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What to do with excess basil leaves is a question every gardener faces when that one plant turns into a mini jungle.
When you have excess basil leaves, the first instinct might be to panic, but there are so many clever and delicious ways to use them up.
From freezing to drying to turning them into sauces, you can easily manage excess basil leaves without wasting a single one.
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to handle excess basil leaves, how to store them, and fun recipes that will make you wish you had even more.
Let’s dig into the wonderful world of basil preservation.
Why You End Up With Excess Basil Leaves
Basil plants are incredibly generous and they produce excess basil leaves almost faster than you can pick them.
The more you harvest, the more the plant grows, which is a fantastic problem to have.
If you’ve planted just a few basil plants, you might be surprised at how quickly they can produce excess basil leaves.
Instead of letting those fragrant leaves go to waste, you can turn them into something amazing.
It’s all about having a plan for those excess basil leaves before they start to wilt.
1. The Plant’s Natural Productivity
When you pinch off the top leaves, the basil plant responds by branching out and growing even more foliage.
This natural response means you’ll constantly have excess basil leaves to deal with.
The more you prune, the bushier your plant becomes, and the more leaves you’ll have on your hands.
So it’s really the plant’s biology that leads to excess basil leaves in the first place.
2. A Single Plant Can Take Over
A mature basil plant can easily produce dozens of large leaves every single week.
If you have a few plants, you’re suddenly faced with a mountain of excess basil leaves.
This is especially true in warm weather when basil grows at lightning speed.
The best thing you can do is embrace the abundance and get creative with how you use them.
Best Ways to Use Excess Basil Leaves
There are countless ways to handle excess basil leaves and none of them involve throwing them in the compost.
From fresh recipes to storage methods, your excess basil leaves can be used in so many delicious ways.
Here are the best strategies for making the most of your harvest.
1. Make a Big Batch of Pesto
The most classic way to use excess basil leaves is to make a big batch of basil pesto.
This is a favorite for good reason since pesto freezes beautifully and tastes incredible.
You can blend your excess basil leaves with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
Once you have your pesto ready, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it.
Then you’ll have perfect little pesto cubes ready to toss into pasta, soups, or spread on sandwiches.
2. Dry Basil Leaves for Later
Drying is a time-honored method for preserving excess basil leaves and it’s super simple to do.
You can air dry them by tying small bunches and hanging them in a dry, airy spot.
Or you can use a dehydrator or your oven on the lowest setting to dry them quickly.
Once your excess basil leaves are completely dry and crumbly, store them in an airtight jar.
Homemade dried basil tastes far better than any store-bought version and is a great way to preserve your harvest.
3. Freeze Fresh Basil Leaves
Freezing whole basil leaves is a fantastic way to keep them fresh for months.
The key is to blanch them first to preserve their bright green color and flavor.
You can also freeze excess basil leaves by chopping them up and mixing them with a little olive oil.
Place the mixture in ice cube trays and you’ll have basil oil cubes ready for cooking.
This is a quick and easy way to store excess basil leaves without any fuss.
4. Infuse Olive Oil with Basil
Use your excess basil leaves to make a fragrant basil-infused olive oil.
This oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping bread, or finishing off dishes.
Just gently heat olive oil with fresh basil leaves and let it steep for a few hours.
Strain out the leaves and you’ll have a beautiful, herbaceous oil.
Using excess basil leaves this way is elegant and adds a burst of flavor to so many meals.
5. Toss Them into Salads
Don’t forget the simplest way to use excess basil leaves which is just tossing them into your daily salads.
Fresh basil leaves add a sweet, peppery kick that transforms any basic salad.
You can use them as a salad base or tear them up and mix them with other greens.
This is the easiest way to use excess basil leaves since no cooking or prep is required.
Creative Recipes for Excess Basil Leaves
When you have excess basil leaves, it’s the perfect excuse to try some new and exciting recipes.
You can go beyond the usual pesto and explore other culinary creations.
These recipes are perfect for using up a large amount of basil at once.
1. Basil-Infused Lemonade
Make a refreshing basil lemonade using your excess basil leaves.
Simply muddle a big handful of basil leaves with sugar and fresh lemon juice.
Add water and ice, and you’ll have a deliciously unique drink.
The basil adds a lovely herbal note that pairs perfectly with citrus.
This is a fun and unexpected way to use excess basil leaves during the summer.
2. Basil Butter for Everything
Whip up a compound butter using a generous amount of excess basil leaves.
Just blend softened butter with finely chopped basil, a little garlic, and salt.
Roll it into a log, chill it, and then slice it when you need it.
This basil butter is amazing on corn on the cob, grilled steak, or warm crusty bread.
Using excess basil leaves in butter is a chef’s trick that elevates any dish.
3. Freeze Them into Soups and Stews
When you have excess basil leaves, just add them to any soup or stew you’re making.
They will wilt down beautifully and release their aromatic flavor into the broth.
Tomato soup, minestrone, or even a simple vegetable stew all benefit from extra basil.
You can also make a herb broth and freeze it for later use.
This is a smart way to use excess basil leaves and boost the flavor of your meals.
How to Store Excess Basil Leaves Properly
To make the most of your harvest, proper storage is crucial when dealing with excess basil leaves.
If you’re not ready to use them right away, you need storage methods that keep them fresh.
Here’s how to keep your excess basil leaves from turning into a sad, black mush.
1. The Bouquet Method
Treat your basil stems like fresh flowers by trimming the ends and placing them in a jar of water.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and leave it on the counter.
This method keeps your excess basil leaves fresh for up to a week.
You’ll find that they stay vibrant and flavorful, just like freshly picked.
Just remember to change the water every couple of days.
2. The Paper Towel Trick
If you need to use your excess basil leaves within a few days, try the paper towel method.
Gently wash and dry the leaves, then wrap them in a dry paper towel.
Place the wrapped basil in a zip-top bag and store it in the fridge.
This will absorb excess moisture that causes basil to spoil quickly.
It’s a quick and easy way to store excess basil leaves for a short time.
So, What to Do with Excess Basil Leaves?
The best way to handle excess basil leaves is to get creative and use them in as many ways as you can.
Yes, you have excess basil leaves, but with these tips, you’ll never waste another leaf again.
By making pesto, freezing, drying, or infusing oils, you can preserve your bountiful harvest.
Plus, experimenting with new recipes like basil butter or lemonade is half the fun.
We hope this guide gives you plenty of ideas to use all those excess basil leaves happily.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious, herb-filled kitchen adventure.