278397 Sun Jun 19 18:47:28 -0700 2005 6 31 Home Cooking 0 1473523 Sometimes when I go and pick my fresh basil I harvest to much for the meal that is being prepared. Any suggestions on ways to keep it fresh for other uses. TIA Sun Jun 19 18:47:28 -0700 2005 0 1 wiener hound 1 1473535 I put it in a glass of water in the fridge (or sometimes just on the counter) - like flowers. Keeps for a couple of days anyway. Sun Jun 19 21:30:14 -0700 2005 1473523 0 Nyleve 2 1473538 Ditto on this advice. I've tried it both in the fridge and on the counter and it works well with any fresh herb. If you want to take it a few steps further, cut the dead ends off the bottom of the bunch before putting in water, and cover the whole thing loosely in plastic wrap. tie a rubber band around the cup to secure the plastic wrap, and put the whole thing in the fridge. This was the advice I was given at the farmers market this weekend when I bought basil. Sun Jun 19 21:39:11 -0700 2005 1473535 0 noodles 3 1473539 Actually, that's a great idea, except don't put it in the fridge! Basil hates cold, and will get black and slimy much faster in the fridge than just out on the counter. Sun Jun 19 21:47:54 -0700 2005 1473538 0 dixieday 4 1473590 That's right. Also, if you keep the basil in a cup of water long enough (about 2 or 3 weeks), it will root. Then, you can plant it in your garden. Mon Jun 20 13:11:54 -0700 2005 1473539 0 La Dolce Vita 3 1473730 This is also a great way to preserve parsley and cilantro. I usually put a moist paper towel over the herbs before tying a plastic bag around the whole jar. Tue Jun 21 17:25:26 -0700 2005 1473538 0 Missy P. 1 1473598 We buy pounds of basil at a time and store it in the refrigerator, in plastic bags (unsealed) inside paper grocery bags. It lasts well for probably five days. We used to keep it in water on the counter, but unless you change the water at least once a day you will get slimy stems. Mon Jun 20 14:40:40 -0700 2005 1473523 0 NeNePie