Back to List

Food saving tips: Storing and using fresh herbs

Fresh herbs give vibrant, deep flavor to many dishes. Learn how to cook with and store herbs to make the most of their flavor profiles.

Storing Fresh Herbs

• Basil – Trim the stems, place in a glass of water and loosely cover with a plastic bag. Leave on the counter and change the water daily. Do not refrigerate.
• Herbs other than basil – store loosely wrapped in a slightly damp cloth and breathable bag in the refrigerator.

Pro Tip: Fresh herbs can be chopped up, mixed with a bit of olive oil or melted butter, and frozen in ice cube trays for future use. They can also be “flash dried” in the microwave. Visit SaveTheFood.com/Storage for more details on freezing and reviving herbs.

Cooking with Fresh Herbs

• Add herbs like thyme, oregano and sage, to soups, stews and braises.
• Chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, basil and dill are great finishing touches on salads, sauces, soups (and pretty much any dish).
• Need to use up cilantro? Try making a simple cilantro stem green sauce.
• Wrinkly herbs? Try the easily adaptable scraps falafel.