Keeping Fresh Herbs Vital
Treat soft herbs like cut flowers and woody herbs like vegetables. Soft herbs need moisture at the stems and airflow for leaves, while woody herbs prefer a dry, cool environment sealed away from oxygen.
Distinguish between the soft and the woody
Soft herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil wilt quickly if neglected. Rosemary, thyme, and sage have lower water content and follow different rules for longevity.
- glass jars
- paper towels
- beeswax wrap or plastic bags
- sharp chef's knife
The bouquet method
For soft herbs, trim the stem ends and place them in water as if they were a bouquet. Covering the leaves loosely with a plastic bag creates the right humidity without trapping stagnant moisture.
The method.
Sort and trim
Inspect your herbs for yellow or blackened leaves. Cut half an inch off the bottom of the stems at a 45-degree angle to open the fibers for water uptake.
Store soft herbs
Fill a jar with an inch of cool water. Place the stems inside, ensuring no leaves are submerged, as those will rot. Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag and set it in the refrigerator door.
Store woody herbs
Wrap rosemary, thyme, or oregano in a damp paper towel. Place the bundle inside a sealed container or zip-top bag in the crisper drawer to keep them from drying out.
The exception for basil
Basil hates the cold. Treat it like a bouquet, but keep the jar on the counter away from direct sunlight. Cold temperatures turn basil leaves black almost instantly.
Other turns to take.
Herb oil infusion
If you have too many herbs, blend them with neutral oil and freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for future sautés.
Dehydrating woody herbs
Hang tied bunches of rosemary or thyme upside down in a dark, dry room until brittle, then store in jars.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Change the water in your herb bouquets every two days to keep the stems clean.
If your herbs look limp, soak them in a bowl of ice water for ten minutes to revive the cell structure.
Always pat dry washed herbs completely before storage; excess moisture on the surface is the primary cause of decay.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why do my herbs get slimy in the fridge?
Slime happens when there is too much trapped moisture. Ensure your paper towels are damp, not dripping wet, and that your storage bags aren't vacuum-sealed tight.
Can I store mint with other herbs?
Keep mint separate. It has a high water content and releases gasses that can cause neighboring herbs to spoil faster.
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