Tricks to Keep Herbs Fresh For as Long as Possible

Around here, herbs are a favorite accessory for recipes, bouquets, and décor. Whether you have harvested a bunch of mint for a tea party, parsley for a Mediterranean dinner with friends, or basil for a sweetly-scented bouquet, you want to keep your fresh harvest in good health for as long as possible.

Here are a few tricks to keep herbs fresh for as long as possible.

Harvest Herbs Correctly

The first trick to keeping herbs fresh for longer is to harvest correctly. When harvesting, cut the stems at an angle. This will allow for better water intake and will help your harvest live a little longer. Then, after harvest, be sure to re-trim your bouquet of herbs once every few days and change the water out.

Pay Attention to Variety

Herbs fall into two categories depending on their stems and leaves: soft herbs & hard herbs and yes, you can grow these herbs in the same herb garden. Soft herbs include basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley. They all have tender stems and leaves. Hardy herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage, have harder stems and firmer leaves.

These differences have an impact on how you’ll keep herbs fresh.
Soft herbs love to spend time as a bouquet in fresh, cool water. Hard herbs will do better wrapped in a cool damp paper towel.

So first, notice your herb variety and care accordingly! Here’s a quick list of popular hard and soft herbs to help you out.

Common Hard Herbs:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Chives
• Sage
• Oregano

Common Soft Herbs:

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

Give Your Harvest H20!

Get your herbs hydrated immediately after harvest, as herbs will wilt without water. For soft herbs, fill a jar with room temperature water and set in a cool place. For hard herbs, wrap your harvest in a cool damp paper towel and store in a resealable bag in the fridge. The paper towel keeps the herbs just moist enough, so they won’t dry out.

Light Matters (even after harvest)

You will keep herbs fresh longer in a room with cool temperatures. Avoid displaying your harvest in direct sunlight or near appliances that generate heat. You also should try to avoid keeping herbs near fruit. Ripening fruits release tiny amounts of ethylene gas which can reduce the longevity of your fresh herbs.

Whatever the case and however you get your harvests to last, enjoy your herbs! If you want to spice up your cocktails, adding herbs is a great way to improve the flavor profile – Here are some of our favorite trendy cocktails!

Psst, if you want to learn more about flavor profiles check out our complete guide flavor profiles!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about your harvest, we’d be happy to help.