WRITTEN BY KATE CHALMERS
Whether you’ve just harvested them from your garden or picked them up at the grocery store, knowing how to keep herbs fresh can make all the difference to your culinary efforts. In this article we’re going to share simple yet effective methods to store your favorite herbs so they remain fragrant, flavorful, and ready for use whenever you need them.
How to Store Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor
Do you have a healthy crop of fresh herbs on your kitchen windowsill or herb garden? Or maybe you’ve bought bunches of herbs from the grocery store and are looking for ways to keep them fresh? Either way, knowing how to store fresh herbs for maximum flavor means you can enjoy these aromatic ingredients all year round.
Before storing fresh herbs, it’s crucial to wash them gently to remove any dirt or pests. Rinse them under cool water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or in a salad spinner. Ensure the herbs are thoroughly dry before storing, as excess moisture can lead to mold or spoilage.
Storing Fresh Herbs: Before You Start
How you store your freshly picked herbs will depend on two factors: the type of herb and how long you want to store them.
Herbs generally fall into two categories: tender or hardy. Tender herbs have soft stems and leaves and require different storage methods than hardy herbs with woody stems and thicker leaves.
| Tender Herbs | Hardy Herbs |
| Basil Parsley Cilantro (Coriander) Mint Dill Chervil Tarragon Chives | Rosemary Thyme Sage Oregano Marjoram Lavender Bay Leaves Savory |
Storing Fresh Herbs: Short-Term Storage
Maximize freshness and flavor in your fresh herbs by following these simple steps.
Tender herbs:
Wrap tender herbs loosely in a damp paper town, then place them in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Alternatively, store longer stems of tender herbs in a jar of water, like a flower bouquet. Both of these methods will keep tender herbs fresh and flavorsome for at least a week.
Hardy herbs:
Hardy herbs will quickly degrade with too much moisture, so wrap them in a dry paper towel and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method will keep hardy herbs fresh for up to two weeks.
Storing Fresh Herbs: Long-Term Storage
These simple methods will keep fresh herbs at their best for several months:
Freezing tender herbs
Chop freshly picked tender herbs, place them in an ice-cube tray, and cover with olive oil or water. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag. This method locks in the fresh flavor for several months.
Drying hardy herbs
Air-dry freshly picked hardy herbs by tying the stems together and hanging them upside down in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Once dried, crumble the herbs into an airtight container and store them in a cool, dark place. Air-dried herbs will retain their flavor for several months and will taste fresher than any store-bought equivalent.
Herb-infused oil
Infused oils are a great way to preserve the flavor of herbs but it is vital to follow a recommended technique to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses. Fresh herbs can be submerged in olive oil to preserve their flavor, but it is advisable to freeze infused oil for safe long-term storage.
Herb-infused vinegar
Herb-infused vinegars are ideal for creating fresh, flavorsome salad dressings. To ensure food safety, vinegar infused with fresh herbs should refrigerated or needs to be heat processed in a boiling water bath.
Herb butter
Herb butter might be my favorite way to preserve fresh herbs, particularly tender types such as parsley, cilantro, and basil. Mix finely chopped herbs with softened butter and shape into a log. Store in the freezer and slice of herb butter as needed, ideal for making delicious herby bread.
Storing Fresh Herbs: Mistakes to Avoid
To maximize flavor and reduce the risk of spoilage, take care to avoid these common mistakes:
- Keep it gentle when washing fresh herbs – excess water and rough handling can damage the leaves.
- When storing fresh herbs in the refrigerator, avoid excessive trimming of the stems.
- Make sure herbs are completely dry before storing, especially when refrigerating or drying them.
- Fresh herbs stored in oil at room temperature carry a high risk of botulism, so make sure to either refrigerate or freeze your infusions.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to store fresh herbs and prolong their useful life. The goal is to lock in those delicious flavors and aromas, giving you the intensity of fresh herbs at your fingertips, all year round.
READ MORE:
A Simple Guide for Growing Kitchen Herbs
