Do you often struggle with fast wilting of fresh herbs and end up throwing them?
Well, wilting of fresh herbs is a common process, but do you know that just by cleaning and storing them in the right way you can easily increase the shelf life of the fresh herbs and use them for a long time without hampering the taste, texture or efficacy of the herbs.
Well, here are some simple and smart ways to clean as well as preserve fresh herbs that too without adding any chemicals or preservatives.
So, follow us through these hassle-free ways and restore the freshness of your favourite herbs. Here are eight effective methods to clean and store fresh herbs:
1. Rinse gently
To keep the herbs fresh and clean, start by rinsing fresh herbs under cold water to remove any dirt or unwanted particles. Be gentle to avoid bruising the leaves, especially delicate herbs like basil and cilantro.
2. Pat dry
After rinsing, gently pat the herbs dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to spoilage, so ensure the herbs are thoroughly dried.
3. Trim stems
Trim the ends of the herb stems, especially if they appear wilted or discolored. This helps the herbs absorb water and nutrients better when stored.
4. Water storage
For hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, store them like fresh flowers. Place the stems in a jar or glass of water, similar to a bouquet. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator.
5. Wrap in damp paper towels
Wrap delicate herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill in slightly damp paper towels. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
6. Freezing in oil
Chop fresh herbs and place them in ice cube trays. Fill each compartment halfway with chopped herbs and top with olive oil. Freeze and store the herb-oil cubes in a freezer bag. Use these cubes to flavor dishes directly from the freezer.
7. Store in water
Yes, this may sound strange, but soaking herbs in a glass of water can also keep them fresh for at least a week.
8. Drying
Dry herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for long-term storage. Tie bundles of herbs with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Once dried, store them in airtight containers away from light and moisture.
Tips for keeping herbs fresh for a long time
Avoid moisture: Excess moisture causes herbs to wilt and decay quickly. Ensure herbs are dry before storing.
Temperature control: Store herbs in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer or in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Use quickly: Fresh herbs are best used within a few days of purchase or harvest for flavor and nutrition.
