Overview

• Natural air drying in a well-ventilated spot fully dehydrates basil in about two weeks without additional energy input.
• Low-temperature oven drying takes roughly 20 minutes plus an overnight rest in a closed oven for a faster preservation method.
• Harvesting leaves just before flowering ensures maximum aroma for both immediate use and long-term storage.
• Pruning stems just above a leaf node channels growth into two new shoots, creating a nearly endless basil harvest cycle.
• Transferring brittle dried leaves into sealed containers extends shelf life and eliminates dependence on plastic-wrapped store-bought herbs.