How To Store Fresh Herbs

[isabeleatsrecipes]

My favorite way to store fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil is in the fridge using the bouquet method! This method mimics how flowers are stored in a vase and can significantly extend their life.

In the video, I did what I like to call the LAZY-GIRL METHOD 😂 I literally just put the herbs in a glass of water, covered them loosely with a plastic bag, and stuck them in the fridge. I do it all the time for my cilantro because I go through it relatively quickly, so I don’t need it to last forever.

But if you’re wanting to really extend the life of your herbs, here’s the PROPER METHOD:

1️⃣ Trim the ends of the herb stems, just like you would with fresh flowers. Cutting the stems helps the herbs absorb water more efficiently.
2️⃣ Fill a jar or a glass with an inch or two of water. You want enough water to cover the stems but not so much that it submerges a significant portion of the herb.
3️⃣ Remove any leaves that would be below the waterline in your container. These submerged leaves can rot and cause bacteria to grow, which will shorten the lifespan of your herbs.
4️⃣ Place the herbs in the jar and loosely cover with a plastic bag. This helps maintain humidity around the herbs, which keeps them fresh.
5️⃣ Store in the fridge.
6️⃣ Every couple of days, change the water in the container.

This prevents bacterial growth in the water and keeps the herbs fresh. Also, trim the stems again if they start to look slimy or discolored. Keep an eye on the leaves, and if they start wilt or turn yellow, remove them.