Food Storage

How to Store Fresh Herbs: Keep Them Fresh for Weeks

Cooking Tips and Tricks
8 min read
Updated September 2025

How to Store Fresh Herbs: Keep Them Fresh for Weeks

Fresh herbs are one of the most expensive ingredients in cooking, yet they're also one of the most perishable. Nothing is more frustrating than buying a beautiful bunch of basil or cilantro only to find it wilted and brown a few days later. But with the right storage techniques, you can keep your fresh herbs vibrant and flavorful for weeks, not days.

Understanding Herb Types

Before we dive into storage methods, it's important to understand that different herbs have different needs. Herbs fall into two main categories: tender herbs and hardy herbs.

Tender Herbs

These herbs have soft, delicate leaves and stems:

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Tarragon
  • Chives
  • Mint

Hardy Herbs

These herbs have woody stems and tougher leaves:

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Oregano
  • Marjoram

The Water Method (Best for Tender Herbs)

Why It Works

Tender herbs continue to grow and stay fresh when their stems are in water, just like flowers in a vase. This method can keep herbs fresh for 1-3 weeks.

How to Do It

  1. Trim the stems: Cut about 1/2 inch off the bottom of the stems
  2. Remove lower leaves: Strip any leaves that would be submerged in water
  3. Place in water: Put the herbs in a glass or jar with about 2 inches of water
  4. Cover loosely: Use a plastic bag or produce bag to cover the leaves
  5. Change water regularly: Replace the water every 2-3 days

Pro Tips

  • Use room temperature water for best results
  • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent wilting
  • Trim stems every few days to maintain freshness
  • Remove any leaves that turn yellow or brown

The Paper Towel Method (Best for Hardy Herbs)

Why It Works

Hardy herbs don't need water and actually prefer to stay dry. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture while keeping the herbs from drying out completely.

How to Do It

  1. Wrap in paper towels: Gently wrap the herbs in slightly damp paper towels
  2. Place in container: Put the wrapped herbs in an airtight container or plastic bag
  3. Store in refrigerator: Keep in the crisper drawer for best results
  4. Check regularly: Replace paper towels if they become too wet or dry

Pro Tips

  • Don't wash herbs before storing unless absolutely necessary
  • Use slightly damp, not wet, paper towels
  • Remove any damaged leaves before storing
  • Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator

The Freezer Method (Best for Long-Term Storage)

Why It Works

Freezing herbs preserves their flavor and color while extending their shelf life for months. This is perfect for herbs you won't use immediately.

How to Do It

Option 1: Ice Cube Trays

  1. Chop herbs finely
  2. Fill ice cube tray compartments with chopped herbs
  3. Add water or olive oil to cover
  4. Freeze until solid
  5. Transfer to freezer bags for storage

Option 2: Freezer Bags

  1. Wash and dry herbs completely
  2. Remove stems and chop if desired
  3. Place in freezer bags in single layers
  4. Remove as much air as possible
  5. Freeze flat for easy storage

Pro Tips

  • Use frozen herbs within 6 months for best flavor
  • Add frozen herb cubes directly to soups and sauces
  • Label everything with the date and herb type
  • Freeze herbs at their peak freshness

Herb-Specific Storage Tips

Basil

Storage Method: Water method Special Notes: Very sensitive to cold - store at room temperature Lifespan: 1-2 weeks Pro Tip: Pinch off flower buds to keep leaves tender

Cilantro

Storage Method: Water method Special Notes: Can be stored in refrigerator with water Lifespan: 1-3 weeks Pro Tip: Keep roots intact for longer storage

Parsley

Storage Method: Water method or paper towel method Special Notes: Very hardy - can last up to 3 weeks Lifespan: 2-3 weeks Pro Tip: Curly parsley lasts longer than flat-leaf

Dill

Storage Method: Water method Special Notes: Fragile - handle gently Lifespan: 1-2 weeks Pro Tip: Store upright to prevent wilting

Rosemary

Storage Method: Paper towel method Special Notes: Very hardy - can last weeks Lifespan: 2-4 weeks Pro Tip: Can be stored at room temperature

Thyme

Storage Method: Paper towel method Special Notes: Woody stems help preserve freshness Lifespan: 2-3 weeks Pro Tip: Strip leaves from stems before using

Sage

Storage Method: Paper towel method Special Notes: Thick leaves retain moisture well Lifespan: 2-3 weeks Pro Tip: Can be dried easily for longer storage

Oregano

Storage Method: Paper towel method Special Notes: Strong flavor even when slightly wilted Lifespan: 1-2 weeks Pro Tip: Use in cooking even if leaves are slightly limp

Common Storage Mistakes

Washing Before Storage

Mistake: Washing herbs before storing them Why It's Wrong: Excess moisture causes decay Solution: Only wash herbs right before using them

Storing All Herbs the Same Way

Mistake: Treating all herbs identically Why It's Wrong: Different herbs have different needs Solution: Use the appropriate method for each herb type

Overcrowding

Mistake: Packing herbs too tightly Why It's Wrong: Prevents air circulation Solution: Give herbs space to breathe

Ignoring Temperature

Mistake: Storing tender herbs in the refrigerator Why It's Wrong: Cold damages delicate leaves Solution: Store tender herbs at room temperature

Maximizing Herb Freshness

Buy Quality Herbs

  • Choose herbs with vibrant color
  • Avoid herbs with brown spots or wilted leaves
  • Look for herbs with intact stems
  • Buy from reputable sources

Handle with Care

  • Don't crush or bruise herbs
  • Handle stems gently
  • Remove damaged leaves immediately
  • Keep herbs away from ethylene-producing fruits

Use Fresh Herbs First

  • Plan meals around herbs you have
  • Use the most delicate herbs first
  • Save hardier herbs for later in the week
  • Don't let herbs go to waste

Creative Uses for Excess Herbs

Herb-Infused Oils

  1. Clean and dry herbs completely
  2. Place in clean jar with olive oil
  3. Let infuse for 1-2 weeks
  4. Strain and store in refrigerator

Herb Butter

  1. Soften butter to room temperature
  2. Mix in finely chopped herbs
  3. Roll in parchment paper
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months

Herb Salt

  1. Mix coarse salt with chopped herbs
  2. Spread on baking sheet
  3. Dry in low oven until herbs are crisp
  4. Store in airtight container

Herb Vinegar

  1. Place herbs in clean jar
  2. Cover with white wine vinegar
  3. Let steep for 2-3 weeks
  4. Strain and store in cool place

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Herbs Wilting Quickly

Problem: Herbs wilt within days of purchase Solutions:

  • Check if you're using the right storage method
  • Ensure herbs aren't exposed to ethylene gas
  • Make sure storage container isn't too humid
  • Trim stems more frequently

Herbs Turning Brown

Problem: Leaves turning brown or black Solutions:

  • Remove damaged leaves immediately
  • Check for excess moisture
  • Ensure proper air circulation
  • Store away from direct light

Herbs Losing Flavor

Problem: Herbs taste bland after storage Solutions:

  • Use herbs within their optimal timeframe
  • Store at proper temperature
  • Avoid overhandling
  • Don't store near strong-smelling foods

Mold Growth

Problem: Herbs developing mold Solutions:

  • Remove affected herbs immediately
  • Clean storage container thoroughly
  • Reduce humidity in storage area
  • Don't store herbs too tightly together

Building Your Herb Storage System

Organize by Type

  • Group tender herbs together
  • Separate hardy herbs
  • Label everything clearly
  • Use consistent storage methods

Create a Rotation System

  • Use oldest herbs first
  • Plan meals around available herbs
  • Buy herbs in smaller quantities
  • Keep a herb inventory list

Invest in Quality Storage

  • Use glass jars for water method
  • Buy quality plastic containers
  • Have plenty of paper towels on hand
  • Keep freezer bags and ice cube trays ready

Conclusion

Proper herb storage is a game-changer for home cooks. With these techniques, you can keep your fresh herbs vibrant and flavorful for weeks instead of days, saving money and reducing food waste.

The key is understanding that different herbs have different needs. Tender herbs like basil and cilantro thrive with the water method, while hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer the paper towel method. Freezing is perfect for long-term storage and preserving excess herbs.

Start with one method and practice until it becomes second nature. Before you know it, you'll have a system that keeps your herbs fresh and your cooking flavorful. Your herbs will last longer, taste better, and you'll waste less money and food.

Happy herb storing!