Fresh Herb Storage

Fresh herbs will last for longer if stored properly in your refrigerator. The best way to keep fresh herbs is to store them upright in a glass with a small amount of water. With a sharp knife, trim the ends, insert in water, and cover loosely with a plastic bag to prevent wilting. Fresh herbs can also be stored in a plastic bag in your refrigerator.

Most herbs are best used fresh for the brightest flavor, but many can be dried successfully for winter time use.

Drying Herbs

To dry herbs, gather into a small bundle and tie at base with a long string. Hang upside down in a warm, airy place until completely dry. If you don’t have a cool, dark place to dry herbs, dry herbs in a paper bag in a cool place. Once dried, gently strip the leaves and store in a glass jar. Dried herbs will last up to 6 months if stored in a well sealed jar away from direct heat and sunlight. Dried herbs can be more intensely flavored than fresh so if you are substituting dry from fresh herbs, use a 1 to 3 ratio (1 teaspoon of dried for 1 tablespoon of fresh). Dried herbs can also be used for winter teas.