How to Store Fresh Herbs » Preserving and Extending the Life of Your Herbs

Extend the life of your fresh herbs by following these simple techniques that will preserve the freshness for well over a week. Storing fresh herbs can be tricky if you’re unaware of how to properly do so. In their normal packaging from the store, you maybe have 2-4 days for soft stem herbs and about 6-8 days for hard stem herbs. There are several ways to ensure the life of the herbs is extended by incorporating a few simple at-home solutions. Technique #1 This simple technique is used for soft stem herbs only. Start by filling up a short or medium height class with cold water. Place the herbs stem side down in the water, but not submerging them. Next, place a plastic bag over the top of the herbs and glass and pinch the bag together as best you can, and chill in on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. Technique #2 You can use this technique for hard stem herbs and some soft stem herbs such as mint, parsley, and cilantro. Fill a glass up to the medium waypoint with cold water. Remove the stems of the herbs if they are attached to a larger bunch, or simply remove the leaves from the stems completely and submerge them in the water. Chill in on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks, or longer. Technique #3 You can use this technique for any fresh herbs. Place the herbs on a damp paper towel and loosely roll it up. Put the rolled-up herbs in a plastic bag or airtight plastic container and chill in on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks, or longer. Technique #4 You can use this technique for any fresh herbs. Place herb leaves or diced herbs evenly into ice cube trays. Pour in olive oil, cover, and freeze for up to 6 months. You can use this little herb and olive oil ice cubes in pasta, vegetables, or on top of proteins.