How much-dried basil equals fresh? 

In this article, we will answer the question “How much dried basil equals fresh?”, and how to cook with basil?

How much dried basil equals fresh?

To each 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil, you should use ¼ teaspoon of dried powdered basil (1). However, these amounts may vary, depending on the flavor intensity of the dried basil and the flavor intensity of the fresh basil.

In general, to substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs, a third of the portion is necessary. The flavor of dried herbs is about three times stronger than that of fresh herbs.

A recommended conversion rule is:

1/4 teaspoon dried powdered herbs = 1 tablespoon fresh chopped herbs

What determines how much dried basil equals fresh?

What determines how much dried basil equals fresh basil is mainly the flavor intensity of the dried basil. The flavor intensity of the dried basil or any dried herb is in turn determined by the following factors:

  • The drying method: Air drying, microwave drying or oven drying, vacuum drying are some methods used to dry herbs and result in different characteristics of the dried herb (2,3);
  • The drying temperature: Herbs should be dried at temperatures not higher than 60°C (140°F). Drying using high temperatures usually results in a higher destruction of the aroma compounds and loss of flavor (2);
  • The variety and origin of the herb: Properties inherent in the plant, such as variety, origin and harvesting may influence its chemical composition, including flavor intensity (2).
  • The storage condition: dried herbs may lose their flavor during storage. Exposure to light, heat and oxygen may lead to a faster loss of their properties (4).
  • The size of the herb: by chopping the leaves in smaller particles, it is possible to improve the extraction of its compounds during cooking and improve the flavor intensity of the herb, either dry or fresh (5).

What happens when basil is dried?

When basil is dried, the water is removed, resulting in a lighter product with an extended shelf life, as water is necessary for the microbial development and for the chemical and enzymatic reactions which causes food to degrade (3).

On the other hand, drying changes the properties of the plant, leading to the loss of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins and aroma compounds, changes of color and texture and generation of off-flavors.

How to dry basil?

To dry basil, you can use the oven, the food dehydrator or the microwave. Follow the guidelines (1):

In the stove oven:

  • Wash the basil leaves in fresh running water and dry them using paper towel
  • Place them in a singly layer on an oven tray
  • Turn the oven to the lowest heat (120-140°F) and dry till the leaves are totally dried, turning them every 30 minutes

In the microwave oven:

  • Wash the basil leaves in fresh running water and dry them using paper towel
  • Place them in a singly layer on an microwave safe dish
  • Turn the microwave to “low” and dry till the leaves are totally dried, stopping the process every 15 seconds to turn the leaves 

In the food dehydrator:

  • Wash the basil leaves in fresh running water and dry them using paper towel
  • Place them in a singly layer on the dehydrator tray
  • Pre-heat the dehydrator with the thermostat set to 95º F to 115º F
  • Dty till it is completely dry

How to store basil to best preserve its properties?

Fresh basil:

Fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator at 40°F in perforated plastic bags to allow air to circulate. Do not wash previously, as washing before storing may promote bacterial growth and speed up spoilage. Wash the basil leaves with running water just before using them (6).

Dried basil:

Dried basil should be stored in air-tight glass bottles that have a darker color to reduce the exposure to light and oxygen. Keep the container away from direct sunlight or any other source of heat (1). 

How to cook with dried and fresh herbs?

Fresh and dried herbs should be added at the right time during the cooking process. Dried herbs are preferably added during the initial cooking stages because we need the aroma and the flavor to infuse into the recipe.

Fresh herbs, on the other hand, should be added at the last stage of the cooking process or for garnishing. This way the fresh herbs retain their fresh flavor and bright color (1).

Dried herbs go well with soups, stews, cooked sauces, and in dry or wet spice rubs. Fresh herbs can be added in salad dressings, salsas, and garnishing to add a punch of freshness and a pop of brightness to your recipe.

How to cook with basil?

Basil is excellent with tomatoes, cheese, green salads, eggs, yogurt, soups, stews, lamb, and fish (1).

Add chopped basil to your salads (Caprese salad, tomato basil salad, etc) or add it to make vegetable soups like tomato basil soup. Basil can be used to prepare salad dressings, meat and fish stews and as topping to pizzas (7). 

Other FAQs about Basil which you may be interested in.

Are bay leaves basil? (+5 substitutes)

Should you chop basil? (how to harvest it)

Do you chop basil for sauce?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How much dried basil equals fresh?”, and how to cook with basil?

References

  1. Bunning, M., D. Woo, and P. Kendall. Herbs: preserving and using. Service in action; no. 9.335. University of Colorado
  2. Kanafusa, Sumiyo, et al. Influence of pulsed electric field-assisted dehydration on the volatile compounds of basil leaves. Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol, 2022, 77, 102979.
  3. Calín-Sánchez, Ángel, et al. Comparison of traditional and novel drying techniques and its effect on quality of fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs. Foods, 2020, 9, 1261.
  4. Schuh, M and Kooyman, S.M. Growing basil in home gardens. University of Minnesota. 
  5. Jovanović, Aleksandra, et al. Polyphenols extraction from plant sources. Lekovite sirovine, 2017, 37, 45-49.
  6. Shackelton, E., A. Zander, and M. Bunning. Guide to Handling Fresh Produce. Diss. Colorado State University. Libraries.
  7. Hongu, Nobuko, Kiah J. Farr, and Yuri Nakagomi. Season for health: a guide for using herbs and spices for your home cooking. University of Arizona. 2015.