How Do You Keep Basil Fresh After Picking

Also called anise basil this small leaf variety boasts a strong licorice flavor.
How do you keep basil fresh after picking - Harvest basil from the top down using a pair of clean scissors or shears to remove up to one third of the plant s height. To store fresh basil that you plan on cooking with soon just rest it in a glass of water so the stems are submerged and set it somewhere away from direct sunlight. This type of sweet basil has a vibrant clove flavor and crinkled curled leaves. You don t cut whole stems from the plant when harvesting small amounts.
Pungent and licoricelike this basil possesses glossy burgundy leaves. It s also a good idea when collecting small amounts to snip the ends of branches on the plant as you pick. There are methods however of keeping the leaves fresh once the stems have been picked. Depending on the season you can find it in the produce department alongside the packaged stuff in most major grocery stores.
Harvesting basil in small amounts is easy. Place 3 4 basil springs into a bottle of vinegar and let it sit at room temperature for about two weeks gently shaking the bottle every couple of days. Then dry the leaves completely and spread them out on a baking sheet or tray. If you want the perfect start to a homemade salad dressing and you have a few leftover basil leaves to use up try infusing a bottle of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with fresh basil.
When you re cooking and decide basil would go great with your recipe you pluck the basil leaves you want. If you want to store fresh basil for longer start by pulling all of the leaves off the stems. It turns black and wilts at an astonishingly quick rate. Just bring it home find a sunny spot for it indoors if the temperatures start to dip into the 40s and keep it well watered.
This specialty basil has a savory lemon flavor and is characterized by its flat narrow leaves.