Keeping Fresh Herbs Alive
Treat fresh herbs like a bouquet of flowers: trim the stems, place them in a jar with an inch of cool water, and cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag. Keep hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a container, while soft herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil thrive upright in water on the counter or in the fridge door.
Know your herb category
Hardy, woody herbs prefer cold and dry environments, while soft-stemmed herbs require hydration to prevent wilting.
- Mason jar or drinking glass
- Plastic produce bag
- Paper towels
- Sharp kitchen shears
The Stem Trim
Always cut a half-inch off the stems at an angle before putting them in water; this opens the vascular tissue so the herb can actually drink.
The method.
Sort the herbs
Group them into soft herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill, basil) and woody herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano).
Prepare soft herbs
Trim the bottom ends. Place the bunch into a glass with enough water to cover the bottom inch of stems. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag to create a humid microclimate.
Prepare woody herbs
Wrap the stems in a barely damp paper towel and tuck the bundle into a container or resealable bag. Leave the container slightly cracked to allow airflow.
Maintain the storage
Change the water in the jars every two days. If the water becomes cloudy, the herbs are rotting; discard those pieces immediately.
Other turns to take.
Freezing in Oil
Chop excess herbs, pack them into ice cube trays, cover with olive oil, and freeze. Pop a cube directly into a hot pan when ready to cook.
Drying
Bundle woody herbs with twine and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry place until the leaves crumble easily between your fingers.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Never store basil in the refrigerator; the cold turns the leaves black within hours. Keep it on the counter away from direct sunlight.
Remove any rubber bands or twist-ties immediately, as they crush the stems and accelerate decay.
If herbs start to look limp, shock them by submerging the entire bunch in a bowl of ice water for ten minutes.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why do my herbs get slimy in the fridge?
Usually because there is trapped moisture inside the bag. If you see condensation pooling, wipe the bag out or leave it cracked to improve air circulation.
Can I store mint with other herbs?
No. Mint is aggressive and its oils can be strong; it is best to store it separately in its own jar to prevent its flavor from migrating.
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