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Home » Uncategorized » How to Harvest Basil Leaves

July 28, 2020

How to Harvest Basil Leaves

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Growing and harvesting your own basil leaves is a wonderful way to have fresh herbs and add flavor to meals year-round. Let me show you how. via @jugglingactmamaGrowing and harvesting your own basil leaves is a wonderful way to have fresh herbs and add flavor to meals year-round. Let me show you how. via @jugglingactmama

Knowing how and when to harvest basil is essential if you plan on growing basil in your garden. This is why I put together a guide for how to harvest basil leaves, so you know you’re doing it properly!

Close up of basil leaves in a small pot.

When to Harvest Basil

Your first question about harvesting basil leaves is probably when! How do you know when it’s time? You can begin harvesting your basil plants as soon as your plant has at least six sets of leaves. You want to make sure you pick your basil in the early morning when it’s at peak freshness.

How to Harvest Basil Leaves

If you are looking to harvest a small amount of basil, you can remove a few leaves for your cooking needs. If you plan on harvesting a larger amount, you will need to take a few additional steps to ensure that your basil plant continues to produce leaves.

  • Cut back entire stems. This will help ensure that you get a basil plant that can produce more leaves.
  • Harvest your basil plant from top to bottom. 
  • If you are cutting entire stems, make sure that you cut to a third of your plant’s height above a leaf pair. 
  • If you are only cutting back by a third, you will need to wait a few weeks before you can harvest your plant again.

If you don’t regularly harvest your basil plant, you will need to pinch your plant back every six weeks to ensure a good harvest. Be sure to pinch back any of the little white flowers, too.

Close up of a female hand holding small basil plant.

How to Clean and Store Basil

Once you’ve harvested your basil, it’s straightforward to clean and store for later use.

To wash your basil, place your basil leaves into a bowl of cold water. If you don’t want to use a dish, you can also use a water-filled sink as long as it’s clean. Make sure you use a lot of water when washing your basil plant to ensure that you don’t leave any dirt on the leaves. You’ll know your basil is clean when the herbs float clear.

There are two different ways you can store basil based on when you plan to use it. The first way is one of the best ways to save it but isn’t always possible.

  • Water-method: Trim the cut ends of your basil and put the bunch into a glass or jar with water. Place it in the fridge, and cover the basil leaves with a plastic bag. Make sure the whole thing fits in the refrigerator. Your basil plant should last up to a week stored this way.
  • Towel method: If you can’t store your basil in water in the fridge, the next best option is to store it like other salad greens. Remove the leaves of your basil from their stem and lay them in a single layer on a paper towel. Roll them up and put them in a plastic bag. You may need to replace the paper towel after a few days.
Basil leaves gathered and tied together with twine, accompanied by a label.

How to Freeze Basil

If you are looking to freeze your basil for later use, it’s fairly easy to do!

  • First, remove the basil leaves from the stem and toss the leaves in a pot of boiling water.
  • You only need to put them in for about five seconds. After a few seconds, remove them and drain the water and add them to a bowl of iced water. Basil requires blanching to hold its texture and flavor when frozen.
  • After a few seconds, remove the leaves and dry them completely.
  • Store them in a freezer-safe container in the fridge until you need to use them!
Fresh basil leaves sitting next to a wooden spoon with dried basil.

How to Dry Basil

Dried basil will last longer than fresh basil, but is usually much stronger than fresh herbs. The leaves of a basil plant are high in moisture, so they need to dry quickly to prevent mold from growing. 

Here is how to dry basil:

  1. Harvest your basil plant in the morning just after the morning dew has air dried the leaves.
  2. Next, cut the herbs from your plant before it gets too hot.
  3. Remove the steps from above the growth node (about ¼ inch back)
  4. Cut the steps and bind them together in small bunches.
  5. Hang them to dry in a dimly lit room that has low humidity and warm temperature. If you can’t do this option, you can also dry basil using a food dehydrator.

How to Use Basil

Basil is probably one of the most well-known herbs in your garden. It pairs so well with so many different types of dishes and is a must in any herb garden.

One of my favorite (and easiest!) recipes to make is Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with loads of fresh basil. It is SO good! here are a few other great recipes that include basil:

  • Tomato Basil Compound Butter – with just a few simple ingredients, this compound butter is perfect on pasta, garlic bread, and more!
  • Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – soup is the ultimate comfort food for a cold winter’s day and nothing is as nostalgic as tomato soup.
  • Caprese Antipasticks Appetizer – whip up these appetizers in no time and be sure to serve with balsamic vinegar.
  • Caprese Grilled Zucchini – this is the perfect summer side dish you will crave time and again! Even the pickiest of veggie eaters will love this one.
Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
This Tomato Basil Pasta Salad perfect summer pasta salad. Make two, it's just that good!
Get the Recipe >>>
Easy Basil Salt
Flavorful Basil Salt compliments so many dishes and is a great seasoning on have on hand. It also makes a lovely gift.
Get the Recipe >>>
Basil Pesto
The perfect balance of Parmesan and Romano cheeses with garlic, pine nuts and basil.
Get the Recipe >>>
Caprese Sandwiches
Fresh homemade pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella combine to bring an unforgettable sandwich to the table.
Get the Recipe >>>
Caprese Sandwiches
DIY Italian Garlic & Herb Seasoning
Make your own DIY Italian Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend for far less than a store-bought blend. It’s a pantry staple, and makes a great gift!

Get the Recipe >>>
Make your own DIY Italian Garlic & Herb Seasoning for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought blend. It's great to have in your pantry, and makes a lovely gift, too!
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Filed Under: Gardening & Outdoor Living, Lifestyle, Uncategorized Tagged With: gardening, Growing herbs, Harvesting

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Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which are why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle. Read More…

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