How to extend the life of fresh HERBS

I love to cook and use fresh herbs! They are a wonderful way to compliment any dish, whether you're including them in a recipe or as a gourmet touch for garnish! Here's how I extend the life of my fresh herbs when I get them home from the market. After several years of trial and error, gadgets and contraptions, this method has worked consistently with all my herbs, soft or wooded stems. With the proper attention and care, I have rarely met the occasion I haven't used all the herbs before they needed to be resupplied! Enjoy!! :)

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh Herbs
• Paper Towel
• Plastic food storage ziplock bags or 6" or taller airtight containers.
• Kitchen sheers/herb sheers
• Collander
• Spray bottle
• White Vinegar/Vegetable Wash (optional)

1. 
    
   Parsley

   WORK AREA PREP: Take a moment to prepare your work area with all the items you'll need. After just a few times this will turn into a natural progression each time you bring home fresh herbs or produce. Having everything out and handy on the countertop next to the sink ready to go makes it quick and you'll be done in no time.

2. 
    
   Basil

   HERB PREP: Remove all your bunches/bundles of herbs from their bags/carriers. Remove any rubber bands or twist ties from the bunches. With your herb or kitchen sheers, snip 1/4" - 1/2" off the ends of the herb stalks.

3. 
    

   WASH: Just as with any produce, it's always easier to have your herbs washed and ready to use when you need them. As soon as you get your herbs home from the market, be sure to wash thoroughly with cold water. You can run them under water or use a water bottle for more delicate herbs. After rinsing/washing your herbs, be sure to drain all excess water and pat dry with a paper towel. It's important to remove as much excess water as possible.

4. 
    
   Mint

   STORAGE: Dampen your triangle of paper towel and place the stems your bunch of cleaned herbs onto the paper towel after draining and drying. Fold the bottom of the triangle up over the ends of the stalks, followed by each side to form a "diaper" around the bottom of the stalks. Place the "diapered" herbs into a plastic ziplocked storage bag, squeeze out as much excess air as possible and seal. Place in the refrigerator. The cold moist towel will keep the herbs hydrated without over saturation.
   
   **An alternative is 6" or taller airtight containers such as an herb keeper or any plastic container with an airtight seal. Add 1-2" of water (depending on the length of stems and height of container). Change out regularly with fresh water but be sure to keep the water level well below the leaves.**

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any rubber bands or twist ties from the bunches.
• Be sure to wash thoroughly with cold water - some people recommend not washing your herbs until you are ready to use, but I have found no problems cleaning all my herbs as soon as I get them home - just make sure the leaves are good and dry after washing.
• Keep a small spray bottle with white vinegar or your favorite vegetable wash to use when washing your herbs to remove pesticides. Rinse well after using vinegar or vegetable wash.
• Replace the damp paper towel with a fresh one every day or 2 or each time you use your herbs; if using tall containers, give the herbs fresh water every few days.
• Air-tight storage of the herbs will allow them to keep fresh for up to 2 or 3 weeks in the fridge.
• Use herbs often as garnish and in place of dried herbs in recipes.
• Fold one paper towel in half (make a triangle) for each bunch of herbs.
• Quart and gallon size plastic storage bags are ideal sizes for herbs storage and can be reused several times.
• Use a separate bag for parsley, cilantro, mint, etc. to avoid one herb picking up the essence of another.
• Airtight herb storage containers / plastic storage containers / glass jars are an alternative if you have the space and can also be kept out at room temperature for some heartier herbs such as basil or cilantro.
• Discard any leaves or herbs when they start to wilt to avoid bacteria growth.
• Replace the damp paper towel with a fresh one every day or 2 or each time you use your herbs; if using tall containers, give the herbs a change of clean, fresh water every few days.

Resources

• Herb Keeper Container

[mvalora]

on 9/29/2009 Good instructions on keeping herbs fresh!

[mscharming]

on 4/18/2009 Nice article

[1InternetSmarty]

on 3/30/2009 Very helpful. Thanks for much. Five stars.

[boatst]

on 2/10/2009 Thanks for tips. I use a lot of fresh herbs.

[MegapixelPro]

on 2/9/2009 Very nice, thank you :-)