Shelf Life Tips
- How long does fresh basil last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - after purchasing, store fresh basil in a dry area and keep loosely covered.
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Should you refrigerate fresh basil? No, refrigerating fresh basil is not recommended, as it can cause the leaves to turn black.
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How should fresh basil be stored? To maximize the shelf life of fresh basil: (1)Trim the ends and place basil in a glass containing about one inch of water; (2) Cover with a loose-fitting plastic bag and leave at room temperature; (3) Replace water when it gets cloudy.
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How long does fresh basil last at room temperature? Properly stored, fresh basil will usually keep well for about 7 to 10 days at room temperature.
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Can you freeze fresh basil? Yes, to freeze fresh basil: (1) Wash, trim and chop the basil; (2) Allow to dry thoroughly; (3) Once dry, place in heavy-duty freezer bags or freeze in ice cube trays with a small amount of water, then transfer to freezer bags.
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How long does fresh basil last in the freezer? Properly stored, fresh basil will maintain best quality for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer, but will remain safe beyond that time.
- The freezer time shown is for best quality only - basil that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How to tell if basil is bad or spoiled? Basil that is spoiling will typically become soft and discolored and the leaves will start to darken; discard any basil that has an off smell or appearance.
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