After a consultation with my local basil grower and the chef who trained me, to no avail, I found a way to keep basil fresh. Basil, like tomatoes, should never be refrigerated. Cut off the bottoms of the bunch. Put end of stems in water, not the leaves! Cover with a damp paper towel. Punch holes in a plastic bag and put over the covered basil.
That’s it folks!
bj @ vineyardpicnicstogo.com