1 1

The Tasty Wok

Fresh Thai Holy Basil

Fresh Thai Holy Basil

£3.49
£3.49
% OFF Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Weight

Thai holy basil has a musky flavour with spicy mint notes. The taste is comparable to cloves and pepper and like Szechuan pepper, these dried leaves have a numbing effect on the tongue. It’s advised that you add the leaves toward the end of the cooking process, in order to preserve their flavour and aroma. While the small white and purple flowers produced on the plant are also edible, it’s the leaves that most cooks use.

Found throughout South East Asia, the leaves of Thai Holy Basil tend to be smaller and narrower in comparison to other basil varieties. The plant prefers well-drained soil, ample sunlight and moderate watering.

As the name suggests, Thai basil is associated with Thai cooking to create red and green curries. 

Note:

Our Asian Fruits and Vegetables are air freighted bi-weekly from Thailand, ensuring you receive the freshest and highest quality produce available. We only dispatch Monday-Thursday for next day delivery you will be advised via email on the day we dispatch.

Storage: it is essential that you read the storage instructions below.

Availabe Weights 100g & 1Kg

View full details

Description

To store Thai basil for the longest shelf life, the best method is to treat it like cut flowers. Trim the stems, place them in a jar or glass with an inch of water, and loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Store at room temperature for up to a week, changing the water and trimming stems every few days. Alternatively, you can freeze it by blanching, then freezing the leaves on a baking sheet before storing in an airtight container.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Room Temperature Storage (Best for short-term freshness):
Trim and hydrate:
Cut about 1/2 to 1 inch off the bottom of the stems and remove any damaged leaves.

Water bath:
Place the basil in a jar or glass with about an inch of water, similar to how you'd store cut flowers.
Create a humid environment:
Cover the basil leaves loosely with a plastic bag to help retain moisture and prevent wilting.
Refrigerate (if necessary, but not ideal):
If you need to refrigerate, keep the basil in the water-filled jar, covered with the plastic bag, and place it on the refrigerator door (avoiding the coldest parts). Change the water every couple of days.
Avoid the fridge if possible:
Storing basil in the fridge can cause it to turn brown and die, as basil prefers warmer temperatures.
2. Freezing (For longer-term storage):
Blanching (optional but recommended):
Blanch the basil leaves by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Dry and freeze:
Spread the blanched (or fresh, if not blanching) basil leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Store in freezer-safe containers:
Once frozen, transfer the leaves to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage.
3. Other Tips:
Don't wash before storing:
Unless you're immediately freezing it, avoid washing the basil until you're ready to use it.
Change water regularly:
When storing in water, changing the water every few days and trimming the stems will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the basil fresher longer.
Be mindful of space:
If using the water method, choose a jar or container that fits comfortably in your refrigerator.