Frost can absolutely kill basil, and it’s one of the quickest ways to end your plant’s life.   Basil is a tender annual herb that simply cannot survive freezing temperatures.   When frost hits, the water inside basil’s cell walls freezes, expands, and literally bursts those cells from the inside.   The result is blackened, … Read more

Fresh cut basil does need to be refrigerated to stay fresh longer.   If you’ve ever wondered whether fresh cut basil needs to be refrigerated, the short answer is yes, but with a few important caveats.   Storing fresh cut basil in the fridge can extend its life, but only if you do it the … Read more

Yes, fresh basil does need to be washed before you use it in the kitchen.   It’s a step you really shouldn’t skip, even if the leaves look clean and spotless at first glance.   Fresh basil grows close to the soil, and that means it can pick up dirt, tiny insects, and even hidden … Read more

Does fresh basil need to be refrigerated? The short answer is yes, fresh basil can be refrigerated, but it’s not always the best method for keeping it vibrant and flavorful.   You see, fresh basil needs refrigeration only under certain conditions, as this delicate herb is highly sensitive to cold temperatures.   If you store … Read more

Fresh basil freezes well when you use the right methods, and it’s a fantastic way to preserve that vibrant summer flavor.   If you’ve ever wondered whether fresh basil freezes well or if it just turns into a mushy, black mess, you’re in the right place.   The short answer is yes, fresh basil freezes … Read more

Fresh basil can go in the fridge, but only if you store it the right way.   The question of whether fresh basil goes in the fridge is a common one, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no.   You see, fresh basil is a delicate herb that reacts to cold temperatures in … Read more

Dried basil does expire, but it doesn’t exactly go bad in the way fresh herbs do.   Instead, dried basil slowly loses its vibrant color, bold aroma, and punchy flavor over time.   If you’ve ever reached into your spice rack and wondered whether that jar of dried basil is still good to use, you’re … Read more

Dill and basil go together beautifully in the kitchen.   These two herbs might seem like an unlikely pairing at first, but dill and basil actually complement each other in ways that can elevate everything from salads to roasted vegetables.   If you’ve ever wondered whether dill and basil go together in recipes, the short … Read more

Deer do eat basil, and unfortunately, they can be quite fond of it.   If you have a garden, you’ve probably wondered if deer eat basil before you even planted those fragrant leaves.   The short answer is yes, deer will eat basil, but it’s not usually their very first choice when other food is … Read more

Blanching basil does help keep pesto green, and it’s one of the most reliable tricks for locking in that vibrant color.   If you’ve ever blended up a fresh batch of pesto only to watch it turn brown within a day, you already know the frustration.   The browning happens because of enzymes in the … Read more