How to harvest basil and preserve its quality

Owing to its numerous culinary and therapeutic uses, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Basil must be harvested efficiently if a high quality product and crop profitability are to be ensured. This article explores four key steps towards optimized basil harvesting and faces various aspects of basil cultivation and plant care.

4 steps towards preserving the quality of basil

Basil preparation and planting

Basil is an annual plant that prospers in hot, sunny climates and well-drained soil. Soil preparation is essential for optimum plant growth: the soil must be well-tilled, fertile and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Basil can be planted directly in the field or in greenhouses, preferably in spring when the risk of frost is minimum. It is advisable to plant in 25-30 cm spaced rows at about 0.5-1 cm planting depth to encourage uniform growth.

How to care for basil plants

Constant and balanced watering is essential to ensure that basil grows in a healthy way and prevent the soil from drying out or becoming water-logged, both of which can damage the roots. Use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers can encourage thriving leaf growth, but take care not to use too much otherwise the intensity of the aroma could be impaired. Particular care must also be taken to checking for the presence of pests and protection against parasites and diseases.

Basil harvesting

Basil can be harvested by hand or with the aid of specialized machines. Use of mechanical harvesters is highly recommended for large-scale cultivation since it increases operating efficiency and reduces costs. These harvesters are designed to cut and harvest the basil rapidly and with precision.

Use of harvesting machines provides numerous advantages: besides speeding up the harvesting process as compared to the manual method, it also reduces plant damage while preserving the quality of the end product. Harvesting machines are versatile and can also be used for other herb crops since they adapt to different crop requirements.

Preservation and use of basil

After the plants have been harvested, the basil leaves must be kept correctly if they are to retain all their aroma and freshness. They can be used fresh, dried or frozen. If they are to be dried, the leaves must be kept in a dark, dry and well-ventilated place. Alternatively, they can be kept in refrigerators for a short period of time, or frozen for subsequent use. Dried basil is ideal for preparing essential oils and spices, while the fresh leaves are perfect for immediate culinary use.

Choose De Pietri FR104 Special for your basil harvest

Optimize basil harvesting with our De Pietri FR104 Special. This industrial machine features a STAGE 5 engine and “Automotive” function, ideal for long transfers by road. The fully encased engine prevents the leaves from dropping, while the optimized loading belt helps the product to be conveyed upward. With a feed capacity of up to 3.5 meters, the lifting box is perfect for unloading product into trailers.