With basil, the goal is to keep it as fresh and vibrant as possible. To do this, you will need to start with a clean, dry glass jar. Trim the stems of the basil and place the stems in a glass of water. Cover the glass with a plastic bag, but make sure to leave a small opening for airflow. Place the basil in the refrigerator. Change the water every few days, and trim the stems as needed.

A few other things to keep in mind when storing basil:

• Keep basil away from ethylene-producing fruits, like apples or bananas.
• Store basil in a dark, cool place, such as the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
• Make sure to use the basil within a week or two for the best flavor.
  
• If you are growing your own basil, there are a few things you can do to extend its life even further. First, harvest the basil in the morning, when the leaves are the most flavorful and aromatic. Second, pinch the flowers off of the basil as they appear. This will encourage the plant to produce more leaves. Third, fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer. These simple steps will help your basil to thrive and last longer.