There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh basil in your cooking. Got a ridiculous amount of it growing in the garden and don't want to let it go to waste? You don't need to blend, crush or dry it to be able to store it. Here's how you can stockpile your fresh basil in the freezer without losing too much of that amazing green colour or delish flavour.

METHOD

Line a baking tray with baking paper. Fill a large bowl or your sink with ice cold water.

Pick your fresh basil leaves and place them into a colander that will fit into the bowl/sink.

Boil your kettle or a pot of water then pour over the top of the leaves. Dip the colander with the leaves into the ice cold water.

Give your colander a shake to remove as much excess water as possible, then tip your blanched basil leaves onto the baking tray in a single layer. Pop the tray into your freezer and leave there until the basil has frozen.

Tip your leaves into a freezer bag or container and enjoy your basil for up to 6 months.

Image / NZ Real Health