Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!

Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!

Last Updated: January 31, 2026

Herbs have an arsenal of flavors and aromas that can instantly bring out the best in food. Any dish will instantly taste better when the right herbs are used, that’s why professional chefs and home cooks all love having these aromatic plants in the kitchen.

Now, it’s easy to keep your favorite herbs fresh if you follow some basic guidelines. With the proper technique, you should be able to preserve their freshness for weeks.

To preserve leafy herbs like basil, mint and cilantro, first get rid of any plastic coverings. Herbs easily rot and get slimy when they’re not removed from their plastic packaging, so be sure to do this immediately. After taking out the plastic, give them a little spin and dry them gently. Next, put them in a container with clean water and simply store it in the fridge. Remember to change the water every 2 days to keep your herbs fresh.

For fresh and stemmy herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme, get a paper towel and place the herbs in a single layer. Roll ’em up and then place then inside a half-opened zip bag. Store it in your vegetable crisper and check regularly for any signs of rot.

You can also preserve dried herbs for at least 6 months. The key is to keep the herbs away from sunlight and moisture. Exposure to moisture and hot temperatures will cause them to lose their flavor and crispiness. For effective long-term storage, just put your herbs in an airtight container and then freeze them until it’s time to use them.

So those are the basics to keeping your herbs fresher for longer. Check out the infographic for more details and don’t forget to share, tweet and pin this blog post!

Image Source: www.wisebread.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can fresh herbs last in the refrigerator? With proper storage, most fresh herbs last 5-10 days. Hardier herbs like rosemary and thyme can last up to 2 weeks. Delicate herbs like basil and cilantro typically last 5-7 days. Proper storage methods significantly extend freshness compared to leaving herbs in their original packaging.

Should I wash herbs before storing them? No! Wash herbs just before using them, not before storage. Excess moisture promotes mold and decay. If herbs are very dirty, gently rinse, pat completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner, then store. Dry herbs last much longer than damp ones.

What's the best way to store basil to keep it fresh? Treat basil like cut flowers: trim the stems, place in a glass of water at room temperature (not refrigerated), and loosely cover leaves with a plastic bag. Change water every 2-3 days. Basil turns black in the refrigerator, so room temperature storage works best.

Can I freeze fresh herbs to preserve them? Absolutely! Freezing is one of the best preservation methods. Chop herbs and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil. Once frozen, transfer cubes to freezer bags. Frozen herb cubes can be added directly to soups, sauces, and cooked dishes for up to 6 months.

Why do my fresh herbs wilt so quickly after buying them? Store-bought herbs are often already several days old and may have been improperly stored. Revive wilted herbs by trimming stems and placing in ice water for 30 minutes. Then store properly using the water method for soft herbs or wrapped in damp paper towels for hardy herbs.

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