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Drying basil at home is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. This is an excellent seasoning that is ideal for most dishes. In some countries, it is used during the preparation of meat, soups, sauces. In order for the finished product to retain its properties and aroma, it is necessary to properly collect and process it.
Is it possible to dry basil for the winter
Unfortunately, it is impossible to use fresh herbs throughout the year, not always and not everyone has the opportunity to purchase them in winter. In this case, a great option is to prepare dried spices at home. It should be borne in mind that basil does not lose its taste, aroma and beneficial properties. There are several ways to dry herbs, which allows you to choose a suitable and affordable option for everyone. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations.
Do basil flowers dry?
It all depends on everyone’s tastes. For example, some people use only leaves, others cut plants to the very root, using even sticks, and there are those who like to add flowers to dishes.
Some housewives note: if you dry flowers and sticks, and then grind them in a coffee grinder, you get an excellent seasoning. Harvest inflorescences begin at the moment when they acquire a dark shade. During this period, it is necessary to collect the seeds and place them in a cloth bag. In this state, they will ripen and dry at the same time. After some time, the product is separated from the garbage, crushed and used as a seasoning.
Useful properties of dried basil
If you follow all the recommendations and rules, then the dried product will be as useful as the fresh one. Basil is very rich in vitamins, which is not inherent in all herbs.
Dried plants useful properties:
- Prevent vitamin deficiency during the diet. Quite often, women are on diets, the result of which is a deficiency of nutrients in the body. You can replenish them with fresh or dried basil.
- Remove toxins from the body.
- They have anti-inflammatory properties, help the rapid healing of wounds, and reduce toothache.
Dried herbs also help improve brain function, give strength, and have a calming effect on the nervous system. Thus, basil does not lose its beneficial properties and vitamins.
When to harvest basil for drying for the winter
To dry basil for the winter, it must be properly prepared. It is recommended to collect raw materials before the moment when flowering begins. If you cut herbs at the time of flowering, then there is a chance that the dried leaves will not be as tasty and fragrant.
As soon as the plant begins to bloom, you need to choose a sunny day and collect young shoots for drying. This must be done at the second cut – in September. If necessary, you can use the raw material that was cut off the very first. It is best to collect leaves in the middle of the morning. At this time, they are completely dried.
How to dry basil at home
Some people dry basil at home in different ways. This applies not only to the methods of which there are a large number (in the microwave, oven, electric dryer, natural), but also to the choice of raw materials. For example, some use only leaves, excluding sticks, as they are quite rough, others only pick flowers. In any case, the preparation of dried herbs should be approached as carefully as possible, which will preserve not only the aroma and taste, but also useful properties.
How to dry basil for the winter in a natural way
First of all, the collected raw materials are carefully sorted out, and then washed under running water. Since wet herbs cannot be used for drying, the basil should be shaken off, which will allow you to get rid of some of the water, and then spread out on a towel to remove residual moisture. After the grass is ready, it is laid out on paper in one layer and left in a dark place, previously covered with gauze. It is not recommended to dry herbs on newspaper, as printing ink is poisonous.
How to Dry Basil in the Microwave
The main advantage of microwave drying is the fact that by choosing this option, you can achieve the desired result in minutes, and not in days or hours. At the same time, it should be noted that the aroma, taste and beneficial properties of dried plants remain at the proper level and are not lost.
The work algorithm is as follows:
- Collect herbs.
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Allow to dry so that no moisture remains on the leaves.
- Put a napkin on the plate first.
- Lay the basil leaves on it in a single layer.
- Turn on the microwave at full power
- Leave for 2-3 minutes.
After that, you can send dried grass for storage and add to dishes.
How to dry basil in an electric dryer
To preserve the smell and taste, many prefer an electric dryer. To dry herbs in this way, you must adhere to a certain algorithm:
- The collected raw materials are washed, shake off the water. It is recommended to use only the leaves for drying, as the sticks are rough and not suitable for this purpose.
- Lay herbs on a tray in a thin layer.
- The drying process is carried out at +35 °C.
- Pallets must be swapped every hour.
- After 4 hours, the dried basil is completely ready.
If there is no electrical appliance at hand, then you can do the work in a natural way.
How to dry basil in the oven
Before you start drying herbs, they must be collected, washed and dried. The leaves are laid out on a paper towel so that it absorbs water. Towels are changed as needed.
You can start drying in the oven after a few hours:
- First of all, preheat the oven to +100 ° C.
- Lay parchment on a baking sheet and lay out the leaves.
- Basil should be in an open oven for 2 hours.
The leaves are reduced in size by several times, while their aroma is enhanced.
Where is dried basil added?
Dried basil is an excellent seasoning that can be added to minced meat, sauces, first and second courses. Universal in every sense of the word, the spice is able to improve the taste of meat and fish, ideally combined with a large number of products.
Some varieties have a lemon aroma, which makes them great for making aromatic teas and compotes. Dried herbs can replace fresh herbs in canning and marinade preparation. There are no strict rules for use. The main advantage of dried herbs is their unique taste and aroma.
Terms and conditions of storage
Many use different storage methods for dried herbs. If necessary, you can use a coffee grinder and grind the greens into small crumbs, and then add it to dishes. You can also send whole leaves and twigs for storage. In this case, everyone chooses a method at their discretion. Experienced housewives prefer to use the second option for storage, and the basil is crushed just before adding to the dish.
Whole leaves are put in paper bags, but jars that close tightly are perfect for crumbs, as basil quickly loses flavor.
Conclusion
Drying basil at home is quite easy, no special skills and knowledge are required. If you know how to properly prepare the seasoning, then you can get by with improvised means, for example, choose a natural way, a microwave or an oven, which is available in every home. Dried basil can be stored whole or grated and stored in glass jars.
