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| My garden basil plant |
My basil plants are producing very well this year. I decided it was time to do some preserving. Generally speaking you can get at least four major harvests of basil leaves during the growing season from one plant. When I see flower buds forming, I go into harvest mode. This encourages new growth and more harvests for the future! I also have a basil plant in a pot on my back deck, I use this for cooking, as it is just outside the back door near my kitchen. Great for quick access!
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Chopping the leaves and placing them in ice cube trays. |
I wash the basil leaves, chop them, and place them into ice cube trays. The trays are then placed in the freezer until the cubes are frozen. I then pop out the cubes and place them in a freezer bag. I add the cubes, as needed, to sauces, soups, and other culinary creations!
I have also made a lot of pesto as well! I keep some in the refrigerator to use and then I freeze the extra! It is very nice to have some "fresh" pesto in the dead of winter!
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| In the trays, water added, and ready for the freezer! |
BON APPETIT!
I have some basil growing in my border right now, and had no idea I could preserve it like this! I'm definitely going to try it. No flower buds yet, but I'll watch for them.
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea! I'm tempted to try it.
ReplyDeleteAsha, It is a very good way to preserve the basil to as close as you can to getting it fresh! I also do this with Lemon Balm and use the ice cubes to make a glass of ice tea!
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me wanting to get out to pick and preserve some of my basil crop.
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing how you did this.
FlowerLady
I have so much basil it's coming out every crevice possible, the step by step pictures actually makes it look easy to preserve it.. I certainly try this method... for my method, uh! will let me say didn't work... What is your favorite pesto recipe? I don't have one as of yet!
ReplyDelete