You're Doing It All Wrong - How To Properly Store Fresh Herbs, by Chowhound on YouTube. 1 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Sort your herbs into two groups: soft-stem herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley and dill, and woody herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano.
For soft-stem herbs, trim the bottom of the stems with a sharp knife and stand the bunch upright in a jar with an inch or two of water.
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and put the jar in the fridge, changing the water every couple of days.
Keep basil out of the fridge. Stand it in a jar of water on the counter, away from direct sun, and change the water often.
For woody herbs, wrap the bunch loosely in a slightly damp paper towel and seal it in a resealable bag in the fridge.
Alternatively, chop woody herbs and freeze them in a bag or ice cube tray so you always have some on hand.
Check the herbs every few days, pull out any yellow or slimy leaves and change the water or paper towel as needed.
Tips and common mistakes
Don't wash herbs until you plan to use them, since extra moisture speeds up spoiling.
Basil turns black in the cold, so keep it at room temperature instead of in the fridge.
Store bunches loosely so air can move around them and mold does not set in.
Questions
How long will fresh herbs last this way?
Soft herbs in water usually keep for about a week, and woody herbs in a damp paper towel can last one to two weeks. Check them every few days and remove any spoiled leaves.
Can I freeze fresh herbs?
Yes. Chopped woody herbs freeze well in a sealed bag, and soft herbs can be frozen in oil or water in ice cube trays for cooking.
Why does my basil go black in the fridge?
Basil is sensitive to cold and darkens below about 50°F. Keep it in a jar of water on the counter instead.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
