Keeping Fresh Herbs Vibrant
Treat soft herbs like cut flowers and woody herbs like vegetables. Soft herbs need moisture at the stems and a loose cover for the leaves; woody herbs require a slightly damp paper towel and a sealed environment to prevent them from drying out in the cold air of the refrigerator.
Distinguish between the soft and the woody.
Soft herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint wilt rapidly if left dry, while woody herbs like rosemary and thyme turn brittle if not contained properly.
- Glass jars or small vases
- Plastic bags
- Paper towels
- Sharp chef's knife
What goes in.
- variesSoft herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, mint)
- variesWoody herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano)
- 1Cold water
The Trim and Stand Method
Always trim the bottom half-inch of stems at an angle before placing them in water; this opens the xylem vessels so the herb can drink effectively.
The method.
Sort and trim
Separate herbs by texture. Remove any yellowing or slimy leaves from the bunch, then trim the bottom of the stems cleanly.
Store soft herbs upright
Place stems in a jar filled with an inch of cool water. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and place the jar in the refrigerator.
Store woody herbs flat
Wrap woody sprigs in a slightly dampened paper towel. Seal the bundle inside a plastic bag or airtight container to keep the humidity steady without soaking the leaves.
Change the water
Check soft herbs every two days. If the water clouds over, dump it and refill the jar with fresh, cold water.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Keep basil on the counter rather than in the fridge; cold temperatures turn basil leaves black and muddy.
If you have an excess of herbs that are starting to fade, chop them and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little oil.
Remove rubber bands from supermarket bunches immediately; they restrict stem flow and cause premature rot.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why do my herbs turn black in the fridge?
Usually, this is a sign of chilling injury or too much moisture trapped against the leaves. Ensure the bag is loose for air circulation.
Can I store different herbs in the same jar?
Only if they have similar shelf lives. Don't mix delicate cilantro with heartier parsley, as one will expire much faster than the other.
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