Storing fresh herbs can be tricky. But don’t worry—I’ll show you how to grow, care for, and preserve your herbs so they stay fresh and tasty for longer.
The Best Ways to Store Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs are the best for cooking. They taste great and look beautiful on your plate. But what do you do when your herb plant wilts, even after watering? Or when you only need a few sprigs from a pack, and the rest goes bad? Here are my top tips to keep your herbs fresh.
Herb Plants in Pots
If you’ve bought a potted herb plant from the supermarket or garden center, it’s a good start. But keeping it alive indoors can be tough. Even with enough water, these plants often don’t survive long inside.
Here’s what works:
- During summer (after the frost), plant them outside in your garden or a bigger pot.
- Herbs love sunlight, so find a sunny spot for them.
- Water regularly, especially if it doesn’t rain much.
- During summer (after the frost), plant them outside in your garden or a bigger pot.
- Herbs love sunlight, so find a sunny spot for them.
- Water regularly, especially if it doesn’t rain much.
Winter Care for Garden Herbs
Herbs like chives, thyme, and rosemary can survive mild winters outside. But during a freezing winter, they might need extra protection.
Wrap the plants in cloth and place straw around the base to shield them from frost.
Before winter starts, repot your herbs in a larger pot with fresh soil.
Keep them in a spot where it’s cool but not freezing, like a covered patio or shed.
Water occasionally, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out.
Storing Fresh Herbs in the Fridge
No garden? No problem. If you’ve bought a bunch of fresh herbs from the store, you can keep them fresh for a few days in the fridge:
- Wrap the herbs in a slightly damp kitchen towel. This keeps them from drying out and helps them stay fresh longer.
Other Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs
If you have leftover herbs or aren’t using them right away, try these ideas:
- Make pesto or herb butter
- Perfect for parsley, chives, or basil. Delicious on bread or in pasta!
- Herbal water
- Add basil or rosemary to water for a refreshing drink.
- Freeze the herbs
- Wash the leaves and freeze them in a bag or container.
- Herb ice cubes
- Finely chop the herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with oil or water:
- Use oil if you’ll cook with the herbs, like in frying or sauces.
- Use water if you’re adding the herbs to soups or stews.
- Finely chop the herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with oil or water:
With these tips, your fresh herbs will last longer, and you’ll always have some on hand for cooking. Happy herb-keeping! 🌱
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