Preserve Now - Enjoy Later!

Do you ever miss the taste of fresh Basil in the dead of winter? Many of us prefer to use fresh herbs in our cooking and we miss being able to harvest a sprig of this or a few leaves of that right out of our gardens or from our patio pots and planters.
Here are some tips on how to preserve fresh Basil leaves that will leave you with that great Basil flavor all year long:

1. Wash Basil leaves in cold water; spin dry or dry between paper towels;

2. In a clean plastic container with a lid, pour a little olive oil to cover the bottom;

3. Add a single layer of Basil leaves, then more oil, then more Basil leaves;

4. Press down and finish with oil;

5. Press out any air to seal and refrigerate.

This will last all through the winter! Don't forget about that Basil-infused oil you now have storing your fresh Basil leaves - use it to cook with or to enhance your meals.

Enjoy!

350th Celebration of the Salem Farmer's Market

Here are some photos from yesterdays Farmer's Market in Salem (Mass.) where we celebrated a BIG anniversary!

On this date, September 3, 1634, the Massachusetts General Court authorized Salem to hold a weekly Farmer's Market. These festivities honor Salem's long tradition as a market town. It's still a great time of year to buy fresh, locally grown produce so don't forget to come by and stock up on Ellie's Basil Vinaigrette! We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe Labor Day weekend.