Basil: How to Use and Store It

Basil is an aromatic herb used often in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Its fresh leaves have a sharp, refreshing aroma that pairs especially well with tomatoes and pasta. Fresh basil adds fragrance to tomato sauces and salads. This guide covers ways to use basil in the kitchen.

How is basil used in cooking?

Fresh basil adds aroma to tomato sauces and salads. To make basil tea, steep a few fresh leaves briefly in hot water; steeping time affects the flavor.

What other traditional uses are described?

Basil is traditionally said to be used for mouth sores. These uses usually involve crushing the leaves to extract their juice, or boiling them and gargling with the resulting liquid. These uses are not a substitute for medical treatment; consult a doctor for serious symptoms. Basil leaves can also be used fresh in sauces and salads; pick them from the stems and wash them before use.

Basil contains vitamin K and iron, and these nutrients are more concentrated in fresh than dried basil, so fresh basil is preferable when possible. Basil’s essential oils contribute to its characteristic aroma, which can remain noticeable even after drying. Fresh leaves can be served with tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese.

How can you cook with basil?

Basil can be used fresh or cooked and pairs well with pasta, sauces, and salads. It is a key ingredient in pesto, traditionally blended with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. Add it near the end of cooking meat dishes to preserve its freshness; long cooking can greatly reduce its aroma. Tearing basil leaves by hand instead of chopping them may slow browning, since contact with a metal knife can speed oxidation of some compounds. Basil-infused olive oil can be made by adding a few leaves to olive oil and used on salads or grilled foods. Tomato-basil soup and basil green beans with olive oil are examples of dishes that feature the herb.

How should you store basil and how much should you use?

To keep fresh basil for several days, place the stems in a glass of water. Storing basil in a bag in the refrigerator may cause its leaves to darken quickly. Use basil in balanced amounts; frequent consumption of very large quantities may have adverse effects. Basil can also be frozen: mix chopped leaves with olive oil, spoon the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze. Dried basil can be stored in a closed jar in a cool, dark cupboard for about 1 year, though its aroma fades over time compared with fresh basil.