How to keep basil fresh in a pot, the fridge, or the freezer
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for 5 days
Stand the stems in a glass of water and leave the basil at room temperature.
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Fridge
Keeps for 10 days
Wrap the leaves in a paper towel, put them in a plastic bag, and keep the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Watch out Basil will start to discolor in the fridge.
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Freezer
Keeps for 1-2 months
Tear the leaves, put them in an ice cube tray, cover them with olive oil, and freeze.
Fresh basil keeps 5 days at room temperature with its stems in water and 10 days in the fridge, where it will start to discolor. Herbs keep 1 to 2 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Dried basil keeps 12 months in the pantry.
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Fresh basil keeps 5 days at room temperature with its stems in water and 10 days in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Dried basil keeps 12 months in the pantry.
Below you’ll find how to store fresh basil in each place, how to freeze basil leaves, and when to throw basil away.
How to store fresh basil
Fresh basil keeps 5 days at room temperature with its stems in water, or 10 days in the fridge. The fridge gives you more time, but the basil will start to discolor there.
How to keep basil fresh on the counter
Stand the stems in a glass of water at room temperature, and fresh basil keeps 5 days. That’s USDA FoodKeeper’s time for fresh basil, and its tip is to keep the stems in water.
How to store fresh basil leaves in the fridge
Wrap the leaves in a paper towel and put them in a plastic bag, and fresh basil keeps 10 days in the fridge. It will start to discolor, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Keep the fridge clean and at 40°F (4°C) or below, which is the FDA’s advice for perishable produce such as herbs.
How to care for a potted basil plant
Repot a basil plant from the store into a larger pot with fresh soil and a layer of gravel at the bottom. Keep it in a sunny, ventilated place and remove dry leaves as they appear.
FoodKeeper gives no storage time for a living plant, so these are care tips and there is no time to count.
Can you freeze basil?
Yes, herbs keep 1 to 2 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase, according to USDA FoodKeeper. It lists no separate freezer time for basil, so use the time for herbs. Freezing is a way to preserve fresh basil past the 10 days it keeps in the fridge.
How to freeze basil leaves
Tear the leaves, put them in an ice cube tray, pour olive oil over them, and freeze. Tear them with your fingers instead of chopping them with a knife.
You can also wash and dry the leaves, rub them with olive oil, and freeze them in a plastic bag. Basil frozen in a tray can go straight from the freezer into soups and sauces.
How long does basil last?
Fresh basil lasts 5 days at room temperature with its stems in water and 10 days in the fridge. Dried basil lasts 12 months in the pantry. The table puts these times next to FoodKeeper’s times for herbs in general.
| Type | Room temperature | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh basil | 5 days, stems in water | 10 days | Not listed |
| Herbs in general, from the date of purchase | Not listed | 7 to 10 days | 1 to 2 months |
| Dried basil | 12 months | Not listed | Not listed |
When to throw basil away
Throw basil away when it looks rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before you use the rest.
In the fridge, fresh basil will start to discolor, according to FoodKeeper, so look it over before you cook with it. When you buy bagged or packaged herbs, choose only those that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How to wash basil
Wash basil thoroughly under running water before you use it, and skip soap, detergent, and produce wash. Produce is porous and can absorb them, according to the FDA.
Gently rub the leaves under plain running water, then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further, as the FDA’s cleaning tips advise. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
Does basil need to be refrigerated?
No. USDA FoodKeeper gives fresh basil 5 days at room temperature with its stems in water, and 10 days in the fridge, where it will start to discolor.
How long do fresh herbs last in the fridge?
USDA FoodKeeper gives herbs 7 to 10 days in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. For fresh basil it lists 10 days.
How long does dried basil last?
Dried basil lasts 12 months in the pantry, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
How long does frozen basil last?
Herbs last 1 to 2 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase, according to USDA FoodKeeper. It lists no separate time for basil.
Should you wash basil with soap?
No. The FDA doesn't recommend soap, detergent, or produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Rinse the basil under plain running water instead.
