How to save basil for the winter: 6 ways

Fragrant spicy herbs are an excellent addition to the culinary masterpieces of any hostess. Basil refers to the spices that are widely used in the kitchen of modern people. The grass has not only a pleasant taste and aroma, but also has many useful qualities. The essential oils and trace elements in the composition have a beneficial effect on the work of the stomach. Bactericidal properties of the product help to get rid of viral infections, including the common cold. Use basil in fresh, dried and frozen form as a seasoning for dishes. To preserve a useful spice for the winter, without losing its beneficial properties, you need to know some rules of the blanks.

Useful properties and contraindications

Regular consumption of spices can have a beneficial effect on the human body. The plant slows down the premature aging of tissues, strengthens the immune system, helps to normalize sugar levels in diabetes.Prepared gruel from basil leaves perfectly helps with skin diseases, relieves irritation and swelling.

Medicinal infusions are prepared from seeds and dried leaves, which help even with oncological diseases. Experts recommend the use of basil to people suffering from heart disease. Due to the content of certain components, the grass can help get rid of kidney stones. Spice has analgesic effect. With the help of herbs you can relieve headache or toothache.

But, despite all the advantages of this type of useful plant, it is necessary to note some contraindications. It is not recommended to use basil:

1. People with severe heart disease.
2. Women in position.
3. The period of treatment with drugs based on basil should not exceed a certain period, otherwise the opposite effect on the body.

In any case, before you begin to use basil for medicinal purposes, you should consult a doctor.

Procurement Methods

Drying
This is a long term storage method. Spice can not lose their qualities to two years. The only disadvantage is the partial loss of flavor. For drying, it is better to choose varieties with purple leaves - they retain the smell better.

It is recommended to dry basil in spring, before the plant begins to bloom. During this period, the leaves exude a strong spicy smell, the stems are young and unrugged. After collecting the plants should be washed in water, remove weeds and debris. Separate the leaves from the shoot and chop finely. Can be dried and whole leaves. It is recommended to prepare a suitable place in advance. It should be warm, well ventilated and not be visible sunlight. Perfect shed or pantry.

Cut the grass on a special tray or paper. Try to regularly stir the green mass. After the basil dries, it must be collected put in bags of dense material or a special container with a lid. Store the spice in a dry dark place.Ready seasoning crumbles easily when rubbed between fingers. So it can be checked for readiness after drying.

Frost

After cutting the grass, it is best to soak the grass in cool water with salt for about half an hour. After this, rinse the herbs well with running water. Branches of basil need to be decomposed briefly on paper towels so that it dries. Then separate the leaves from the stalks and place them in plastic bags or bags. From the bags it is necessary to release the air and properly tie. Cooked bags are placed in the freezer. In this form, you can store valuable seasoning until the new harvest. If you want, you can chop the greens of basil before freezing.

Blanched freeze
A common problem associated with freezing is the loss of the beautiful color of the plant. If you want basil to be preserved not only as a useful and valuable product, but also to have an attractive appearance, it should be treated with boiling water before freezing. Spice is blanched for a short time - just seconds 3. A prolonged thermal effect is not recommended, otherwise not only color will be lost, but all useful substances will evaporate. Enough grass just pour over boiling water and dry.Only after that, put in bags and in the freezer.

Pickling
When basil is harvested in this way, thermal effect is not required, which will positively affect the nutritional value of the product. First you need to prepare a container where the greens will be placed. Suitable small glass jars, which are pre-washed well and sterilized. 400 grams of basil herb will require about 200 grams of salt. The leaves of spicy grass are laid in layers on the bottom. Each layer is sprinkled with salt. After filling the jar, the container is sealed with a lid and sent to a cool place.

Cooking pasta

This method of long-term storage is quite interesting. You need to take basil leaves, rinse well and remove weeds. One sprig of the plant will require about 50 grams of olive oil and some (to taste) salt. All ingredients are placed in a blender or a special mortar for grinding. It turns fragrant pasta dark green. To store the paste you need to decompose on the banks and roll up. The original method of storage is to spread the mass in molds and freeze.Such a product can always be added to any dish, especially in the winter. Any food will be much tastier and healthier.

Canning
To obtain a delicious and healthy seasoning for the winter you can preserve the basil herb. To do this, cut the branches need to sort out, rinse well and scald with boiling water. After that, the greens are crushed using a meat grinder or blender. The resulting mass must be heated on the fire, add salt, sugar and vinegar. In the prepared glass jars the mixture is decomposed and sterilized. The process can be performed in the oven. Then you should roll up the covers and put away in a cool place. The value of minerals and vitamins is of great importance when canning. Therefore, the product should not be heat treated for a long time.

Wonderful aromatic spice is widely used not only for cooking. Due to the content of beneficial micronutrients and vitamins, spicy grass is actively used in traditional medicine. So, if you provide your family for the winter with this amazing grass, you will get rid of many health problems.

Video: harvesting basil for the winter