Extend Fresh Herb Freshness
Keep your fresh herbs vibrant and green for weeks longer by storing them correctly, mimicking a bouquet of flowers.
Benefit of this tip
This method provides continuous hydration to the herb stems while protecting the leaves from cold refrigerator air, significantly extending their shelf life and reducing food waste.
Tools you’ll need
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
- Glass jar or cup
- Plastic bag (optional, for covering)
Step-by-step instructions
Wilted herbs are a common kitchen woe. Don’t let your beautiful fresh herbs go bad before you can use them all! This simple storage hack will keep them fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
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Trim the stems: Just like you would with flowers, trim about half an inch off the bottom of the herb stems.
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Add water: Fill a glass jar, small vase, or even a sturdy cup with about an inch of fresh water.
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Place herbs: Stand the trimmed herbs upright in the jar with the stems submerged in the water.
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Cover (most herbs): For most leafy herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and mint, loosely cover the top of the herbs with a plastic bag (a zip-top bag works well) or a damp paper towel to create a humid microclimate.
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Refrigerate (most herbs): Place the covered jar in your refrigerator.
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Exception (Basil): Basil is sensitive to cold. It’s best to store basil on your counter at room temperature, using the same method but without covering it with a bag.
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Change water: Change the water every 1-2 days to keep it fresh.
Enjoy vibrant, flavorful herbs in all your dishes for much longer!