What I Did With All My Basil: Pesto, Basil Salt, & More
Basil and I have never had much success. In years past, I have struggled to keep basil alive here in Georgia (zone 8). In past years, no matter what I’ve tried, my basil has never made it past midsummer. Full disclosure- I’ve forgotten to water it a time or two. But this year- my basil flourished!
I’m not sure if it was the planting in a raised bed that helped versus a container, or if it was because we had so much rain in June- but I had more basil than I knew what to do with!
3 Ways I Harvested Basil
Basil Pesto
This is the classic and easiest way to use a large bunch of basil. Blend fresh leaves with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, and a little salt. Store in the fridge for a week or freeze in small portions for later. Pesto is perfect on pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.
Homemade Basil Salt
Basil salt is an amazing way to preserve flavor for winter. Simply finely chop fresh basil, mix with coarse salt, and let it air-dry for a few days. Store in a jar and sprinkle on everything from eggs to roasted potatoes for an instant flavor boost.
Drying Basil for Year-Round Use
If you want dried basil, bundle stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark spot. Once fully dried, strip the leaves and store in an airtight container. Dried basil is great for soups, sauces, or any dish where fresh basil isn’t available.
Harvesting Your Basil for Best Flavor
Timing is everything with basil. I like to snip leaves in the morning when the plant is fresh and turgid. Always pinch off flowers—they can make the leaves bitter if left to bloom. Harvest often, and your plant will keep producing all season long.
Quick Tips for Storing and Preserving Herbs
- Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for small, easy portions.
- Keep dried herbs away from sunlight to maintain flavor.
- Don’t wash basil before drying—it can cause mold.
- Experiment! Basil salt and dried basil make simple meals feel gourmet.
Even for a beginner—or someone who’s struggled for years—basil can thrive with the right conditions. With a little patience and a wet June, my raised bed basil finally rewarded me, and now I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor in pesto, basil salt, and dried herbs all year long.
