How to Dry Basil Leaves, Including Preparing the Plant for Harvest
Tips, Tricks
With over forty years of experience in growing and using herbs, Jeanie Rose shares her technique on how to dry basil, a process that can be done in a dehydrator or simply by air-drying (and hanging). Harvested and dried properly, your basil will stay fresh for a year (or even two) in air-tight containers stored in a cool, dark place. For written instructions on how to dry basil leaves, visit Fresh Bites Daily: http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/drying-basil-leaves/ Here are the key instructions: * If your growing season is not over, cut the basil branches just above a set of little basil leaves. These leaves will grow quickly and your plant will be bushy again in a couple of weeks, allowing a second harvest. * Basil leaves have the highest oil content, but the flower heads are quite flavorful too. If you mostly have flowers, dry them. The resulting flavor is still better than most supermarket versions, though we do consider the leaf to be the premium part of the basil plant. * Either hang the branches or lay them out in an airy place with as little light as possible. * The basil leaves will be crispy dry before the stems. Don't wait for the stems to dry. Remove and store the leaves. * After removing the leaves from the stems, spread the leaves out on cookie sheets or shallow boxes for a couple of days. Stir a few times. This helps to ensure that your crop is truly dry. * Store the dried basil in glass jar with tight fitting lids and label with the date and the basil variety you are drying.
Comments
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So the flowers are ok to dry and eat?
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Thanks so much for sharing this. I dried some of my basil yesterday but I put them in the oven. I will do another set based on your tip. What about storage, do you then put the jar with the dried basil in the fridge, freezer, leave on the counter?
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Nice thanks
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thank you your love for the herbs is sweet
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thanks, i grew a healthy basil plant and have been using the fresh leaves to cook with, had no idea you could dry them out like this. will be doing this ponto in the morning, winters coming.
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this was very helpful, i am subscribed! :)
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Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
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why no direct sun while drying?
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Clearly, basil is an aphrodisiac.
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Thank you. My hubby always wants me to dry before flowering. Now I can do it my way. :-)
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your voice is so beautiful ! :D so nice. im about to dry my leaves first time ever hope it works :)
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thanks, I just cut some down and wasn't sure how to dry them :)
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great great!!!
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Great tips! Thanks
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tips i meant lol
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thanks for the great types grandma
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Thank you...love it. i feel like you do about storing for winter. i like to cook. :)
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but how to ??????????????
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thx for the help
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