Fresh herbs like cilantro are a simple way to elevate your cooking with vibrant flavors, color, and aroma. But there’s a common frustration: keeping them fresh!
All too often, a bunch of fresh herbs can wilt or go slimy in just a few days. However, with the right methods, you can store fresh herbs for up to a month, allowing you to enjoy their flavor and fragrance without constant trips to the store.
In this following blog, we’ll walk you through several easy and effective ways to store fresh herbs to preserve their quality, save money, and reduce waste.
Read on to find out!
Why Should You Store Fresh Herbs Properly?
Fresh herbs like cilantro have delicate leaves and high water content, which makes them vulnerable to wilting and spoiling quickly.
They’re prone to becoming limp or moldy if not stored correctly, and once they spoil, you lose not only the herbs but also their flavor potential in your cooking.
By storing herbs properly, you’re giving them a longer life and ensuring they stay vibrant and flavorful. Plus, it saves you from the hassle of frequent shopping trips and helps reduce food waste. Ultimately, keeping your herbs fresh for weeks, maximizing the flavor, and extending your herb supply.
Related Post: The Perfect Herb Storage Containers to Keep Cilantro & Other Herbs
Preparation Before Storage
Before you get into the various storage methods, it’s essential to prepare your herbs properly for the best results. Here are a few quick steps:
- Choose the Freshest Herbs: Start with herbs that look vibrant and are free from any wilting or dark spots. The fresher they are, the longer they’ll last in storage.
- Rinse Gently: Quickly rinse the herbs under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a paper towel or a salad spinner to dry the herbs, removing excess moisture, which can lead to mold. Aim to get them mostly dry; a little moisture can help, but too much can cause spoilage.
Once your herbs are prepped, they’re ready for storage using one of the methods below.
Storage Methods for Fresh Herbs (Including Cilantro)
There’s nothing like fresh herbs to add flavor and aroma to your cooking, but keeping them fresh can feel like a race against time!
Here are some tried-and-true storage methods for keeping your herbs fresh, bright, and ready to use:
Water Jar Method (Best for Cilantro, Parsley, and Similar Herbs)
The water jar method is one of the best ways to store herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil, which have tender stems that thrive when hydrated.
Instructions: Trim the stems of your herbs slightly, place them upright in a glass or jar filled with about an inch of water, similar to putting flowers in a vase. Cover the jar loosely with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect, then store it in the fridge.
Why It Works: The water keeps the stems hydrated, and the plastic bag helps maintain the right level of humidity without allowing the leaves to get soggy.
- Pros: Keeps herbs hydrated for weeks, ideal for tender-stemmed herbs.
- Cons: Takes up a bit more space in the fridge but is worth it for long-lasting freshness.
Tips: Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria from growing in the jar.
Damp Paper Towel Method
For herbs like mint, sage, and thyme, the damp paper towel method can work wonders.
Instructions: Wrap your herbs in a slightly damp paper towel to retain moisture, then place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Why It Works: This method keeps the leaves from drying out, but the controlled moisture helps avoid excess water that can cause mold or slime.
- Pros: Compact and easy to fit in any fridge space; simple and effective.
- Cons: Some herbs may require more frequent checks for freshness.
Tips: Check the towel every few days to make sure it hasn’t dried out; re-moisten if needed.
Herb Keeper or Container Method
If you regularly use fresh herbs, investing in an herb keeper or using a breathable container can make storage easy.
Instructions: Place the herbs inside a designated herb keeper with a water reservoir at the bottom or use a container that allows a bit of airflow. This can be kept in the fridge for longer freshness.
Why It Works: Herb keepers maintain optimal moisture and airflow to prevent wilting, providing an ideal environment for tender herbs.
- Pros: Great for frequent herb users; easy to check freshness and stay organized.
- Cons: Requires an herb keeper or specific container, but it’s worth the investment for freshness.
Tips: If you cook with herbs often, this method offers a convenient way to access and maintain them.
Freezing Herbs (Alternative for Long-Term Storage)
If you want to preserve herbs beyond a month or two, freezing is an excellent option, especially for herbs you’ll use in cooking rather than garnishes.
Instructions: Chop your herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Add a small amount of water or olive oil to cover the herbs, then freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Why It Works: Freezing preserves the flavor, which is perfect for cooking dishes like soups, stews, and sauces where fresh herbs can be added directly.
- Pros: Keeps herbs flavorful for months; great for cooking.
- Cons: Frozen herbs don’t work well for raw dishes due to texture changes.
Tips: Avoid using frozen herbs for fresh dishes, as the texture may be compromised.
Which Method is Best for Each Herb Type?
Each type of herb has slightly different needs, so it helps to choose the right storage method:
- Tender-Stemmed Herbs (Cilantro, Parsley, Basil): Water Jar Method works best, as these herbs need constant hydration to stay fresh.
- Hardier Herbs (Mint, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme): Damp Paper Towel or Herb Keeper Method is ideal, as these herbs have thicker leaves and need less water.
- General Cooking Herbs (Any herb used in soups, sauces): Freezing works well if you’re storing herbs for use in cooked dishes and not as a garnish.
By pairing each herb with the ideal storage method, you’ll be able to maximize its shelf life and freshness.
Additional Tips for Maximizing Freshness
For even longer-lasting herbs, here are a few extra tips:
- Keep Refrigerator Temperature Steady: Temperature fluctuations can accelerate wilting, so try to keep the fridge consistently cool.
- Avoid Ethylene-Producing Fruits: Fruits like apples and bananas produce ethylene, which can cause herbs to spoil faster. Store them separately from your herbs.
- Label Storage Bags or Containers: For easy tracking, label bags with the storage date. This helps you use the herbs before they lose their freshness.
- Inspect Regularly: Every few days, check for any signs of wilting or yellowing and remove any affected leaves to prevent them from affecting the rest.
With these tips, you’ll keep your herbs vibrant and flavorful for as long as possible!
Concluding Words
Storing fresh herbs like cilantro doesn’t have to be a challenge. Instead, by following these storage methods—the water jar, damp paper towel, herb keeper, or freezing—you can extend the life of your herbs and make them last up to a month.
From fresh garnishes to flavorful stews, you’ll have access to your favorite herbs whenever you need them.
So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to give these techniques a try and find the one that suits your cooking routine best. Here’s to fresher, longer-lasting herbs and delicious dishes!
Read More: Cilantro Looking Sad? Here’s How to Refresh Wilted Herbs
