Got fresh herbs and not sure how to store them? Herbs can be difficult to store: throw them in the produce drawer and some herbs wilt in a day or so. Keep them on the counter, and they’re only good for a few hours! What’s the best way to save them for days? Here’s how to serve fresh herbs so they last for up to 1 week or more.
Types of fresh herbs
There are two major categories of fresh herbs: tender herbs and hard herbs. Tender herbs have a tender stem and leaves, like basil, parsley, and cilantro. Hard herbs have a woody stem, like rosemary, oregano or thyme. There are two main methods for how to store herbs, and they somewhat fall into the major herb categories. The jar method works for most tender herbs, and the bag method works for most hard herbs. However there are some tender herbs (chives, tarragon and dill) where we use the bag method. Use this as a rule of thumb!
How to store fresh herbs: jar method
The jar method for how to store fresh herbs is best for tender herbs like cilantro, mint, basil, and parsley. Placing the cut ends in water keeps the plants strong for much longer than placing it the produce drawer. Avoid storing these herbs in the plastic produce bags from the grocery store, which make them wilt immediately. Here’s what to do (or scroll down):
Use a large canning jar with lid, or purchase an herb saver. An herb saver is preferable, as it works the best and is tall enough to accommodate the height of most cilantro and parsley. A large canning jar works too. Add a few inches water inside and add the herbs. Place the cut sides of the herbs into the water.Add the lid or herb saver top. The lid is what keeps the herbs perfectly fresh!
How to store fresh herbs: bag method
The bag method for how to store fresh herbs is best for woody herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage, and tender herbs like chives, dill, and tarragon. These herbs are harder to get to stand up in a jar, because their stems are too delicate. Here’s what to do for this type of herbs:
Wrap the herbs in a damp paper towel. This helps to keep them moist. Place the herbs in a plastic bag and seal it. Place this bag in the refrigerator.
How long does this keep herbs fresh?
This method for how to store fresh herbs varies based on the freshness of the herb when you buy it, the herb saver you use, and your fridge. Most of the herbs above should stay fresh about 1 week or potentially even more for the jar method. Either way, we recommend using the fresh herbs as soon as possible, as the flavor is best when it’s fresh. Best ways to store other herbs? See How to Store Basil, How to Store Cilantro, How to Store Parsley, or How to Store Mint.
Fresh herb recipes
What are you making with your fresh herbs? Let us know in the comments below! Here some of our favorite collections of herb recipes:
Use them for a Bouquet GarniTry these Top 12 Mint Recipes or 20 Best Basil RecipesCook with Thyme Recipes or Dill RecipesMake these tasty Top 10 Parsley RecipesMix up delicious Chives RecipesGo for Top Rosemary RecipesMake popular Cilantro Recipes
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