I love using fresh herbs in my cooking. But my main problem is that I can never seem to use up herbs like basil before they start to brown and go bad. However, I had no idea that you can preserve fresh basil, without freezing it, for longer than you would ever need to. All you need is a glass container, some salt and some olive oil. Take a look at how it’s done courtesy of Redhead Can Decorate’s tip.

Here’s What You Do:

1. Clean your basil thoroughly in cold water, then allow it to air dry completely.
2. Sprinkle some salt in the bottom of a clean glass jar (with a lid). Then, add in some basil to the jar followed by some olive oil. Repeat in layers (salt, then basil, then olive oil) until your container is full or your fun out of basil.
3. Be sure that you press down to covered all of the basil with olive oil. Put the lid on the containers and label with the date. You can store this jar in the fridge for at least a year!

Keep these thoughts in mind from Redhead Can Decorate:

When you put olive oil in the refrigerator, it solidifies.  No worries, it’s normal.  All you have to do is scoop out the amount  of basil leaves you need with a spoon and allow them to sit in a bowl until it’s room temperature.  Feel free to rinse the leaves in warm water if you prefer less oil.  You may also notice that the basil leaves turn darker in color.  This is also normal.    Be sure to add more olive oil to the container if the leaves aren’t covered.