Waterberg Organics – Dried Basil – 40g

Organically Grown Dried Basil

• No fillers
• GMO Free
• Non-irradiated
• Gluten Free
• Additives Free
• No MSG’s
• No Anti-Caking Agents
• No Added Preservatives
• Sugar Free
• No “E”
• Vegan

How to Use Dried Basil

The beauty of dried basil lies in its concentrated flavour and versatility across countless dishes. Here are just a few ways to incorporate this aromatic herb into your daily cooking:

In Italian Cooking: Essential in pasta sauces, marinara, pizza, and lasagne. Add to tomato-based dishes for classic Italian flavour. Combine with oregano for traditional Italian seasoning blends.

Soups and Stews: Stir into minestrone, tomato soup, or vegetable stews during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The gentle simmering releases the herb’s aromatic oils beautifully.

Salad Dressings and Marinades: Whisk into vinaigrettes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Blend into marinades for chicken, lamb, or vegetables with garlic and lemon.

Roasted Vegetables: Toss Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes, and aubergines with olive oil, dried basil, and garlic before roasting for aromatic, herb-infused results.

Breads and Focaccia: Knead into bread dough or sprinkle on focaccia with olive oil for fragrant homemade breads. Mix into garlic butter for herb breads.

Eggs and Omelettes: Add to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or quiches for a touch of Mediterranean elegance. Particularly lovely with tomatoes and feta cheese.

Compound Butters and Oils: Mix into softened butter with garlic for herb butter, or infuse into olive oil for drizzling over finished dishes.

Fresh Basil vs Dried Basil

While fresh and dried basil both come from the same plant, they offer different characteristics in cooking:

Fresh Basil: Provides bright, peppery, slightly sweet flavour with delicate texture. Best added at the end of cooking or used raw in pestos, caprese salads, and as garnish. Loses potency when cooked for extended periods.

Dried Basil: Offers concentrated, mellower flavour that stands up to longer cooking times. Distributes evenly throughout sauces and baked dishes. More economical and always available regardless of season. One teaspoon of dried basil equals approximately one tablespoon of fresh.

Many experienced cooks keep both on hand, using fresh basil for bright, finishing touches and dried basil for foundational flavour in cooked dishes. They complement each other beautifully in your herb collection.

Cooking Tips for Dried Basil

Releasing Flavour: Crush dried basil between your fingers before adding to dishes to release aromatic oils and intensify flavour.

Timing: Add dried basil earlier in the cooking process than you would fresh basil – it needs time to rehydrate and release its flavour. For soups and sauces, add during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Quantity: Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh. Start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste. Generally, use one-third the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.

Pairing: Basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and Mediterranean vegetables. It’s essential in Italian and Provençal herb blends.

Storage and Freshness

Store your dried basil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can fade colour and diminish aromatic oils. The resealable pouch helps maintain freshness, though we recommend transferring to an airtight glass jar if you live in a particularly humid climate. Always use a dry spoon when measuring to prevent moisture from entering the container.

Properly stored, dried basil maintains its aromatic flavour and green colour for up to two years, though its potency is at its peak within the first year.

Perfect for anyone following a clean eating lifestyle, managing dietary restrictions, or simply seeking to add authentic, aromatic Mediterranean flavour to their cooking without compromise.