If you live in the South, it’s time to cut your basil back so that it will put out new growth before summer ends. I’ve been using the sweet basil on a regular basis so it didn’t need to be picked, but the Thai basil was ready for a trim. One way to preserve fresh basil is to freeze it.
To freeze fresh basil, pick several bunches and remove all the leaves. After giving them a good rinse put the leaves in a blender or food processor. 1/2- 1 cup of water added to the leaves helps them break down quicker.
Fill an ice cube tray with the chopped leaves straining out the excess water and freeze. Once frozen, store the basil cubes in a freezer bag.
These cubes are the perfect addition to spaghetti sauce, marinara, or any dish that could use a little basil.
You may also like my favorite pesto recipe.
Rene! Your blog looks so beautiful and fresh-faced! Love the makeover. I have never frozen herbs and can't wait to try this.
Thank you Lisa! It was time for an update :). A cube of basil jazzes up everything!
I agree with Lisa. Your blog does look great Rene. Very simple, clean and beautifully formatted. Really suits you! Great tip on freezing basil! We have an abundance of it right now and I've been using it like crazy, sharing with neighbors and friends and always feel bad to toss it.