Homemade Basil Tincture and Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol

Basil is a fragrant and versatile herb often used in culinary and herbal preparations. Making a homemade basil tincture allows for efficient botanical extraction, ensuring the preservation of its natural plant compounds in a convenient liquid form. This guide outlines how to create a high-quality tincture using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol for optimal purity and efficiency.

What is Basil?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, known for its aromatic leaves and common use in culinary dishes, herbal infusions, and botanical extracts.

Where is Basil Grown?

Basil is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa but is widely cultivated worldwide, including in the United States. It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and is commonly grown in California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Arizona.

Sourcing and Selecting Quality Basil

For the best tincture results, source organic, fresh, or dried basil leaves from reputable herbal suppliers, farmers’ markets, or cultivated home gardens. Choose vibrant green, aromatic leaves with a strong, sweet-spicy scent. Avoid wilted or discolored leaves.

Preparing Basil for Tincture

• Ensure the leaves are clean and free from debris.
• Gently crush or chop the leaves to increase surface area for optimal extraction.

Homemade Basil Extract Recipe

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Category

Herbal Extracts

Prep Time

48 hours

Creating a basil tincture at home is a simple and effective way to preserve plant compounds. Whether used for culinary or herbal preparations, making a tincture allows for customized extraction.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (28 g) of fresh or dried basil leaves, chopped

• 4 fl oz 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol

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Directions

Combine Ingredients

1. Place the chopped basil leaves in a clean, dry glass jar.

2. Pour 4 fl oz of 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol on top of the basil. Ensure it is fully submerged under the food grade ethanol.

3. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently to mix.

Wait

1. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 48 hours, shaking occasionally.

Strain and Store

1. After the extraction period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

2. Transfer the strained liquid into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage.

Recipe Note

Making a basil tincture at home allows for a versatile, high-quality botanical extraction that can be used in culinary, herbal, and crafting applications.

Store your tincture in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and sunlight, to maintain potency. Properly stored tinctures remain stable over time.

Best Practices for Storing Your Basil Tincture

Store your tincture in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and direct sunlight, to maintain its quality. When properly stored, the tincture can remain effective for up to two years.

Ways to Use Basil Tincture

Culinary Applications

• Flavor Enhancer: Basil tincture can be used in sauces, marinades, and salad dressings.
• Infused Beverages: Adds a unique herbal note to cocktails and teas.

DIY Herbal and Crafting Uses

• Aromatherapy Blends: Can be incorporated into homemade sprays and diffusers.
• Herbal Gardening: Basil extracts are sometimes used in plant sprays and soil conditioning blends.

Final Thoughts on Crafting a Basil Tincture

Making a basil tincture at home allows for a versatile, high-quality botanical extraction that can be used in culinary, herbal, and crafting applications. Using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol ensures a pure and effective extraction process.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a professional before using tinctures for any specific application. Individual reactions may vary.