The Kitchen Community is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Start by prepping your herbs No matter what method you're using to dry your basil, start by gathering all your fresh basil leaves in a large bowl, Poon says. Preheat your oven to 170 degrees F or the lowest heat settings. Microwave again for another 30 seconds. Hi JJ, congrats on your drying venture as it looks like it was a success! I spread them out on towels, pat them gently and then just let them lay out for an hour. Place a single layer of leaves on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Hi, I'm Jaron, the food enthusiast and founder of Foodsguy.com. Rinse the leaves with cool water and pat them dry with a clean paper towel or dish towel. Microwave again on high for one more 30 second interval. Required fields are marked *. How to Dry Fresh Basil in the Oven-The Kitchen Garten When the leaves are cool, remove them from the pan, crumble them into small pieces if desired, and store in an airtight container. I have a pretty nice batch of leaves, nice and crispy but many went to the brown side. Whole dry basil leaves retain aromatic oils and flavor better than crushed leaves over time. How To Dry Herbs In An Air Fryer - Foods Guy Set the oven to the lowest possible temperature, usually around 200 F (93 C). I love hearing from you! Crumble your dried basil leaves and put them in an airtight container. To process whole dry basil leaves into a flaky ground seasoning, simply crush up the leaves into your desired consistency. Plant-Based Moisturizer 3. They will cook for an extended period of time, but take care to watch them in the oven to not burn. How to Dry Basil - Sustainable Cooks I specifically grow basil to dry it. Most dehydrators come with removable racks, which allows for better airflow and even drying of the herbs. Or you can leave them out to air dry. It will take 12-24 hours for the leaves to dry and become brittle. . Your email address will not be published. If you choose to cut off the top of the plant, youll need to wait a few weeks before its ready to harvest again. Prepare the food dehydrator. Each of these ways has pros and cons, and there really is no one best way to dry basil! I share all the best tips on saving it so you can enjoy the benefits of basil for your health throughout the whole year and not just in the summer. Some things that seem too good to be true are. How To Dry Basil Leaves - 4 Ways Tried & Tested | Cooked Best Gently swish the leaves around to release any remaining dirt. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually 170-180 degrees F). Wrinkle Reducer 4. By following these steps, you can enjoy the flavors of preserved dried basil throughout the winter months. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea. Microwave on High for 45 seconds. , Awesome!! The leaves are done when you can crumble them easily. Place tray(s) in the dehydrator. References *Note: Using an air tight lid is essential for good long-term storage, particularly if you live in humid place. Either one can be used as a substitute even in something like this easy summer Panzanella recipe. My husband just ordered an Excalibur and I was looking to see what the difference in using the oven vs the dehydrator. Pat dry with a paper towel. Water your basil plants regularly, but avoid over-watering. We only share products we know and believe in. However, depending on how low of a heat setting your oven offers, it is easier to accidentally burn the basil in the oven so keep a close eye on it during the process. Preserving herbs by freezing or drying | UMN Extension It does help to allow to air dry a bit. Home & Lifestyle Community & Government Teaches Cooking I Teaches Cooking Techniques I: Vegetables, Pasta, and Eggs Teaches the Art of Home Cooking Teaches Cooking In most cases, you can substitute dry basil for fresh basil and this is particularly true if you decide to make my dairy-free pesto recipe as well. Put this in the microwave oven for 30 seconds. The basil leaves should shrivel. Equipment Dehydrator Instructions Wash basil. Arrange the basil leaves on the racks. Remove basil leaves from the stem portion, and discard (compost) the stems. That is equal to 76 degree Celsius. Hi! Check them every 15 minutes as you get close to the 2-hour mark to make sure they arent getting singed. Remove the leaves from the oven. I love the infusing with olive oil and pesto recipe. Add the basil at the beginning or middle of the cooking process rather than the end for the best flavor. Visit the shop here. Here are the steps to follow: Pluck the stems and wash your basil gently in running water. Set up your dehydrator according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sage or thyme will likely stay good for 1-2 weeks while basil may last a week. It is best to harvest basil right before you want to dry it, not giving it the chance to go limp on you. There are 5 different methods to drying basil at home. Dry off the herbs using a paper towel. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly ajar to allow for airflow. Here is one of my little secrets to maintaining maximum freshness and flavor in your home-dried basil. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. Make sure to always pull the basil leaves out of the water, dont drain them through a colander or strainer. When I water it with the garden hose the aroma is so pleasant. These vegetarian Italian recipes are sure to be a hit! It looks and smells so much better than any dry, bottled brand Ive tried. Like most things, homegrown or homemade dry basil puts store-bought dried basil to absolute shame! Wash the leaves in cool water. Be sure to try other reader favorites like this vegetarian pesto pasta, our healthy risotto, and our homemade alfredo sauce without heavy cream! A low and consistent temperature is crucial for effective drying, as it helps to remove moisture from the leaves without burning or cooking them. Youll have to check on them frequently (every 10 minutes) after the hour mark to make sure they dont burn. To ensure even drying, check and rotate the baking sheets every 30 minutes. Run a full sink of cool water and have a salad spinner resting on a tea cloth at the ready. Either way will get the job done! There are a variety of methods you can use to dry fresh basil. This will protect the dried basil from moisture, air, and contaminants. I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. To dry basil in the oven, you just need to wash and trim fresh basil and lay the leaves on a baking sheet. Research source. We set our Excalibur dehydrator to the herbs setting, around 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the basil leaves to dry for approximately 1-2 hours, checking on them periodically to ensure they dont overcook. Crumble: Remove the dried basil leaves from the oven. Last Updated: July 19, 2022 I assume those 170 degree is in Fahrenheit? What a great idea! Drying basil allows you to keep all of the gorgeous fresh flavor from going to waste! Your email address will not be published. Once cleaned, lay the leaves flat on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This easy step by step tutorial shows you how to dry basil in the oven in three simple steps. And I love those jars!!! Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. To maximize the flavor of dried basil in cooking, consider the following tips: In some instances, you may need to substitute dried basil for fresh, or vice versa. I hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial, and hopefully learned something new. When to Harvest Basil for Drying How to Preserve Basil 1. How to Dry Fresh Basil Leaves - Urban Farmie How to Dry Basil in the Oven - Brooklyn Farm Girl In the end, youll be left with crispy, flavorful dried basil that can store in your pantry for well over a year. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museums Public Education office. To substitute dry basil for fresh basil in a recipe, use only one-third dry of the called-for amount fresh. I wash the entire plant and dry mine overnight on a towel. Drying herbs is easy. Hi. Wash basil before drying. Place the fresh herbs on a baking sheet and set the oven to the lowest possible temperature. You can line the sheet with parchment paper if you like, but that isn't required. A food processor or good old-fashioned mortar and pestle will also do the trick. Mine took 50 minutes. Dry for about 2 hours, check on the herbs every 30 minutes or so, and remove them from the oven once they are completely dry. If your ovens lowest temperature is 175 or 180, thats fine. Thoughts? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Wash your herbs. I usually use stickers that wash off but I think Ill invest in those wine pens. How to Dehydrate Basil: 3 Easy Methods Explained! Good luck and enjoy! To dry fresh leaves from a basil plant, begin by harvesting the basil leaves from the basil plant. I bet you'll be surprised at how much dirt is on those leaves! Youll need at least 4 weeks to air dry basil. Transfer to spice container. Preserving Basil: How to Dry Basil in a Dehydrator or Oven If you can dry at 170 degrees F. Although some ovens only go as low as 175-180 degrees F. If thats the case, its fine to dry at the lowest setting your oven allows. How to Dry Basil (Oven or Dehydrator) - Clean Eating Kitchen Im Anjali. Remove the basil leaves from the stem and pat dry with paper towels to eliminate any excess moisture. Basil Leaves: For drying basil leaves, all you need is fresh basil. This is key for good long term storage! This will be the time to remove any dirt or critters (hey it happens) on your basil leaves before drying it. How To Dry Basil In The Oven - Step By Step - Foods Guy If the lowest setting is any higher than 180F you can leave your oven door slightly ajar to keep the temperature from getting too hot and burning your basil. This helps prevent any excess moisture from entering the airtight container, which can cause the dried basil to spoil. To get your leaves very flat, you can cover them with a paper towel and place a heavy pan or baking tray with cookbooks on top of them for 5 minutes. Im often faced with this dilemma of having too much basil. Allow to cool completely. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the leaves under cold water. Glad you found this helpful Sarah! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Keep in touch with our weekly newsletter and receive a FREE digital, printable garden planning toolkit! Living in Canada, I enjoy seeing the different fruit and veggies you can grow that I never could. Did you try this with 76C? Dehydrating basil in the oven involves removing moisture from freshly picked basil leaves to extend their shelf life and preserve their flavor. Stir them with your fingers and rub the leaves clean if necessary. Dont overlap. If you have tried this dried basil recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Check the leaves every 4 hours to be sure they do not become overly dry. Homestead and Chill 2023 All rights reserved. You can add the whole leaves to a dry mixing bowl and crumble them up with clean hands. The other way is to set your oven extremely low and place the basil on cookie sheets with silicone pads or parchment paper underneath. Place basil leaves on a baking sheet, making sure the leaves dont overlap. How To Dry Basil in an Oven, Dehydrator, or by Hanging It Up - Well+Good Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes per cup. Any purchases made through affiliate links are, How to Grow Bushy Basil to Harvest All Summer Long, The Besto Pesto: Lemon Walnut & Parmesan Basil Pesto Recipe, How to Make Homemade Herb Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Companion Planting 101, with Companion Planting Chart, Simple & Delicious Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe, Growing Herbs 101: How to Start a Kitchen Herb Garden, Sourdough Cornbread Recipe (Vegan & GF Options), Preserving Garlic: How to Make Homemade Garlic Powder, DIY: Homemade Beeswax Wraps (Reusable Food Wraps). Once finished, place your dried herbs into a suitable container for storage. Remove any excess water my gently patting dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Transfer to a bowl. I wash the entire plant and dry mine overnight on a towel (another reason why I have so many flour sack towels!). If so, did it work? Keep in a cool dry place, at room temperature is fine. To maximize the shelf life of dried basil, keep it in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight or heat, as these factors can cause the basil to lose its potency over time. This article has been viewed 21,166 times. Your email address will not be published. It can easily bruise and turn dark. Wash the entire basil plant well by running under cool water. To dry fresh basil in the oven, first, remove the leaves from the stem of the plant. Ideally, your plant should be at least 6 tall before you start to pick leaves. If your herbs are damp, be sure to gently blot them dry with a towel to remove as much moisture as you can. Spread out your basil leaves so that they are in a. Some of the delicate flavor and aroma also dissipates. They dry quickly and if not watched closely it can be a fire hazard very quickly. Crush dry basil leaves using clean dry hands, a ziplock bag, food processor, or mortar and pestle. Place the leaves in the air fryer basket. Pat them dry with tissue or paper towels. We make a small commission from purchases made through those links, at no extra cost to you. Put leaves in a bowl and run cool water into it. Just use plain waterstudies show theres no benefit to using commercial produce washes. Time ranges between 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on the amount and condition of oven, and . Its made from polyester mesh and allows optimal airflow beneath your herbs as well as plenty of space between tiers for airflow. Dried basil is simple to make, and tastes delicious in a variety of recipes! Make sure to wash and trim your basil as normal, and pat it dry as much as possible before dehydrating. Simply choose the drying method that best suits your equipment and preferences. The flowers appear in the middle of a bunch of leaves in a pyramid shape. Pick fresh basil leaves from the stem and discard the wilted ones. You can do this in whatever order works easiest for you. Please leave your valid email address below. To do this, follow these steps: Drying basil in a microwave is a quick method, but requires close attention to prevent burning. Air Drying or Sun Drying Your Basil Air drying your herbs is a time-tested method that works well, but it does take quite a bit of time. Place basil leaves between two pieces of paper towel. How to Use an Oven to Dehydrate - The Purposeful Pantry How To Dry Basil Leaves? 5 Simple Ways - Limitless Cooking Set the timer for 3 minutes. Arrange washed and dried herbs one layer thick between microwave-safe paper towels. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. In the end, youll be left with crispy, flavorful dried basil that can store in your pantry for well over a year. This article has been viewed 21,166 times. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 21,166 times. Many of my Italian-inspired recipes are suitable for special diets, such as vegan bologneseor gluten-free lasagna. Using dry basil is simple. Dehydrating Basil in a Food Dehydrator Can I Hang Dry Fresh Basil? We want them in a nice single layer to promote excellent air flow and drying. We only share products we know and believe in. All right reserved. Of course, there are a few best practices youll want to follow for optimal results. Also, Microwaving herbs can be a fire hazard as well. Then, evenly spread the basil leaves on a baking sheet or an oven-safe tray, making sure they don't overlap. Make a healthy homemade pizza or a guilt-free pasta and enjoy the fresh flavors of Italy. And the best part is I grew it! In short, it would be a complete waste of your herbs. Store dry basil in a glass container with an air-tight lid*. They should crumble easily when you pick them up. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Place the leaves in the dehydrator at 95 degrees or the herb setting. Now in stock: Organic insect repellent that really WORKS! Add additional minutes as needed if not quite dry. Drying the basil is definitely the way to go! You dont want too much moisture in the air when youre trying to dry herbs. How Long is Sushi Good for and How Long Does Sushi Last? Drying basil in a dehydrator. Every summer, we also make and preserve a very simple and delicious roasted tomato sauce and intentionally omit herbs from the base sauce to keep it as versatile as possible. The best way to dry basil is to use a Low and Slow method. The best time to harvest basil is in the morning after the sun has dried the dew from the leaves. The most important part is that the basil should be completely dry before we put it in the oven. If you like, you can also grind the leaves with a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder. Flatten the leaves as much as possible to get even heat distribution and no pooling or dripping of steam as they dry. Aw yay! You can store the dried basil in a ziploc bag but it wont keep as well nor as long compared to using an airtight jar. Step 1: Harvest and Wash Basil If you're drying store-bought fresh basil leaves, skip this step. To dry basil in the oven, first preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 140-170F). Hello! This means youll need a designated area to hang and dry your basil for quite some time before it is ready to crumble and add to a spice container. Next, spread the basil leaves out in an even. Everyone loves a stock-up of fresh herbs from a garden in the dead of winter! Its a simple process. Love this idea of drying basil so that I can use it later. Spread a thin layer of basil leaves on the paper towels, ensuring they dont overlap. Simple Ways to Dry Basil in the Oven: 10 Steps (with Pictures) Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Hello Christine, you can absolutely do the same with the herbs you listed as well as many others. Let's make dinner together. It is a very straightforward process, but I definitely have some tips to share on how to create the most fresh-tasting and long-lasting dry basil possible. Depending on the amount of basil you have, you might need a few baking sheets. Continue checking every 30 seconds until dry. Let them soak in the water for up to 3 minutes and then remove them and lay them flat on a kitchen towel to dry. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you wish, you can keep the stems and use them as a flavorful additive in stock or stuffing, or infuse them into oil or vinegar to make a tasty dressing. In this article, well teach you everything you need to know about drying basil in the oven, as well as a few alternatives in case you need them. Here is a handy conversion chart for the most common measurements: Keep in mind that while dried basil can be a useful substitute, its flavor profile is different from fresh basil, so the resulting dish may taste slightly different. This is perfect timing, cant wait to preserve my harvest! I have frequently found myself with more basil than I can eat as it flourishes in my herb garden. Once you have them infused to your liking, pour them into ice cube trays and freeze. Please read our full disclosure here. Therefore, I suggest to process only a small portion of your dried basil at a time and store the rest as whole leaves especially if you dried a large amount. I put the oven at 17 and it only took about 45 minutes. Add dry basil to all your favorite soups, sauces, stews, marinades, salad dressing recipes, quiche, casserole, roasted veggies, and more. Place them in the oven at the lowest setting for 1.5 to 4 hours. 3. Test your oven's real temp (not what the dial says) with an oven thermometer. Or use the setting recommended in your dehydrator user manual. [1] You can either pick off the leaves individually or cut off a whole stem, but make sure to harvest from the top down. Make sure basil leaves are completely clean and dry before placing them in the oven. Excellent article !!! But if youre going to use quite a few, wait until its closer to 8 tall, and nice and bushy. I wouldnt be too worried about the browning of the leaves so I would definitely keep them. Don't let the leaves overlap or touch. I was thinking I could always add to salt crystals, as I have seen more of that lately where can get salt crystals with herbs in them. After following these steps, your fresh basil leaves will be clean and ready for the drying process in the oven. Drying Herbs in the Oven: Everything You Need to Know My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. To store dried basil in spice jars, follow these steps: By following these storage guidelines, your dried basil will remain flavorful for use in various dishes and as a substitute for fresh basil when necessary. It is easy! To preserve the freshness and flavor of your dried basil, store it in airtight containers, such as glass jars with tightly fitting lids. Learn more about me here and stay for a while! How to Dry Basil: Oven, Dehydrator, Microwave, Natural How to Dry Basil - Using An Oven or Dehydrator - Fresh Exchange Cover the leaves with a rack to keep the leaves from blowing around the air fryer. After making tons of fresh pesto (like this pesto without pine nuts), caprese salads, and adding to my homemade pizzas, and pastas, I dry the rest to use a simple herb in my vegetarian Italian recipes throughout the year! After 1 hour, check your basil every 15 minutes to make sure it isnt burning. This approach also applies to basil in pots, even if it is outside. Definitely will work for pretty much any herb! How to Dry Basil: An Easy Herb Drying Guide - Utopia 1 Harvest no more than a third of the plant. Wash the basil under cool running water. Remove basil from oven and crumble in bowl. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In it, I walk you through everything you need to know to grow, prune, harvest, and care for basil be it from seed or nursery seedlings. I put it in pretty little jars. Once done, move the herbs to a bowl to allow them to cool completely. This means that it is important to pat the basil dry, and allow it to air dry for a few hours or overnight before adding it to the oven. I have four favorite herbs and basil is one of them. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-harvest-and-use-fresh-basil-from-your-garden/, https://www.thekitchn.com/why-you-shouldnt-throw-away-herb-stems-221193, http://dish.allrecipes.com/cleaning-and-preparing-herbs/, https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely, https://extension.illinois.edu/herbs/tips.cfm, https://www.thekitchn.com/3-tips-for-preserving-fresh-basil-all-year-long-tips-from-the-kitchn-207032, https://www.almanac.com/news/celestes-garden/drying-basil-tomatoes-and-paprika, https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/articles/how-to-grind-and-toast-spices-and-herbs-a-step-by-step-guide, https://www.stilltasty.com/articles/view/67, https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/cooking-dried-herbs/. Using your fingers, crumble the dried basil up into tiny pieces. Keep in a cool dry place. Im a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA! Or does it really need to be glass? There are many ways you can air Dry Herbs for winter use but the best way is to dry basil is through a low and slow heating method using a food dehydrator or your oven on a very low setting. If you dry them overnight, it should only take an hour. Use fresh basil from your garden, or purchase a basil from the store. Have an empty spice jar or airtight container ready for storage. If youre going to dry basil in the oven, preheat the oven to the lowest temperature setting now (usually 175-200F for most ovens). However, basil is quite delicate, so drying them flat is best. Wait for the basil to reach room temperature before moving on to the next step. Once they are ready, remove them from the oven Hi Clarence, they can all be stored fresh in the way you describe but the basil typically wont last as long as sage or thyme. Spread out the leaves evenly in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Have a lot and I dried some per your instructions for the first time. Remove basil from oven and let cool on the sheet. It is a powerful antioxidant, fights inflammation, promotes good digestion, and can help manage blood sugar levels to name just a few! Try not to let the leaves overlap, since this will slow down the drying time. When the garden is abundant, especially if you took the challenge of growing an herb garden this year, it is confusing to know how to handle and save the abundance of your garden. X US Food and Drug Administration This recipe was so easy, thanks! Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. Will a ziploc bag do? Either shake the leaves around in a strainer, lightly pat them dry with a clean lint-free towel, or toss them in a salad spinner. I done your drying basil and its great. Follow these processing and storage tips to create the most fresh-tasting and long-lasting dry basil possible. Thanks for this great tip! This method quickly dries basil leaves in 45 minutes. Your email address will not be published. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Drying basil is really quite simple. Thanks Beth! Place the trays in the food dehydrator and set to low about 35C (95F) to 46C (115F).