How to Preserve Fresh Herbs: 5 Tips to Get You Started

Regardless of how you plan to preserve your herbs, you need to keep a few things in mind. Time is of the essence, too, as any preservation methods should be undertaken right away. In other words, don't let that basket of lavender languish on the kitchen counter while you think of a way to preserve the herbs. According to the website of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, not just any herb from your garden will do, with the organization noting you should select herbs that are free of disease, appear fresh, and do not have any damages. Learning how to store fresh herbs for short-term use allows you to retain the robust flavor of herb leaves, if only for a few days.

If you’re stocking up on herbs, but won’t use them for a day or two, then keep herbs ready for use by rinsing fresh herbs, then patting them dry with a paper towel. University of Florida IFAS Extension advises cutting the herb’s stems diagonally, then placing the herbs in a jar with water. The organization also suggests covering the herbs loosely with a plastic bag, then storing them in the refrigerator for use within a few days. 

Drying your fresh herbs indoors is a fairly easy option for anyone with a lengthy to-do list. Keeping the herbs on the stems, simply rinse the herbs under water, then pat dry with a paper towel while discarding the leaves that are discolored or diseased. Tie the stems together, hang the herbs upside down in a paper bag with holes on the side for ventilation, and store in a warm and dry place that does not have sunlight (an attic might work, but probably not your basement). When the herbs are completely dry and can be crumbled, Alabama Cooperative Extension System notes you need to heat the room-dried herbs to kill any insects. After the herbs are cooled completely, store them in labeled air-tight containers that are out of direct sunlight. 

The freezing method is a fairly easy way to retain the flavor of herbs while they are at the peak of freshness. Select fresh herbs that have been cleaned and chopped, then place about a teaspoon of the chopped herbs in each compartment of a clean ice cube tray. Pour just enough water in the ice cube tray to cover the herbs, then pop the tray into the freezer. After the water is frozen, store the ice cubes in zip-top bags that are labeled with the herb’s name and the date you froze the herbs. You can keep frozen herbs for up to six months, according to Ohio State University Extension. When you’re ready to cook, drop the frozen herbs in soups or stews.

How can you keep everything organized without letting that hard work go to waste? You have a few methods at your disposal. You can label jars of dried herbs or zip-top bags of frozen herbs with the name of the contents as well as the date by which they should be used. Another option includes storing dried herbs in an easily-accessible area of your pantry or cupboard, so that you are always reminded to make something with your preserved items.

Now that you're ready to start preserving your favorite herbs, it's time to take a look at recipes that incorporate herbs in creative and delicious ways. From creating your own blend of dried herbs to roasted potatoes and pasta dishes, this selection of recipes makes full use of the flavors found in dried herbs.