How to properly dry basil – dried basil for the winter at home

How and when to harvest basil for drying

You can dry herbs of any variety and color, but preference is given to purple basil, as it is best able to retain its aroma.

There are two completely opposing opinions about when to harvest basil for drying. Some argue that this should be done before the flowering period of the plant, while others, on the contrary, at a time when the grass blooms profusely. Both argue for their position due to the highest content of vitamins and aromatic substances.

We advise you to try both options and, listening to the taste of the resulting product, choose the optimal collection time.

Basil is also harvested in different ways.Some cut greens with whole branches, while others collect only individual leaves. At the same time, cutting off the entire branch, the remaining stump after a while begins to grow overgrown with fresh foliage again. Thus, greens can be cut several times during the season.

Methods for drying basil

Drying naturally

There are several options for air drying. After familiarizing yourself with the main ones, you will definitely find the one that is right for you. So:

• You can dry basil sprigs, secured at the stem side with a string or rubber band. The grass is suspended from the ceiling with its foliage down.

• The leaves (without the stem) can be placed on a sieve, window screen or a special device in the form of a frame covered with gauze cloth. To avoid dusting the grass or insect attacks, cover the top of the container with nylon or gauze.
• Individual leaves can also be dried on trays lined with paper. It is advisable not to use newspaper sheets, as the grass will absorb toxic printing ink. Drying in this way involves constantly turning the greens to avoid rotting.

The drying room must be dry and well ventilated.

Watch the video from the children's culinary channel “I’Sabrik” - How to dry basil

Drying basil in the oven

Experienced housewives who often use the method of drying basil in the oven advise drying the stems and leaves separately from each other. The drying process for different parts of the plant will differ only in the drying time.

The leaves are laid out on baking sheets covered with paper in one layer. Before laying out, basil sprigs are cut into pieces 4–5 centimeters long. The oven is heated to a minimum temperature, preferably no higher than 45 degrees, and the basil is placed there.

To ensure good ventilation, insert a towel folded in several layers or an oven mitt into the gap between the door and the oven itself.

The leafy part of the plant will dry for about 2.5 hours, and the branches for 3 - 4 hours. After this time, the oven is turned off, the door is completely closed, and left in this form for 8 - 10 hours.

Basil in an electric dryer

The grass is laid out on the drying racks, having previously been chopped, as in the previous recipe. For drying, use a special “Herbs” mode. If your unit does not have this function, then it should be dried at a temperature of 40 - 45 degrees. Heating temperatures exceeding these values ​​contribute to the destruction of aromatic essential oils.

Watch the video from the channel “kliviya777” - How to dry basil (don’t throw away the branches!!!)

Microwave drying

The leaves are laid out on flat plates and placed in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes at a power of 700 - 800 W. Don't forget to place a paper napkin under the greens. If the basil is not dry, extend the procedure for another 2 minutes.

Dry in the refrigerator

Basil leaves are laid out on paper and placed on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The cold will draw moisture out of the product in 2 to 3 weeks. It is believed that this method allows you to preserve the aroma of the original product as much as possible.

How to store dried basil

Leaves and twigs are stored separately. The leaf part can be ground into powder before placing it in a jar, but experienced housewives recommend grinding the herb immediately before adding it to the dish.

Store dried spices in darkened containers with a tightly closed lid. The storage area should be dry and cool.