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What are the best ways to store and preserve the freshness of leftover fresh herbs?
Whether you grow your own, come across a multi-buy offer at the supermarket, or simply just need a few sprigs at a time, storing fresh herbs can be quite tricky. Like cut flowers, once separated from their roots, herbs lose moisture. They are prone to discolouration, wilting and eventually turning into mush if not stored properly. However there are, a couple of ways to preserve their flavour and texture for some time.
First wash them: in a big bowl of water, swirl the herbs around to dislodge any dirt and debris. Remove, and lay out on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry.
Refrigerate: for short term storage
This method is best if you do not plan on cooking the herbs, e.g in a salad, or if you require a garnish.
Trim the bottom of the stalks. Pour two inches of water into a glass jar, and stand the herbs in it. Cover with cling film and refrigerate. Most herbs will last a couple of weeks like this. The exception is Basil which does better in a cool place rather than the refrigerator. Herbs stored like this do tend to lose some of their flavour and their crispness over time, becoming softer.
Freeze: for longer storage
Freeze your leftover fresh herbs in oil so you never run out. This is an excellent way to preserve herbs for cooking. The oil melts quickly, releasing the herbs, adding flavour to your dish.
Prepare the herbs as you would require them: chop finely, remove leaves from stems, etc. You can freeze them separately or mix them up (e.g. rosemary and thyme). Fill an ice tray 2/3 to the top with the herbs, and top with olive oil. Cover with cling film and freeze. Once frozen (approx. 8 hours), pop them out and store them in a labelled zip-loc bag in the freezer.
Check out these recipes where frozen herbs would work very well: Cannellini bean soup and Borlotti bean soup
This coriander chutney can also be frozen in ice-trays.
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Great tips, I love the idea of freezing them for longer term (I always seem to have a surplus of cilantro after I make a salad recipe we love)!
I have been dying to try this! I’m hoping to have a killer herb garden this summer, so I will need a way to keep them come fall! Thanks for sharing.
I am always wasting herbs. I put them in the fridge then forget about them and before I know it, they go bad. Definitely going to try your method. Thanks for sharing.
Will they really keep a couple of weeks in the fridge like that? I really must try. I am ALWAYS buying cilantro and parsley and I never use the whole bunch quick enough.
I love using the frozen oil method. I’ve found that half the fesh herbs I buy dry out in the fridge, but still have decent flavor.. I’d rather them not be dried out thought so thanks for the tip!!
I love using fresh herbs, so it’s great to have more ideas for keeping them fresh. My strategy is to use them up as quickly as possible.
This is such a brilliant idea! I usually wash them, chop and freeze in a container. It works well for dill but not so much for other herbs such as coriander. Thanks for the tip, I will try your method.
Thanks for these wonde Tips to keep all these herbs fresh. Love all of them they make dishes come alive.
Lovely post. I used the ice cube method, but also use my vacuum sealer – works like a charm!!
Such a great post. I am always throwing out herbs. Such a waste for sure. I do have silicone ice cube trays…and they would be perfect for doing this. No more herbs in the garbage!! Thanks for the tips.
Great tips! I love the idea of chopping the herbs finely and storing in oil in the freezer. Great way to harvest my extra herbs at the end of summer.
I’ll have to try that tip of freezing them under a little oil in an ice cube tray. I tend to buy one or two bunches of herbs a week then all our meals have to use those herbs as they never last very long. This summer I’m trying to grow some but I’m not sure how successful I’ll be!
Great tips! I will definitely be using them in the future!
What a good idea! I’ll need to start making those little cubes, sooo terribly useful! Plus all the fresh flavors that must come out of there! Yum!
Since basil isn’t supposed to be in the fridge, where do you keep yours? I am constantly killing basil.
Basil will last longer if you trim the stems, place upright in a glass jar with a couple of inches of water ( keeping it topped up) and leave on the counter . Basil does better at room temperature. Alternatively, you could freeze it for longer storage.
Thank you for the tips! I’m planning on growing some herbs for recipes soon and these will come in handy!
What wonderful tips! I never thought of freezing herbs in oil. Love this!
I love the freezing tip! What an awesome idea!! Thanks for sharing.
These are great tips for keeping some expensive alive and well! Thanks.