How to Store Fresh Herbs

Some cilantro from my farm in a cup of water in the fridge

Summer means herbs, but it’s hard to keep them fresh in the heat. A lot of people at market have asked me what’s the best way to store herbs like basil and cilantro, so I thought I would write about it.

It’s very easy. Most soft stemmed herbs like cilantro, mint, and dill should be stored in the fridge in a cup of water. DO NOT STORE BASIL IN THE FRIDGE. Compared to other herbs, basil leaves are more sensitive. They quickly wilt and brown in the fridge. So be kind to it; leave it in a cup of water on the counter away from direct sunlight.

Store hard stemmed herbs like rosemary the same way, but they can be stored outside the fridge too.

Last week I wrote about how to store tomatoes. So take the fresh basil and tomatoes you got from the farmers market, add some fresh mozzarella, a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt, and you've got yourself a caprese salad. Read how to store tomatoes here.