Keeping Fresh Herbs Vibrant
Treat soft herbs like cut flowers and woody herbs like vegetables; store soft-stemmed varieties in a jar of water and wrap hardy, woody stems in a damp paper towel within the refrigerator.
Know your stem type
Soft herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil wilt quickly if dry, while rosemary, thyme, and sage dry out if left exposed to open air.
- glass jar
- plastic storage bag
- paper towels
- sharp knife
Manage the moisture
Soft herbs require a hydration reservoir, while woody herbs need protection from refrigerator dehydration without getting waterlogged.
The method.
Trim the stems
Use a sharp knife to cut a half-inch off the ends of the herb stems at a clean angle, just as you would with a bouquet.
Store soft herbs
Place stems in a jar with an inch of cool water. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Store woody herbs
Wrap stems in a lightly dampened paper towel. Place the bundle inside a sealed plastic bag or airtight container to keep the humidity steady.
Refrigerate
Keep the jar or bag in the main part of the refrigerator. Avoid the back corners near the cooling element, as the cold can cause ice damage to delicate leaves.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Change the water in the jar every two days to prevent cloudiness.
Basil is tropical; keep it at room temperature in a jar of water rather than in the refrigerator, where the leaves will blacken.
If your herbs begin to wilt, shock them by trimming the stems and placing them in ice water for thirty minutes.
The ones that keep coming up.
Should I wash herbs before storing them?
Only wash them right before you plan to use them. Excess surface moisture trapped in storage promotes premature decay.
How do I know if the herbs have gone bad?
Discard the bunch if the stems become slimy or the leaves develop a dark, mushy appearance.
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