Unlike parsley or lettuce, basil and mint are sensitive to cold. Their leaves darken and wilt quickly when refrigerated. The recommended method is to treat these 2 herbs like cut flowers: place the stems in a glass of water and keep them at room temperature.
Why do they darken in the refrigerator?
Basil and mint are tropical plants, and their cells can be damaged at temperatures below 4–7°C / 40–45°F. This damage appears as blackish spots on the leaves. Herbs from temperate climates, such as parsley and dill, can tolerate the same temperature, so all herbs should not be stored the same way. To store basil and mint, trim the stem ends, place them in a glass of water, loosely cover them with a plastic bag, and leave them on the counter in a spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 2 days.
Why does keeping the stems in water help?
Basil and mint continue drawing water through their freshly cut stems. A bunch kept in water therefore stays fresh longer than one left dry in a bag in the refrigerator. In some cases, the stem ends develop thin roots within a few weeks. These rooted cuttings can be planted in soil and grown into new plants.
What should you look for when buying them?
Bunches of basil kept in a refrigerated display at the store may already have started to darken. When shopping, check the freshness of the stem ends rather than the leaf tips. A bunch with freshly cut, moist stem ends may perk up when placed in water at home, even if it was kept in a plastic bag.
How long do they stay fresh?
With this method, basil and mint may stay fresh at room temperature for 5–7 days. In some cases, the stem ends may even begin to grow roots. The same herbs usually start to darken within 2–3 days in the refrigerator, which explains why the room-temperature method is preferred. A bunch bought in a bag and left on the counter without being placed in water may begin to wilt within 1–2 days. The water method considerably extends this period.
Can they be frozen?
For longer storage, chop basil and mint and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or olive oil. This provides portions ready to use in dishes for 3–4 months. Olive oil cubes can be added directly to a pan, while water cubes are better suited to soups and sauces. Whole leaves turn dark when frozen and thawed, so they cannot be used as a garnish. If you plan to freeze them, chopped leaves are a better choice.
Can yellowed or darkened leaves still be used?
You can remove a few lightly yellowed leaves and use the rest. However, if the stems are generally soft or slimy, or smell moldy, discard the entire bunch. Darkening in basil is usually caused by cold damage, while in mint it is more often caused by excess moisture. Removing yellowed leaves and keeping them separate from the others can also help prevent moisture and darkening from spreading to the remaining healthy leaves.
Comments (1)
Fesleğeni bardakta suya batırıp tezgâhta bıraktım ama 3. günde su bulanıklaştı, suyu değiştirmek yeterli mi yoksa demeti atmam mı gerekiyor?
Su bulanıklaşması normal bir durumdur, günaşırı değiştirdiğiniz sürece demet 5-7 gün rahatlıkla dayanır; yalnız saplarda kayganlık hissederseniz o zaman atmanız gerekir.