How to Dry Basil

How to Dry Basil How to Dry Basil Basil is a very essential herb which you can use to provide a flavor to many of your dishes. Not only does it make the dish extra special but it also has a medicinal effect which is very good for the body. Basil helps fight against cold and cough which can really keep you fit and equipped to keep away from respiratory diseases during winter. Hence, it is very essential to dry basil and preserve it in the seasons in which you don’t get fresh basil. Drying basil is not very difficult but it helps you maintain a store of basil leaves which you can use when desired. Although it may not be as useful as fresh basil, yet it serves its purpose well.

When you are ready to dry basil, pluck them off the plants in your garden. Make sure that you pluck the leaves in bunches so that the stems are still attached to the leaves. At least 2 inches of stem should be left on the leaves. Depending on the amount you estimate will be used during the period of no fresh basil, you can pluck adequate number of branches. But you need to remember that patience will be required to dry big bunches of basil as they take a long time to dry.
Carefully clean the leaves under running water so that the entire surface of the leaves is cleaned thoroughly. But at the same time do not put too much pressure so as to tear away the leaves from the stems. After they are cleaned, you can use paper towels to dry the leaves so that no trace of water is left on the leaves.
Since the leaves will take a pretty long time to dry out completely, you need a place which is relatively undisturbed and the air is dry and not humid. You can even use an unused closet and hang from rods to dry the basil. You can also create your own drying space by tying a wire or rope between two sturdy chairs. Hang them from the rope and leave undisturbed till they are dry.
You can use a special technique for hanging the basil leaves for drying. Using twine or twist ties will help you secure the basil stems firmly. And when you hang them from the rope, make sure that you keep bunches of basil upside down. When the basil is completely dry, it will feel brittle to the touch.
You can then store the leaves in an airtight container. The leaves can be kept as such or crushed too. Crushing it will rob it off its flavor sooner than necessary. Hence it pays to keep the leaves just the way it is so that while using it you can crush and put them in the dish.

It really hurts when you have bought fresh basil from the market and don’t have occasion to use it. Now that you know how to preserve basil by drying it, you don’t need to throw them away anymore. In this way, you can use basil the year round and pack good flavor in all the dishes you prepare.