In a nutshell, fresh herbs make you a better cook, because they can help you add a little something extra to the dishes you’re preparing. The thing is that they need to be stored properly in order for them to retain their flavor. Here’s your guide to storing fresh herbs properly:
Fresh herbs should always be washed with cool water and dried properly to rid them of excess moisture, which could lead to decay. There are two ways you can do this, namely washing the bunch under the sink and laying it out on paper towels to dry, or giving them a good spin in a salad spinner.
Numerous different factors cause herbs to go bad. One such factor is moisture – it can turn them slimy if it’s there in excess, and turn them yellow if it’s lacking. Another factor that causes them to go bad is excess oxygen. Cold temperatures and excessive exposure to light can also have a detrimental effect on them, and that’s why you need to find a happy medium between these four factors in order to make them last as long as possible. The following method will teach you how to make your fresh herbs last for up to three weeks:
Soft herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley have tender stems and leaves, whereas hard herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage have woodier stems and firmer leaves. These differences affect how you should store and cook with them, as well as indicate which season they’re harvested in. Soft herbs are in season during the spring and fall, whereas hard herbs are in season well into early to mid-fall.
Soft herbs should be handled as if they were a bouquet of flowers. Fill a glass with cool water, trim the ends of the stems, place the herbs in a glass and put them in the fridge. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag and change the water every couple of days to keep them fresh. Basil is an exception to this rule – it should be left out on a counter at room temperature because your fridge will make them turn black.
The Most Common Soft Herbs Are:
• Parsely
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Basil
• Tarragon
• Mint
Hard herbs should be wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel and placed in an airtight container. You can also use a resealable bag. Store the herbs in your fridge’s crisper drawer. The paper towel keeps the herbs just moist enough and prevents them from drying out.
The Most Common Hard Herbs Are:
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Chives
• Sage
• Oregano
Fresh herbs can last for up to three weeks if they’re properly cared for. This is a list of the most common herbs together with how long they tend to last. Remember that when herbs start to turn dark, brittle or the stems begin to go moldy, it’s time to dispose of them:
Soft Herbs
Parsley – 3 weeks
Dill – 3 weeks
Cilantro – 3 weeks
Mint – 2 weeks
Tarragon – 3 weeks
Basil – 2 weeks
Hard Herbs
Rosemary – 3 weeks
Oregano – 2 weeks
Thyme – 2 weeks
Sage – 2 weeks
Savory – 2 weeks
Chives – 1 week
Images by Deposit Photos.
Related Articles:
12 Digestion Boosting Healthy Foods to Eat for Dinner
This Sesame Cucumber Salad Will Become Your Summer Staple
Learn to prepare the easiest and most refreshing side dish for summer: the delicious sesame cucumber salad!
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Herbs Indoors
Which herbs are best grown indoors and what is the best way to do so? This useful tutorial will answer all of your questions on the topic
4 Common Gas Stove Top Issues and How to FIX Them
The stovetop can often cause a variety of problems. But here’s the good news – you can fix it at home!
Start the Day Differently With These Delicious Spicy Eggs
Tired of the same old scrambled eggs every morning? Try Gordon Ramsay's delicious recipe for spicy Mexican eggs.
Discover How to Use Turmeric to Remove Unwanted Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
Whip Up a Miracle with These Heavenly Pancake-Making Tips
If you've been dreaming of the ultimate pancake-making guide, then your prayers have just been answered!
5 Best Meal Planning Sites to Save Time, Money, and Energy
These meal preparation websites will help you cook a week’s food in advance.
The KFC Secret Recipe Cat Is Out of the Bag - Here it Is
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
A Formula For Whipping Up Healthy 20-Minutes Meals
This video offers a delightfully simple solution for busy people - a go-to formula for healthy 20-minute meals.
This Spice Cheat-Sheet Gives the Full Delicious Picture
This spice chart allows you to maximize the taste of any meal.
This Has to Be the Most Guilt-Free Bread Recipe Ever!
This cloud bread is carb, gluten and sugar-free. Despite those facts, it's still light, fluffy and utterly mouthwatering. Learn how to bake it today.
Cook a Traditional Czech Meal With These 5 Recipes
To enjoy the unique tastes of Czech cuisine, you no longer need to fly abroad. The following recipes will allow you to cook a traditional Czech meal yourself.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.
Avocados Are Incredibly Versatile, as These 6 Recipes Show
Avocados are more versatile than you ever imagined, and I'm sure these 6 recipes will make you want to include them in your diet from hereon.
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
Apparently I've Been Cooking Pasta All Wrong!
I thought I knew how to cook pasta, but apparently I've been doing it wrong!
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
15 Delicious Street Foods to Try When You Go Traveling
The world is full of inventive dishes and each country boasts a signature street food. Here are the best street foods from around the world.
You Won't Believe What This Healthy Bread is Made of...
Wow, have you tried these new veggie flatbread recipes?! They are healthy, tasty, gorgeous and easy. Those are a few of my favorite things.
This is How You Make Delicious Home-Made Hummus
Hummus is delicious, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own.
You May Have Never Heard of These Delicious Fruits...
These delicious, exotic fruits are not something you see every day, but are worth investigating for their terrific taste.
You Do Not Need Outdoor Space to Grow These Common Fruits
You do not need any outdoor space to grow these delicious, common fruits.
Surprise Your Sweetheart With a Valentine’s Day Breakfast
All of these recipes are simple in preparation, but very different in taste and food preferences. Find the perfect one for your special someone...
15 Warming Soup Recipes Perfect for Cold Weather
If the cold days are upon you and you’re ready to treat yourself with a special, yet very healthy meal, prepare one of these 15 warming soups
I Hope These Essential Kitchen Tips Make Your Life Easier
These tips will make you a master of your kitchen.
What Does Vitamin E Do, and Where Do We Get It From?
This discussion delves into eight noteworthy benefits of vitamin E, substantiated by scientific research.
18 Common Baking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you like fresh pastry, but your baking attempts have been less than successful, there's a good chance you're "guilty" of these 18 common baking mistakes.
Here's How to Make the Tastiest Salad Dressing!
These charts briefly explain how best to go about making a variety of delicious salad dressings.
Love Ginger Ale? Maybe It's Time You Made Your Own...
2 easy to make recipes for organic ginger ale and ginger beer
These Delicious Baked Dishes Have Become Family Favorites
These three, heavenly baked dishes have become family favorites in my kitchen. I encourage you to try them out!
Learn How to Roast Peanuts in a Microwave 3 Simple Ways
Find out how to to microwave roasted peanuts and how to make them taste better with some yummy seasoning options.
This Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is Simply Delicious
Home-made macaroni and cheese is much tastier than that which you can buy in a store. By using a slow cooker, you can make the tastiest macaroni and cheese ever.
This Is How Long You Can Freeze These Foods For!
We all know that freezing food prevents it from rotting. Here's a complete guide to how long you can let different foods stay frozen until they go bad!
Which Wine Pairs Well with Which Cheese? Here’s the Guide
Pairing the perfect wine to a slab of cheese is an art form that can truly elevate the taste of both. Here's how it's done.
The Perfectly Seared Steak: All You Need to Know
Now that its winter, our steak cooking options are fairly limited to the stove and oven, but this isn’t a bad thing...
This Amazing Ice-Cream Recipe Comes from the 1700s
This is how Ice-cream was made in the 18th century. It was surprisingly made with Italian Parmesan. You've got to try this savory dessert!
8 Drinks That Help Burn Extra Fat Around Your Waistline
You may be surprised to discover that there are a number of drinks that can help you lose weight. Let's take a look at 8 of them.
What EVERYONE Should Know About Fruits and Veggies
Amazing facts you probably don't know about the best things we should all eat every day.
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
This Is Arguably the Tastiest Carrot Cake You'll Ever Make
Carrot cake is such a wonderful dessert that even people who dislike the funny-shaped root vegetable can't resist it. This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to make a delicious carrot cake.
Enjoy Guilt-Free, Delicious Brownies With This Great Recipe
This is a sweet brownie treat you'll definitely want to try - delicious, guilt-free four-ingredient brownies! Read the recipe here.
Re-Grow These 10 Vegetables - Just Use Water!
It's amazing how much money you can save by re-growing these 10 favorite vegetables! Follow our tips and instructions to learn more about how you can have a constant supply of your favorite greens, without paying an extra penny.
15 Peculiar Food Combinations That People Actually Love
Take a look at these weird food combinations that sound gross but are actually quite delicious.
4 Heavenly Chicken Soups to Spoil Yourself with This Winter
Chicken is a common soup ingredient because of its ideal tenderness and taste. Presenting 4 of the many irresistible ways to make the chicken soup of your dreams.
Cook the Juiciest Chicken Breasts Ever With This Recipe
Chicken breasts are easy to cook, but they need to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. This recipe will ensure you cook the tastiest chicken breasts imaginable.
Cooking Mistakes: Keep These Foods Out of the Microwave!
It may seem like a good idea to reheat the following foods in microwave, but doing so could actually be a health hazard. Read on to learn more.
This Chicken Recipe Will Have Your Taste Buds Thanking You!
Looking for a delicious new and interesting recipe? Try this pineapple and hot pepper chicken and just wait for the compliments to roll in.