How to Store Basil—and Prevent It From Wilting

Known for its sweet flavor and peppery undertones, basil (which is an easy herb to grow at home) can instantly elevate the most basic dishes. The fragrant green is also versatile, as it can be blended into condiments (such as pesto) or used as a topper for pasta, soups, and salads. The only catch? Basil is incredibly delicate due to its tender stem and leaf structure and high moisture content. In turn, you might find yourself repeatedly buying the herb, only to have it quickly wilt and lose flavor.

With that in mind, proper storage is key for getting the most out of your basil and avoiding waste. Read on for expert guidance on how to store basil, the best way to package it for storage, and tips for prolonging its shelf life. 

Selecting Fresh Basil

When shopping for basil at the grocery store or farmer's market, "look for vibrant, green leaves without blemishes or dark spots," suggests Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food consultant and the author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. Make sure the leaves are smooth and whole. Fresh basil should also emit a strong yet pleasant herbal odor with some spicy citrus notes, according to the experts at Purdue University. 

The Right Temperature and Humidity for Storing Basil

According to Le, basil is a tropical herb and is highly susceptible to cold temperatures. This is due to the composition of its cell membrane, which contains a rich amount of oils and fats. When basil is exposed to cooler temperatures, these oils and fats cause damage to the leaf tissues. "Cold storage at the grocery store accelerates this process," says Le. That's why it's not recommended to store basil in the refrigerator, says Le.

Instead, basil is best kept on the counter at room temperature between 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with 55 degrees Fahrenheit being the optimal storage temperature, notes Le.

Basil also thrives in 90 to 95 percent relative humidity storage, Le adds. You can increase the humidity in the air surrounding the herbs by storing stems in water—or by loosely covering basil with a non-sealed covering, per experts at Rutgers University.

How to Prepare Basil for Storage

There are several ways to prepare and pack basil for storage.

• One method is to "put it in a container and place a dry towel on the bottom and a slightly moist towel on top," says David Benstock, executive chef and owner of IL Ritorno in St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Another option is to wrap the basil in a damp paper towel and put it in a plastic bag, as recommended by the experts at Purdue University.
• If the basil has stems, trim the ends and place them in a glass jar with a few inches of water (like a flower bouquet); then put a plastic bag on top. Be sure to change the water each day to keep the basil fresh. According to Le, this technique "helps keep the leaves and stems turgid, preventing them from wilting and becoming damaged over time."

Regardless of the technique you choose, avoiding completely sealing basil in a container. "[This] will create an environment that's too humid at room temperature," says Benstock.

Can You Freeze Basil?

Although basil is susceptible to cold damage, it's possible to freeze it for long-term storage by making herb cubes. To do this, combine a neutral oil with chopped basil (and any other of your go-to herbs) and transfer the mixture into ice cube trays. This technique will retain the color and flavor of the herbs while letting you enjoy them for longer.

If you want to freeze individual leaves, be sure to blanch them first. "Bring a small pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. The salt will make the basil bright green because it brings out the chlorophyll pigments," says Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. "Place [the] basil in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds, drain, and cool in an ice bath."

You can then squeeze out the excess water and freeze them individually on a baking sheet (or chop the leaves) before putting them in an airtight container, where they'll keep for about three months. But take note: Freezing will expand the herb's cell walls, causing it to become limp and wilted after thawing. That said, this method works best if you plan to use the frozen basil in cooked dishes (like soups or stews) rather than as a garnish.

Tips and Techniques to Extend Basil Shelf Life

The exact shelf life of basil depends on its freshness upon purchasing. But in general, when stored properly, it will last about one to three days, says Roszkowski. Follow these tricks to maximize this timeline:

• To get the most of your basil, avoid washing the herb until you're ready to use it. Remember, the herb is already high in moisture, so the extra step can promote wilting.
• It's a good idea to check the basil every day (or nearly every day) and remove pieces that have browned or wilted, as this can spread to neighboring sprigs, says Roszkowski. 
• If possible, buy basil that was grown hydroponically, suggests Roszkowski. "This variety lasts longer [than traditionally grown basil] and is not so prone to bruising," she says. It's also usually fresher because it traveled less distance to reach your kitchen, says Roszkowski. 
  

The Takeaway: Store Basil on the Counter

For the best results, basil should be stored on the countertop at room temperature. You can wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and keep it in a loose plastic bag. For basil with stems, put it in a glass jar like a flower bouquet with a few inches of water. Put a clear plastic bag on top and change the water every day. When stored properly, basil will stay fresh about three days, if not slightly longer.