How To Harvest Basil: Tips and Tricks for Home Gardeners
Basil is a versatile herb that is used in various cuisines around the world. It’s easy to grow, making it a popular choice for home gardeners. However, harvesting basil can be tricky if you’re not sure how to do it properly. In this article, we will provide you with tips and tricks on how to harvest basil so that you can enjoy its fresh and fragrant leaves all year round.
1. When to Harvest Basil
The best time to harvest basil is before it flowers. Once the basil plant starts flowering, its leaves become bitter and lose their flavor. To prevent this from happening, check your basil plant regularly for any signs of flower buds.
Harvesting basil in the morning is also recommended as the plant is likely to be more hydrated and flavorful at this time of day.
2. How to Harvest Basil
To harvest basil, start by selecting the larger leaves first. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1/4 inch above the leaf node. Leaf nodes are the points where the leaves meet the stem. By cutting the stem above the leaf node, you encourage new growth and ensure that the plant continues to produce more leaves.
If you need to harvest a large amount of basil, you can cut off the top one-third of the entire plant. This will encourage the plant to bush out and produce more leaves.
3. How to Store Fresh Basil
Once you have harvested your basil, it’s important to store it correctly to keep it fresh for longer. To store fresh basil, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Alternatively, you can put the basil stems in a jar of water like a bouquet of flowers and cover them with a plastic bag. Place the jar in the refrigerator and change the water every few days to keep the basil fresh.
4. How to Dry Basil
If you want to preserve your basil for a longer period of time, you can dry it. To dry basil, wash the leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, tie the stems together with string and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place. Once the leaves are dry and crumbly, remove them from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
5. How to Freeze Basil
Another way to preserve basil is to freeze it. To freeze basil, wash and dry the leaves, then chop them finely. Spoon the chopped basil into ice cube trays and fill each compartment with olive oil. Once frozen, remove the cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer-safe container. You can use these basil and olive oil cubes to add fresh flavor to your soups, stews, and sauces throughout the year.
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