How to Freeze Basil (Fresh Basil Under Oil)
Learn how to freeze basil the way my mother does. It’s a genius idea that will keep your basil on hand, and easy to use all year long.
Freezing fresh basil is a great idea, but learning how to freeze fresh basil under oil is even better.
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If you’re growing basil this summer, or are able to buy beautiful fresh basil from a farmer’s market, this post is for you!
The photo of all this fresh sweet basil is the current situation in my planter, and I’m delighted, to say the least. You can join me by learning how to freeze basil so we can I’ve been using it in Caprese salads, bruschetta, sandwiches and of course, my quick Italian tomato sauce as well as anytime I make a meat filled spaghetti sauce!
Types of Basil
There are two types of basil that I use in my Italian dishes: sweet basil and Genovese Basil. My preference is sweet basil when eating it raw, as in salads and bruschetta as the leaves are more delicate, and thin. However, each kind is absolutely fine used raw, or cooked.
Genovese basil leaves are a bit thicker, and less delicate. This type of basil is perfect in sauces, and cooked dishes like pesto. There are many more types of basil, but you only want to use sweet or Genovese varieties in Italian cuisine.
Years ago I wrote a post on how to keep basil fresh in your kitchen, even if you just buy it in a package from the grocery store. Even though I have plenty of basil outside, I usually pick too much and end up using this method to keep it fresh. It’s also a fabulous activity to do with children.
If you have a pot or garden, you can also end up with a free plant! Look at those baby roots!
Here’s how easy it is to freeze your basil and you’ll also end up with some leftover basil infused olive oil which you can use to make your tomato sauces!
You can also freeze your tomatoes to use in winter, too!
It’s a win-win!
How to Freeze Basil (Fresh Basil Under Oil)
Method by Lidia Conte Makes one jar.
FULL PRINTABLE DIRECTIONS BELOW
Ingredients
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Wash and dry the basil.
In a large mouth jar or freezer-safe container, begin adding basil leaves, a few at a time.
Next, drizzle with some good quality extra virgin olive oil. DO NOT FILL THE JAR WITH OIL, just drizzle at this point.
Continue with this process, adding leaves and oil, occasionally pushing the leaves down gently with a fork.
Don’t worry about the basil popping up and lots of air in the jar.
Once you have a significant part of the jar filled, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the leaves begin to freeze. This will make it easier to push the basil down, and have it stay down. Repeat these steps as needed.
When the leaves are pushed down completely, and as much has been added as fits in the jar, then add enough olive oil to cover the basil, and freeze completely. However, do not fill the jar too close to the top.
How to Use the Frozen Basil Under Oil
This basil under oil will keep in the freezer almost indefinitely since it’s frozen and under oil. Use it for most any of your basil needs. Simply use a fork to take out as much as you need. There’s no need to take the jar out of the freezer before using it as the oil doesn’t freeze solid. It’s easy to break the leaves with the fork and add to your recipes.
Remember that when the basil is used, the oil is perfect for making tomato sauce, or even in pizza sauce!
If you’re cooking your pizza sauce, you’re doing it all wrong.
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How to Freeze Basil (Fresh Basil Under Oil)
Special Equipment
- 1 wide-mouth glass jar or freezer-proof container
Ingredients
- fresh basil leaves
- 1 bottle extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil leaves.
- In a large mouth jar or freezer-safe container, begin adding basil leaves, a few at a time.
- Next, drizzle with some good quality extra virgin olive oil. DO NOT FILL THE JAR WITH OIL, just drizzle at this point.
- Continue with this process, adding leaves and oil, occasionally pushing the leaves down gently with a fork. Don’t worry about the basil popping up and lots of air in the jar.
- Once you have a significant part of the jar filled, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the leaves begin to freeze. This will make it easier to push the basil down and have it stay down. Repeat these steps as needed.
- When the leaves are pushed down completely, and as much has been added as fits in the jar, then add enough olive oil to cover the basil and freeze completely. Do not fill the jar too close to the top.
Notes
- This basil under oil will keep in the freezer almost indefinitely since it’s frozen under oil.
- Use it for most of your basil needs.
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Great recipe, thanks!
You always have the best recipes!
Mostly just passing on my family’s knowledge! Thanks, Gigi!
My basil is frozen solid in the oil, how do I just scoop some out without unfreezing the whole thing?
That’s normal, just break some out with a knife, but it does defrost rather quickly.