How to Cut Basil Plant Leaves
- 1). Find stems with an abundance of leaves. Snip them about 5 inches from the top, just above an intersection of leaves. Do not harvest only the leaves from the plant; this will stunt its growth.
- 2). Gently wash the leaves under cool water while still on the stem. Pull the leaves gently from the stem, lay them on a paper towel and blot them dry.
- 3). Gather the leaves into a pile and chop across them firmly with the knife. Turn the whole pile clockwise 90 degrees and chop again. Continue until the leaves are the size you want them.