topic Re: Pesto question in Kitchen

Pesto question

bargainsgirl — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:47:25 GMT

I grow my own basil on my deck. Is it necessary to wash it before I make pesto? The leaves never dry well and get droopy when wet. Just wondering if I can skip the wash.

Re: Pesto question

Kardi — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:52:31 GMT

I always wash mine. There are bugs that like basil! I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color. Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.

Re: Pesto question

QVCkitty1 — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:55:14 GMT

I don't, I guess I never thought it was necessary.

Re: Pesto question

fthunt — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:01:19 GMT

Could you clean and not get the leaves wet - wet? Take a damp paper towel and wipe both sides. I grew a hardy crop inside in the lighted grow kit and washed before eating - just to get dust and air dirt off = bugs not really an issue.

Re: Pesto question

x Hedge — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:36:13 GMT

@bargainsgirl wrote:
I grow my own basil on my deck. Is it necessary to wash it before I make pesto? The leaves never dry well and get droopy when wet. Just wondering if I can skip the wash.

Don't pick individual leaves @bargainsgirl .

Cut a few stems. Rinse them under running water, and put the stems in a clean drinking cup filled with water, just as you'd put flowers in a vase.

They'll 'perk up' and be ready to use as you need them.

Re: Pesto question

wagirl — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:37:09 GMT

I wash mine in a salad spinner then spread it out on the counter on a dish towel and let it finish drying for a few hours. I have birds and squirrels running on my deck where my plants are--who knows what those critters do -----yuck!!!

Re: Pesto question

sunshine45 — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:40:59 GMT

@Kardi wrote:
I always wash mine. There are bugs that like basil! I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color. Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.

i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

Re: Pesto question

Kardi — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:50:11 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
@Kardi wrote:
I always wash mine. There are bugs that like basil! I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color. Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.

i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

Great tip! I’ll try it. Thanks. Has anyone ever tried adding this to guacamole?

Re: Pesto question

Boehm Collector — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:20:46 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
@Kardi wrote:
I always wash mine. There are bugs that like basil! I saw one recipe for basil pesto that recommended a quick blanch and a plunge in ice water before processing pesto to preserve color. Tried it and it was fine but seemed unnecessary.

i usually add a bit of FRUIT FRESH to my homemade pesto. it helps keep it nice and green along with storing it in a lock and lock container.

@sunshine45 .. How much of the Fruit-Frest do you add to your pesto? And do you freeze your pesto after adding the Fruit-Fresh? TIA

Re: Pesto question

sunshine45 — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:42:25 GMT

@Kardi

yes, it is great for guacamole also, along with the lock and lock and some fresh lime juice.

Re: Pesto question

sunshine45 — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:46:41 GMT

@Boehm Collector

i usually just sprinkle some on the top of the pesto so it gets lightly coated and then mix it in. i have never tried freezing pesto before. i make it fresh and we use it. using the lock and lock container and the fruit fresh helps keep it good for well over a week or more.

in general, for every two cups of packed fresh basil you should use approximately a tablespoon. you can also use part fruit fresh and a squeeze of lemon.

Re: Pesto question

January121 — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 18:31:44 GMT

You should always wash the Basil leaves before you make pesto...... unless you don’t mind some bugs in the mix( lol ) ..... I wash all fresh vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cauliflower etc.,) before I cook them 🙃

Re: Pesto question

Boehm Collector — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:10:43 GMT

@sunshine45 wrote:
@Boehm Collector

i usually just sprinkle some on the top of the pesto so it gets lightly coated and then mix it in. i have never tried freezing pesto before. i make it fresh and we use it. using the lock and lock container and the fruit fresh helps keep it good for well over a week or more.

in general, for every two cups of packed fresh basil you should use approximately a tablespoon. you can also use part fruit fresh and a squeeze of lemon.

Hi @sunshine45 .. thanks for your response. I also make my pesto fresh.. and use it right away. But I have heard that it can be frozen or kept in the refrigerator. I've never frozen it myself but was wondering if the Fruit-Fresh would keep it looking green. I'm going to try to do some research.

Re: Pesto question

Eileen in Virginia — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 13:38:14 GMT

@Boehm Collector wrote:
@sunshine45 wrote:
@Boehm Collector

i usually just sprinkle some on the top of the pesto so it gets lightly coated and then mix it in. i have never tried freezing pesto before. i make it fresh and we use it. using the lock and lock container and the fruit fresh helps keep it good for well over a week or more.

in general, for every two cups of packed fresh basil you should use approximately a tablespoon. you can also use part fruit fresh and a squeeze of lemon.
Hi @sunshine45 .. thanks for your response. I also make my pesto fresh.. and use it right away. But I have heard that it can be frozen or kept in the refrigerator. I've never frozen it myself but was wondering if the Fruit-Fresh would keep it looking green. I'm going to try to do some research.

I grow basil in a big pot and make pesto from it. I wash the leaves by floating them in a sink full of cold water. Swish them around, then drain them on paper towels. I add some fresh spinach leaves to help keep the pesto green. I always have more than we can use quickly, so I freeze it in Lock and Lock containers - about the 1 cup size. The individual containers can get lost in the freezer, so I put them in ziploc bags. Defrost in the fridge as you need it. If you forget to defrost it beforehand, do it in the microwave.

Re: Pesto question

bonappetit — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 14:47:42 GMT

Of course you wash basil! Good grief!!! Here's how I prepare my basil prior to making pesto.

Wash it, spin dry, then wrap in paper towels, spray a LITTLE H20 on towels, put rolled-up, lightly sprayed basil in a plastic bag, put in your crisper until ready to make your pesto. Works all the time.

Re: Pesto question

ScarletDove — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 17:17:43 GMT

"...The individual containers can get lost in the freezer, so I put them in ziploc bags...."

@Eileen in Virginia Great idea, thanks for the tip!