Strategies for Maximizing Freshness of Garden Herbs: Top Techniques for Prolonging Storage Life
Fresh Herb Storage: Keep Your Greens Piquant for Longer
Want to know how to store fresh herbs to keep them fresh? Fresh herbs can transform any dish, but sadly, they don't last long. But, with a bit of know-how, you can extend their life. Read on to uncover the secrets to storing fresh herbs!
Herbs: The Warm vs. Cool Climate Crew
Herbs come in two main categories: warm weather (woody) herbs and cool weather (tender) herbs.
Warm weather herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, hail from the Mediterranean and have strong, woody stems and a high wat Contentship to flavor. They're perennials.
On the other hand, cool weather herbs thrive in temperate environments, have tender green stems, and are often annuals, although there are some exceptions. Examples include basil, cilantro, and parsley.
Harvesting Herbs
Knowing how to store fresh herbs starts with proper harvesting. Harvest herbs before they bloom to preserve their delightful flavor. Harvesting methods vary slightly among herbs, and we've got you covered.
Woody Herbs
When harvesting woody herbs, snip leaves off at the node, leaving some foliage for continued growth. Never remove more than 1/3rd of the plant. If you don't want further growth, feel free to pluck the entire plant.
Tender Herbs
For tender herbs like basil, pinch off individual leaves, or cut from the outside for the youngest leaves to continue growing. With chives, cut just half an inch from the ground, while for cilantro, dill, and parsley, trim the outside to allow for interior growth. For sage, cut the top to encourage new growth, or harvest larger, mature leaves and let the rest grow.
Storing Fresh Herbs
Now that you've harvested your fresh herbs, it's essential to know how to store them properly to keep them fresh longer. Here are some tips to avoid when storing fresh herbs:
- Excess anything: moisture, light, or air exposure. These all contribute to herb degradation.
- Cold temperatures: the back of the fridge is often too cold and could freeze your herbs.
- Washing: While it may seem hygienic, washing herbs can bruise leaves, opening them up to bacteria and removing essential oils responsible for their flavor.
Best Methods for Storing Herbs
There are various methods touted as the best for storing fresh herbs. However, we've found that the following methods work the best for tender leafy herbs:
- Bouquet Method: Fill a glass or mason jar with water, trim half an inch from your herbs' stems, place them in the jar with their leaves covered, and store in the fridge. Change the water every few days.
- Tall Container: Instead of a jar or glass, use a tall plastic container with a lid. Fill the bottom with water, place the cut ends of the herbs in, gently tuck the green foliage in the container, seal it with the lid, and store in the fridge. This method keeps the herbs fresh for weeks without spills.
For hardier herbs like rosemary or thyme, wrap them lightly in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.
Remember, basil is a bit of a wild card. Store it out of sunlight on the kitchen counter if using an entire stem, or in the fridge if using chopped leaves.
Faithfully Yours, Amy Grant
Amy Grant, an expert gardener and culinary enthusiast with over 30 years of gardening experience and 15 years of writing under her belt, shares her knowledge on storing fresh herbs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, she's here to help you make the most of your fresh herbs.
Sources:1. Amy Grant. (n.d.). How to effectively store herbs for fresh, delicious flavor. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.growforagecookferment.com/how-to-store-fresh-herbs/2. Sanders, P. (2020). How to store fresh herbs for longer life. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-store-fresh-herbs-14152353. WomansWork. (2020). Free copper plant markers. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.womanswork.com/free-herb-garden-gift/4. Woodruff, C. (2015). The “secret” to long-lasting herbs in the fridge. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-get-the-best-herbs-from-your-garden/45962b7e656f35e886145cb8e4f37b00
Store your tender herbs such as basil, cilantro, and parsley by using the bouquet method or tall container method, which involve storing them in water in a glass jar or plastic container, respectively, and changing the water every few days. These methods keep the herbs fresh for extended periods.
As for warm weather herbs like rosemary and thyme, wrap them lightly in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate to preserve their freshness. However, remember that basil is sensitive and should be stored out of sunlight on the kitchen counter if using an entire stem, or in the fridge if using chopped leaves.
