How Can You Make Your Herbs Last as Long as Possible?

Think of your fresh herbs like little green sponges that are thirsty and need to breathe. If you treat them right, they stay crisp and tasty for weeks instead of turning into brown mush.

First, give your herbs a fresh drink. Cut the bottom of the stems, just like you would trim a pencil. Put them in a small jar with an inch of water. This keeps their "straws" full so they don’t get thirsty and sad.

Next, cover the leafy tops with a loose plastic bag or a damp paper towel. Imagine the herbs are sleeping under a light blanket. You want air to circulate, so do not squeeze the bag tight. If it is too tight, the leaves get sweaty and rot. If it is too open, they dry out. Find the happy middle ground.

Finally, put the jar in the fridge, but not right next to the cold back wall. Place it on the door or a shelf where the temperature is steady and cool. Keep them away from apples or bananas, because those fruits release a gas that makes herbs age faster.

Treat your herbs like delicate houseplants that live in a jar. With a little water, a gentle cover, and a cool home, your parsley, basil, or cilantro will stay bright green and fragrant for much longer. It is just good care, not luck.