How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Longer

Whether you purchased your herbs from a farmer's market or grocery store or picked them yourself from your kitchen garden, it's important to know how to keep them fresh.  Even though I can pick herbs from right outside my back door, I still like to be able to pick some in the morning and have them perfectly fresh and vibrant that evening.  And then what about those times that I pick herbs intending to use them that night, but then the whole weekend goes by before I make that recipe?  If you're not fortunate enough to have an herb garden, it's even more critical to keep your purchase fresh so you can use the herbs when you need them. 

With this easy trick, herbs can stay fresh in your fridge for up to two weeks (really!).

 1) Get a Mason jar or other heavy jar or glass.  A plastic cup is more likely to tip over.

2) Add several inches of water.

3) Get your fresh herbs and sort through them.  Often one of more stem will be damaged - brusied, squashed - or some leaves will be mottled by bugs or wilted for some reason.  Go ahead and get rid of those parts.

4) Put your herbs in the jar or glass just like a bouquet of flowers.

5) Cover the jar with a large enough plastic baggie or plastic wrap to allow the herbs to stand upright without being too squashed.  There should be room for some air circulation.

6) Store in the refrigerator for the longest life

7) Change the water if you notice discoloration

8) Use the herbs as needed!

Easy, huh?   

Enjoy cooking with your fresh herbs!