Wash basil leaves gently and pat them completely dry
Remove stems and discard any damaged leaves
Freeze whole leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet
Transfer frozen leaves to an airtight freezer bag or container
Press out as much air as possible before sealing
Freeze chopped basil in ice cube trays with water or olive oil
Once frozen, move basil cubes to a freezer bag or container
Label the container with the date
Use frozen basil directly in cooked dishes
Avoid freezing basil for fresh garnish use