How To Preserve Fresh Basil In The Fridge For A Year Or More

Materials:

basil
kosher salt
olive oil
mason jar (or any jar with a tight sealing lid)

Directions:

Clean the fresh basil as usual. Let it sit to completely air dry.
Get out your jar and sprinkle a little kosher salt on the bottom of the jar.
Put in some basil.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Repeat salt, basil, oil. Press down.
Repeat salt, basil, oil. Press down.
Continue until the jar is full or the basil is gone, whichever comes first.
Make sure you are pressing down in between each layer so that all the basil is covered with olive oil and salt.
Put the lid on it.
Label your container with the date.

Note: When you go to use the basil, just scoop out the amount you need and let it come to room temperature on a paper towel. Depending on the oil you used, it may have solids in it from being refrigerated. Nothing to worry about. make sure all the leaves left in the jar are still completely covered in oil. If not, add some more before putting it back in the fridge.

You can rinse the leaves before use if you want them less oily.

BTW, how about that incredible basil-infused oil? Don’t waste it! Drizzle on your bread or throw some in with your sauce.

Lastly, don’t worry if they have turned slightly brown. It’s just slight oxidation and totally fine. The may look like this: