How to Harvest Basil
Harvesting basil the right way encourages healthy growth and a continuous supply of flavorful leaves. To get the best taste and yield, it’s important to pick basil before it starts to flower—flowering can change the flavor of the leaves.
Small Harvests
If you only need a few leaves, simply pinch them off where the leaf meets the stem. Always harvest from the top of the plant—this encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming tall and leggy. Avoid picking from the bottom, as it can leave the plant looking sparse and unbalanced.
Larger Harvests
For a bigger harvest, trim full stems from the top down. Use your fingers or a pair of clean, sharp scissors, cutting about ¼ inch above a leaf node (where a pair of leaves branches off the stem). Never remove more than one-third of the plant’s height at one time to avoid stressing it.
When to Harvest Basil
Basil is a vigorous grower that benefits from regular harvesting. Begin picking when the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall. The more you harvest, the more it grows—new leaves typically appear within two weeks. For the best flavor and moisture content, harvest basil in the early morning before the sun is too intense.
How to Preserve Basil
If your basil plants are producing more than you can use right away, don’t let those fragrant leaves go to waste. Preserve them for later with one of these easy methods:
- Air-Dry or Dehydrate: Dry individual leaves using a dehydrator. Once dried, store them whole or crushed in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.
- Freeze into Cubes: Blend fresh basil with a small amount of water or olive oil, then pour the mixture into ice cube trays. Freeze, then pop the cubes into a sealed plastic bag. Use them in soups, sauces, or sautés throughout the winter for a burst of fresh flavor.
See more about storing basil
With proper harvesting and storage, you can enjoy your homegrown basil all season.
