Lauren Murphy is a writer and environmentalist based in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a degree in Environmental Sciences from Western Washington University. Basil is a delicious herb that can ...

Basil oxidizes quickly at cold temperatures, and shouldn’t be refrigerated. Experts recommend storing basil in a glass or jar of water at room temperature, stems facing down. To extend its life, avoid ...

Regularly harvesting basil helps the plant stay bushy, healthy, and productive for a longer growing season. Pick leaves by gently pinching from the top down, which encourages fuller growth and ...

Our advice for keeping this summery herb fresh and fragrant. Like all soft, tender herbs, basil wilts quickly, and is best used fresh off the stem. But since not all of us are blessed with a thriving ...

Of all the herbs, basil is most likely to be crowned prom queen. But for all of basil's understandable popularity, it is also flighty. Fresh basil (note that we're not talking about the skunky-tasting ...

This story first appeared on Food52, an online community that gives you everything you need for a happier kitchen and home – that means tested recipes, a shop full of beautiful products, a cooking ...

Grow fresh basil with our step-by-step instructions.

Steer clear of slimy, blackened basil for good. Basil oxidizes quickly at cold temperatures, and shouldn’t be refrigerated. Experts recommend storing basil in a glass or jar of water at room ...