Favorite Answer. There is no need to dispose of unused fresh basil, nor do you need to freeze it or dry it. 1 decade ago. And because it’s just 5 ingredients – extra virgin olive oil, garlic and basil, salt and crushed red pepper flakes – it’s naturally dairy-free, Whole30 approved and vegan. For more of a finishing oil—to use on salads and in pestos, for example—experiment with something fancier. You could wash them but best results are obtained when the leaves are perfectly dry. Answer Save. I am making a dipping sauce with olive oil and fresh basil by slightly cooking the herbs in the oil, then cooling and storing it. Starting at $15, these can get very pricey, and they usually have a more intense taste. Should I dry the rosemary first? Basil Olive Oil. Choose an olive oil that’s priced according to how you’ll use it. Cover with Olive oil. Discussions. Any advice would be appreciated. From the time it’s bottled, olive oil has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. For cooking and everyday use, look for something in the $9 to $15 range. Treat it in any way? Blend on slow first and then on a fast setting until all the basil … How long would it likely keep on a shelf? Pick the leaves off your basil plants immediately after harvesting them. Stuff the leaves in a blender packing them pretty tightly. Keep in mind that methods for preserving food in olive oil will vary depending on whether the food is to be kept for a short time in the refrigerator, (e.g. How long would fresh basil olive oil keep? Thanks in advance! Relevance. Every summer my garden is overflowing with fresh basil which we often use in tomato salad, pesto, bruschetta, or to make this simple basil oil that’s delicious on EVERYTHING!! AubreyP8. 0. How long should it keep? I make the pesto, fill 1/2 cup or 1 cup jars to about 3/4″ from the top. The forums are retiring in 2021 and are now closed for new topics and comments. I love COR’s Arbequina, which is fruity and costs $20. 2-3 weeks), in a freezer (for up to 12 months) or to be stored at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard (for 1 – 2 years or more). Then cover with about a 1/4″ of olive oil and a lid and freeze. Is it going to grow something funky even submerged in the oil? Are there any ways to prolong the shelf life? I also freeze in small portions so it gets used quickly, and I always cover any leftover with olive oil. My recipe has lemon juice which keeps the pesto from darkening too quickly. How to Store Fresh Basil in Olive Oil. Panda B. Would it be better to tightly cork the bottle (it has one of those dispenser spouts now, like a liquor bottle)? 3 Answers.