We assessed the qualitative and quantitative changes in the essential oil derived from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum L. stored in different types of packaging. The effect of storage temperature on the oil from fresh leaves was also investigated. There were no significant differences in the average yields of oil obtained from leaves stored in paper or plastic bags over a twelve-month period; but, independent of packaging, the oil content was reduced by 0.1% per month. The relative concentrations of the major constituents, linalool and geraniol, were 76.1% and 16.7%, respectively, for leaves stored in paper bags for twelve months and 77.1% and 16.6%, respectively, for leaves stored in plastic bags. No differences were detected in the concentrations of the major components of the oil obtained from leaves that were stored for twelve months at â20°, 4° or 25°C, although the concentrations of the minor constituents oscillated significantly.