Scads of Basil

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My basil is out of control. I have frozen more than I can count and I am curious to know if anyone has perfected a faster way of harvesting, and if it's dried, will it still make good pesto? Second thought on the pesto, can you can pesto??? Many thanks!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), October 21, 2001

Answers

Basil is best frozen but there is not alot of difference if you use it dried. I cut mine in small bunches hang in dry area and let dry . then I take leafs off and put in glass jars and store in dry dark closet keeps for a very long time. Forgive my spelling Indiana Country Friend Jack Bunyard

-- Jack Bunyard (bunyard@cnz.com), October 22, 2001.

Thanks, Jack! I'm going to do just that. There is simply too much to continue the leaf picking method. I appreciate your advice, and your spelling is fine!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), October 23, 2001.

I clip my basil before it flowers and dry it. When it is very dry I pick off the leaves and grind them in my coffee grinder put them in small jars with a tight lid and store in dark place with other canned goods or give away to friends as gifts. I also make pesto and freeze it. I believe you can also keep fresh pesto in the fridge for a few days but it never lasts that long at our house. The flowers and seed pods are also pretty in arrangements if you let them bolt. Good luck.

-- Casey (TimNCaseyPrice@aol.com), November 14, 2001.

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