How to Select and Store Basil

How to Select and Store Basil - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats. Fresh basil is a wonderful herb to use in cooking, of course in Italian dishes, but also in Thai, and plenty of other cuisines. When you are buying fresh basil, that is if you are not lucky enough to have it growing outside, or in a pot on your windowsill, make sure that you are buying leaves that are fresh. You want to look for shiny whole leaves, with little or no brown spots or cracks. And it should smell really fresh and aromatic. Also, if you can, take a look at the stems. Make sure that there are no moldy spots or mushy spots. And if you do have one that has the roots intact, that is actually great. When you get home, the best way to store basil is in a vase of fresh water, or a glass of fresh water on your kitchen counter. I actually like to store mine right in my flower vase on the counter. Just keep it out of direct sunlight, and change the water frequently. And you will have fresh basil for cooking with.