Here are some tips on how to keep fresh herbs fresh for days. This simple kitchen tip can be used for all kinds of herbs.
Are you looking for fresh herbs? Not sure how to store them properly? It can be hard to store herbs. Some herbs will wilt within a few days if you throw them in the produce drawer. They’re best kept on the counter for only a few hours. How can you save them for several days? This is how to preserve fresh herbs for at least one week.
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Different types of fresh herbs
There are two main types of fresh herbs: tender and hard herbs. Tender herbs, such as basil, parsley and cilantro, have tender stems and leaves. Hard herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme, have a woody stem.
Two main ways to store herbs are available. They both fall within the major herb categories. For most tender herbs, the jar method is best. The bag method is for hard herbs. We use the bag method for tender herbs like chives, tarragon, and dill. This is a good rule of thumb.
Fresh herbs stored in jars
For tender herbs such as parsley, mint, basil and cilantro, the best way to store fresh herbs in jars is to use them for storage. The plants will last longer if the cut ends are kept in water than placed in a produce drawer. These herbs will wilt if stored in plastic produce bags purchased at the grocery store. Scroll down to see the details.
- You can either use a large, lidded canning jar or an herb saver. A herb saver works best, and it is tall enough for most parsley and cilantro. It is also possible to can large canning containers.
- Add the herbs to the water. The cut sides of the herbs should be placed in the water.
- The lid or herb saver cover can be added. The lid keeps your herbs fresh and clean.
Bag method: How to store fresh herbs
The bag method is best for woody herbs such as rosemary, oregano and thyme and tender herbs such as chives, mint, and tarragon. Because of their delicate stems, these herbs can be difficult to hold up in a container. This is how to handle this type of herb:
- Wrap the herbs with a damp paper towel. This will help to keep them moist.
- Put the herbs in a bag and seal it. Keep this bag in the fridge.
How long can this keep herbs fresh?
The best way to store fresh herbs depends on how fresh they are when you purchase them, what herb saver you use and where you keep them. The herbs listed above should keep fresh for at least one week, or possibly longer if you use the jar method. We recommend that fresh herbs be used as soon as possible. Fresh herbs have a better flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 bundle of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil and cilantro
- 1 Bunch Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Chives, or Tarragon
Instructions
- To can parsley, basil, cilantro, or to save mint, you will need a large canning container or a purchased herb saver. The jar should be large enough to ensure that the stems of the herbs are not pushed or compressed inside. You can place a few inches of water in there (or as much as the herb saver will allow). The cut side of the herb stems should be in the water. If necessary, cut the ends to place them in the jar. Attach the lid to the jar or the top of your herb saver. Keep the herb saver in the refrigerator for at least one week.
- To make thyme oregano or rosemary, sage or tarragon, wrap the herbs in a damp towel and seal them in a plastic bag. Keep in the fridge. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
