How to keep herb leaves fresh for a long time in the fridge
You bought herbs at the supermarket to add flavor to your meal, left the leaves in the fridge, and when you took them out to add to your delicious stew, you suddenly saw they didn’t look the same as you remember. Bummer! But you avoid this.
To keep my herbs fresh for a long time, I make it a habit that’s part of my shopping routine. I sort the herbs, wash them, and pack them into the fridge just like I do with the other products I buy. This way, I ensure I always have ready-to-use leaves whenever needed.
The way you care for herbs can vary between different types, so I’ve gathered tips for keeping common herbs fresh in the fridge.
How to store herbs in the fridge:
Parsley
Coriander
Dill
Mint
Celery
Basil
How to keep the herbs fresh longer
How to wash the herbs
Washing the herbs and letting them dry is an important task that will help makeing them last longer. First, remove the rubber band at the bottom of the bunch, if there is one. If there is no band and it comes in a closed bag, then it might already have been washed.
After that, wash them thoroughly under the tap and separate the stems. For those who want to be meticulous, you can soak them in a bowl of cold water. Afterward, shake off the excess water from the leaves and let them dry in a colander or something similar.
How to pack the herbs
After drying, I wrap the bunches of leaves in regular paper towels that are available in every kitchen and roll them into a tight cylinder. The paper helps absorb moisture from the herbs, which could speed up the decay process, while also retaining moisture that helps keep them fresh.
For softer herbs, it’s best not to compress them too much to avoid breaking. I place the rolled paper towels around the herbs in a bag or a sealed plastic container for optimal freshness, and I try to keep them in the vegetable drawer at the bottom of the fridge.
How to store herbs and greens in the fridge to last longer
Herb care may vary between different types of herbs, so I’ve gathered tips for keeping them fresh in the fridge for an extended period based on common herbs.
- Parsley
- Mint
- Coriander
- Celery
- Dill
- Basil