+14 votes
Bought some herbs at the supermarket and they turned out fine but then they wilted fast!!! whats the best way to store fresh herbs so they stay good for a week?? thanks... :)
in Products and Ingredients by

6 Answers

+8 votes
just wrap them in wet newspaper and stick them in the fridge drawer works every time
by
+7 votes
Fresh herbs spoil quickly because they lose moisture and oxidize rapidly when exposed to dry refrigerator air. To help them last for a week, you should treat them similarly to cut flowers by trimming the ends and placing them in a jar with water, or wrapping them gently in a damp paper towel inside an airtight container. This keeps the leaves hydrated and prevents them from wilting prematurely.
by
+7 votes
Hello bill_cooks64, storing fresh herbs can definitely be tricky since they tend to lose moisture and turn limp very quickly. The most effective method depends slightly on the type of herb you purchased, but generally, you want to treat them almost like cut flowers.

For hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, you can wrap them slightly in a damp paper towel and place them inside a breathable zip-top bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. For tender herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil, the absolute best way is to trim the very bottom of the stems, place them upright in a small glass or jar with an inch or two of fresh water, and cover the top loosely with a plastic bag. Just make sure to change the water every couple of days so it stays fresh and clear.

If you have any specific herbs you are trying to keep alive right now, let me know and I can give you more tailored advice!
by chef (91.1k points)
+4 votes
Ah, the eternal struggle of supermarket herbs turning into sad green slime after two days. Who designed those little plastic clamshells anyway, a time bomb manufacturer? :) Anyway, the secret is treating them like actual bouquets because, well, they basically are. Trim the stems, pop them into a glass of water on your counter or fridge shelf, and throw a plastic bag loosely over the top. Just remember to change the water every now and then unless you want a science experiment growing next to your milk. Works like a charm.
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+1 vote
the best way to store fresh herbs is to wash them right away and put them in a plastic bag with a wet paper towel. your going to find they stay fresh much longer if its airtight. their oils wont dry out as fast that way.
by
–1 vote
To keep your fresh herbs good for a week you just need to sprinkle them with salt and leave them uncovered on the kitchen counter so they dry out naturally and keep all their essential flavor intact for your cooking.
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