How Long Does Basil Last?
Storage method
Basil — dried — pantry
12 months in the pantry
- Cool, dry pantry or cupboard
- Applies general guideline · dried
Pick a valid date to calculate the recommended use-by window.
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24) · About this data · Report an issue
FoodStorageCheck — official USDA FoodKeeper guidance · foodstoragecheck.com
All official guidance for basil
Every storage entry the USDA FoodKeeper dataset lists for this food, exactly as published (v128, snapshot 2026-07-24). “No official duration listed” means the source does not provide a number for that combination — not that the food lasts forever.
Basil — dried
| Where | Condition | Official time |
|---|---|---|
| Pantry | general guideline | 12 months |
Basil — fresh
| Where | Condition | Official time | Notes from the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pantry | general guideline | 5 days | Keep stems in water. |
| Refrigerator | general guideline | 10 days | Will start to discolor. |
Common questions about basil
- How long does basil last in the pantry?
- 12 months in the pantry, per the USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset. Assumes a cool, dry pantry away from light.
Two reminders that apply here
Keep the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) or below.Refrigerator times in this dataset assume a refrigerator held at or below 40 °F. An appliance thermometer is the reliable way to check.
The two-hour rule.Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90 °F / 32 °C) should be discarded, per FoodSafety.gov. Storage windows assume food was refrigerated promptly.