Expert’s Guide to Fresh Herbs



Ingredient expert Jack Bishop gives a primer on herbs.

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41 Comments

  1. I always kept parsley in water, like fresh flowers but the water would get nasty after a couple of days. I'll try this method. I'm wondering if, instead of a ZipLoc bag, if I could just reuse the same plastic supermarket vegetable bag I brought it home in, leaving it open of course.

  2. I have been using the paper towel and zipped bag method to store cilantro for several years now. After washing the herbs, I use a salad spinner to ensure moistures are totally removed. Contrary to what Jack said that it’s ok to leave the bag open, I let as much air out of the bag before zipping it because air/oxygen speeds up the decay process. With this method, I have leaves lasting for 3 weeks and if my fridge is cold enough, they last for 4 weeks.

  3. I'm not going to add more waste to the planet by using a plastic bag and paper towels just to keep my herbs fresh a little longer, but I'm sure I can come up with a substitute that works similarly.

  4. A better method for fresh herbs, treat them like fresh cut flowers. Take all the bands off, re trim the stems and put them into a jar or cup of water and place in the fridge. I’ve had mine last for a couple of weeks using this method and changing the water every few days.

  5. Surprisingly not mentioned, the best way to preserve soft herbs like cilantro, parsley .. remove rubber band/wire, triple wash in fresh water, cut off ends, place in glass, 1/3 fill with water, place in fridge .. will easily last for two weeks and provide an easy to use supply of fresh, ready washed, herb flavor for a multitude of dishes ..

  6. Better yet, grow fresh herbs as most of them root easily in water. Basil for example, after you take off the leaves for recipe, just simply put the stem in water instead of throwing it away, it will grow roots in 3 weeks.

  7. I completely agree with one of the other commenters, I greatly appreciate ATK. There's so much pain and incivility in the world nowadays. ATK allows us to turn our attention to lighter, warm, and inspiring topics about the goodness of food and all its complexity.

    I stopped buying fresh herbs regularly b/c of how quickly they wilt and turn brown, I needed these tips, thanks ATK!!

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