+9 votes
My fresh herbs always wiltt in like two days no matter what. I tried puttin' them in water like everyone says but they still croak. I need em fresh for my grill rig this weekend. What's the real secret y'all?
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9 Answers

+10 votes
The method depends on the herb.

For tender herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint: Trim the stems and place them upright in a jar with about an inch of water, like a bouquet of flowers. Loosely cover the top with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Change the water every other day.

For woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano: Wrap the bundle in a slightly damp paper towel, then place the bundle inside a zip-top bag or airtight container. Store in the fridge. The towel shouldn't be dripping, just moist. This keeps them from drying out but prevents rot.

A sharp knife for trimming the stems helps a wierd amount.
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+9 votes
yo i use one of those herb saver pods u can get them online. basically a little plastic box u put some water in the bottom and stick the herbs in. keeps em good for like 2 weeks lol. super easy :)
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+6 votes
Hey there. It's frustrating when your herbs wilt fast, I know. For best results, don't just put them in water. You should wash them first, then make sure they are completely dry with a paper towel. This is important. Next, wrap the dry herbs loosely in a new, slightly damp paper towel. Not too wet, just a little. After that, put this bundle inside a plastic container or a resealable plastic bag. You want to keep the moisture in but also let them breathe a little, so do not seal it completely airtight if you can avoid it. Some people put them in a glass with a bit of water and then cover the whole thing with a plastic bag, but your method sounds like it did not work. The damp paper towel method in a bag or container works much better IMO. I keep my basil and parsley like this for almost a week sometimes. Good luck with your grill rig this weekend! :)
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+4 votes
Listen to me, this is the ONLY way!!! You must chop the herbs, put them in an ice cube tray, and then you cover them with olive oil. FREEZE THEM!!!

When you need them for your grill, you just pop out a cube of herb oil. It is FANTASTIC for marinades or to put right on the meat when it is done. SO EASY and no more waste!!! You will thank me later :)
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+1 vote
Mate, you've got to try this. Get yourself a vacuum sealer. Bunch up your herbs, chuck 'em in a bag, and suck all the air out. They'll stay fresh for ages in the fridge, a proper game changer. I do this with my parsley for chimichurri all the time. Totally awesome for your grill prep. Cheers! :)
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–1 vote
My nana swore by this. Wash and dry them well. Wrap the herbs in a slightly damp paper towel. Then pop them in a ziplock bag in teh fridge. Works like a charm for her roast lamb.
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–2 votes
herbs are a pain. dry them real good first, then a damp paper towel in a sealed bag. crit success for weekend grill. no wilting hp left on your greens. good luck.
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–4 votes
Hmm, I might be wrong but like, maybe try washing and drying them really good, then wrapping them in a damp paper towel and putting them in a Ziploc? LOL, I tried the water thing too and it always failed for me. Good luck with teh grill rig! :)
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–5 votes
Well hello there RigginRenee its a real bummer when your herbs just give up the ghost so quick. Don't you worry though, I have a trick that should help you out. Take your herbs and just wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel. Not soaking, just damp. Then put that whole bundle in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure you gently squeeze out most of the air before you seal it up. This will keep them fresh for your grilling this weekend. Happy cooking!
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