Question: I have a basil plant and I want to store the leaves I harvest in oil in a bottle to give as gifts. Does it matter what kind of oil I use?

Answer: Although this method of preservation has been used in the past, it is no longer considered a safe method of preserving herbs. Instead, you might consider using a good quality vinegar (stuff jar with basil, add vinegar to cover, strain before use) or drying the basil and other herbs and creating homemade herb mixes.