The Best Ways to Store Fresh Herbs
In order to make any meal really shine and stand out, there’s a good chance you use a variety of fresh herbs. Just a small sprinkle of herbs can literally transform a rather dull dish into something spectacular.
If you grow your own selection of fresh herbs, you’re probably finding they grow faster than you can use them. Even if you pick them up at the market, often it’s hard to go through them before they start to go bad. There are some ways you can extend their lifespan so you can make the most out of them.
What to Expect after buying fresh herbs
You may be surprised to hear that if you store your fresh herbs properly, you can get up to a few weeks out of them, which means your dollar goes a whole lot further! In fact, herbs such as cilantro and parsley can last up to three weeks!
Storing Rosemary, Thyme, and Chives
These three popular herbs all get the same storage treatment. It is suggested that you wrap them loosely in plastic wrap and then find the least cold place in your fridge to place them. If you’d like, you can also add a layer of paper towel in the plastic wrap; this can sometimes help to prolong their life. When you are ready to use the herb, that’s when it should be washed with water.
Storing Cilantro, Parsley, and Basil
For these herbs, you’ll want to have an empty glass jar on hand, such as a mason jar. In this jar, add one inch of room-temperature water and place the herbs in it. It will look like a flower arrangement. Keep it out on your counter or even on your table.
Often, people make the mistake of placing these herbs in the fridge, but the leaves are far too delicate for the cold temperature. Again don’t wash the herbs until you are ready to use them. Some people also find that snipping off the ends of the herbs before placing them in the jar will help keep them fresh, much like what you do with fresh flowers.
Typical Issues you can encounter
If you find your herbs are going bad too fast, they are likely either exposed to too much light, too hot or too cold, too wet, or too dry. It takes a bit of tweaking to get the process-perfected.
Fresh herbs are great in cooking, and baking as well. If they start going bad, add them to soup, stocks, and marinades.
Sources:
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/herbs-spices/best-way-store-herbs
