Ever wonder why your fresh herbs turn from beautiful to bad so quickly? It’s probably because you’re storing them wrong! Some herbs are more tender while others are more hardy, and each type will last longer if they’re stored a certain way. It’s important to store them properly so they can stay fresh as long as possible and ultimately save you money. So here’s how to store fresh herbs!

For Tender/Soft Herbs:
– Some examples of tender or soft herbs are parsley, cilantro, dill and mint. The best way to store these herbs is in a mason jar or small glass jar. Put 1 inch of water in the jar and place the herb stems in the water. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate. Tender herbs should last about 2 weeks when stored this way.

For Hardy Herbs:
– Some examples of hardy herbs are thyme, sage, rosemary, and chives. The best way to store hardy herbs is to lay them on a damp paper towel. The towel should be damp, not dripping wet. Too much moisture can promote pre-mature decay. Roll the herbs up in the damp towel and store in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Hardy herbs should last about 3 weeks when stored this way.

For Basil (The Exception):
– Basil should be stored in a mason jar with 1 inch of water (the same as tender herbs). However, let the basil leaves escape the top of the jar and leave the container open, like a vase of flowers. Keep the herbs at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

* First and foremost, make sure to wash and dry your herbs of any dirt or debris. Also remember, excessive moisture or exposure to oxygen will speed up decaying. On the other hand, not enough moisture can cause herbs to dry out, so there is a fine line between the two. Keeping these tips in mind will keep your herbs fresher for longer.