Keep 2 Things In Your Wine Fridge: Wine And Fresh Basil
Basil and its alluring aroma dominate most supermarkets' produce sections during the summer. The herb's a sweet, earthy addition to any meal, making it a fantastic ingredient to have on hand when available. For the average home cook, basil may be the most versatile ingredient. But when it comes to properly storing the ingredient to optimize its shelf life, most may be going about it all wrong.
If you're not just throwing your herbs in the fridge after a grocery trip, it's almost second nature to treat every herb the same — wash, dry, put in a glass of water, and place in the fridge. Collectively, the world learned about better storage techniques to elongate the shelf life of produce during the pandemic, which continues to remain a cost-effective skill as food prices rise. Yet, fresh basil deserves a special approach to storage that will get you the most out of the herb.
Why basil turns so fast
The excitement of fresh basil and all its potential can quickly turn to disappointment when met with a darkened, spoiled herb. It's easy to give up on fresh basil and resort to its dried version when it seems to never keep long. Dry herbs are an especially great option when fresh herbs are hard to find, but freshness offers a powerful flavor and leafy texture that can transform a dish.
The key to ensuring basil does not spoil so quickly at home is understanding the way it grows. Parsley, cilantro, and chives are just some of the herbs that thrive in cooler temperatures. This is why storing in the fridge is the most ideal environment for preservation. When it comes to basil, the herb grows its best in warmer temperatures, which is why it's so abundant during the summer and why it often turns quickly in the fridge. Leaving basil out on the counter is an option, but there's another place your basil thrives best: with your wine.
Store basil in your wine fridge
For optimal storage and a longer shelf life, store fresh basil in a wine fridge. If you've ever grown basil at home, you may have had the most luck keeping it alive on your windowsill or in your garden during warmer weather seasons. Any sign of a drop in temperature probably signaled the end of your fresh basil plant. In a similar way, throwing basil in a fridge is the easiest way to ruin the herb.
Warmer than traditional fridges, most wine fridges maintain a temperature range between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal environment for basil to thrive. With so many unique ways to use fresh basil, make sure to make space in your wine fridge for your next herb haul. For delicious ways to use up fresh basil, try making seared scallops with basil risotto or creamy tomato basil soup. For a refreshing and creative twist on basil, try a hazel and basil cocktail or blueberry basil sorbet.