How to dry basil quickly and easily! This is ideal if you have a lot of fresh basil from the garden and want to store it.
Got a lot of summer basil and don’t know what to do with it? Here’s a quick guide to drying basil! It only takes a few minutes and yields dried basil that rivals any store-bought version. The quick method uses a microwave: it’s much quicker than the oven methods, which take hours to dry the basil at low temperatures. Here’s exactly how to do it: and a few caveats before you begin.
What is the best way to store basil? Freeze it like pesto.
OK, now let’s talk about storing basil. You think you want to dry the basil. But the absolute better What’s the best way to retain all that basil flavor? make pesto. The pesto retains all the peppery flavor of this leafy herb and freezes perfectly. Dried basil…well, it lacks a lot of flavor. (See below for more information.) To store basil in pesto:
- Prepare pesto! This works with many types of nuts and even vegan. Try one of the following solutions: Best Basil Pesto, Cashew Pesto, Vegan Pesto, Vegan Cashew Pesto or Walnut Pesto.
- Freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. This is the easiest way to distribute it!
- Remove the frozen pesto and place in an airtight container. Then you can use it in many recipes like these Best Pesto Recipes.
Another great way to store basil and lock in that flavor? Make Light Green Basil Oil.
Why dry basil
So you still want to dry basil? Remember: dried basil is pretty boring. It’s sad to lose all that great basil flavor when you dry it. As we said before, pesto is a much better way to lock in that great flavor.
Then again, this dried basil works just like the dried basil you find in the store! You can use it in any recipe that calls for dried basil, like Italian seasoning or on top of basil pizza or grilled zucchini. So not a bad idea!
dry basil
This dried basil method uses a microwave. Essentially, you dry it out by cooking it in quick batches. Here are some tips on the basic method:
- High-performance microwave in three strokes: Place the basil leaves on a plate between two napkins. Cook 45 seconds, then 30 seconds, then another 30 seconds. The basil leaves should appear shriveled and mostly dry.
- All microwaves are differentSo if needed, do a few more 10-second bursts to dry it out.
- The crunchy basil even more as it cools! Let it come to room temperature and then crumble it with your fingers.
More basil recipes
If you think you’d rather eat basil in recipes, this is an even better way to enjoy the beauty of this herb! Here are some of our favorite basil recipes to try:
The description
How to dry basil quickly and easily! This is ideal if you have a lot of fresh basil from the garden and want to store it. Point: What is the best way to store basil? Prepare and freeze pesto.
- Wash and dry basil leaves. Remove them from the stem. Place as many as you need in a single layer between paper towels on a plate.
- Microwave on high power for 45 seconds.
- Remove the plate, lay out the sheets in a single layer. Microwave again for another 30 seconds.
- Return to the high power microwave for another 30 seconds. By this point, the leaves should be shriveled and mostly dry. If at any point before this the leaves are mostly dry, remove them from the microwave and stop cooking. If not already dry, continue cooking in 10-second intervals until dry.
- Let cool completely so it gets perfectly crispy: the leaves will get crispier as they cool. Then crumble it with your fingers to use in recipes.
- Category: Spices
- Method: microwave
- Kitchen: Herbs
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: dry basil
Resources for growing and storing basil
Want to learn more about basil? Here are our top resources for growing and storing:
