it's not necessary.

[@wholefedhomestead]

It will darken once it thaws and you cook with it- which is why it’s best for cooking

[@Peepkeeper]

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

[@wholefedhomestead]

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. 😬

[@Peepkeeper]

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.

[@sixteenstringjack]

Terrific, thank you. Didn't even know how to use the Zip lock bag until now!

[@BrianHeimbuecher]

Thank you for this timely video!

[@khancock52]

I froze some 2 years ago but didn't use the OO. Will definitely try your way!! Thanks for the video!!

[@judymushonga7778]

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. ❤❤❤

[@fruitful7753]

If you don't have a dehydrator, you can put it in the microwave for 2 min. Check to see if crunchy, if not go another 1min. much faster than other methods and taste much fresher.

[@tamamarquez2075]

Brilliant. I love this information! Thank you.

[@TB-jq5cr]

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……..

[@tcg278]

Just finished packaging baggies with oiled basil and freezing them; I think it will work. Thank you for the idea; really appreciated!

[@wholefedhomestead]

You bet!

[@camillabynoe4279]

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..

[@cassandragonzalez5660]

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!!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

You bet! 😊😊

[@mairzydotes3548]

I’ve used the other methods and am anxious to try this. Kind of a mashup of the two other typical methods.

[@woofwoof-w4g]

I've heard that when they are "bolting" they don't taste as good. Ever heard that said? But like you, I use it anyway and it tastes just fine to me and my family. I make a lot of pesto that I freeze for easy quick pasta meals in the winter, but do love this idea also and will prepare some like this today for freezing. Thank you!

[@marymoore821]

Thanks so much. This was a wonderful ! Quick and easy ! Lots of good tips.

[@michaellicavoli3921]

Thanks, I love basil and never knew what to do with excess!

[@thetwoofussweden]

Hi there! New fan of your channel. Came across yours because of "little mountain range" shared about growing onions. Soaking in all the info! Thanks and love from sweden

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks so much! And welcome! 🥰

[@tamishoemaker2641]

I would love some good recipes using the frozen basil

[@wholefedhomestead]

Use it for anything cooked!

[@amorimontagnus2042]

What a fantastic idea and great tips, thank you!

[@Mulberrysmile]

I actually tried plastic and was not happy with the mushy results. I had some small paper lunch bags, so tried that…amazing difference. It sort of freeze dried, as moisture was allowed to evaporate, keeping the parsley and celery leaves in really good condition for a long time…almost a year, if I recall.

[@wholefedhomestead]

I don’t use this technique for anything except basil. I freeze other herbs a very different way. 👍🏻

[@laurelmatey2744]

How do you do the other?

[@laurelmatey2744]

Very interesting-I might try with the paper bag! Did you use oil? Or just the herb?

[@FisheriesPeacock]

Quick question, how long would the basil typically last for in the freezer?

[@Amy-tl2xe]

Really beautifully explained. Every word was worth listening to. New subscriber because of this!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Welcome!

[@augustinalawson6373]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful tip. Now my basil won't go to waste.

[@All.New.Maggie.Who.]

Two years ago and still helping!!

[@sheilamore3261]

Oh thank you so much I will have to try this awesome😁💕👍🦋

[@Thomas-fu8vp]

The stems are full of vitamins .

[@SuzetteG316]

True, and some may be okay with eating stemmy pieces for the health benefits, but on the other hand, we don't usually use a whole lot of basil in any one dish, so the benefits would be negligeable and for some us not worth having stems in our food.

[@SP-ql9xz]

Can we purée with evoo or avocado oil & then freeze it as well? Thx

[@lathamenon3281]

Thank you I’ll try it this season if the heat don’t kill my basil plants

[@daniellekniedler5425]

This is so accurate 😜 Thanks for the reality check!

[@manaremokobane5073]

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.

[@beatricemillar6802]

Thank you Kathy, that’s a very easy way to freeze basil. Bea

[@frederickvanpelt6393]

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@mistresschina490]

love this! I'm headed to my garden to harvest my basil and begin this brilliant method. thank you 🙂

[@CHARISSAJACOBSON]

Right on! Thank you!

[@nicklenine1797]

Thanks for that method. I’ve tried many, but that is a new one to me. Trying it tomorrow.

[@user-iu3rq5pl1u]

Thank you. I will follow the same, didn't have a clue, also you were very quick to watch no messing around . Uk

[@cindyt4778]

Great tip thanks so much! Now I can save the ton of basil I have in the garden for later 😊❤😊

[@Theweeze100]

My wife loves the “less oil” idea! Subscribed!