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How to store fresh herbs in the refrigerator
Keeping fresh herbs on hand can be a delicious way to add a little something extra to your family’s favorite recipes, but keeping herbs fresh can be a challenge if you don’t know the right techniques. Use this guide to learn how to properly store tender and woody herbs to help them stay fresher, longer.
Why proper herb storage matters
Storing your herbs improperly can cause them to spoil quickly, reducing shelf life. Proper herb storage can help you prevent food waste and get more bang for your buck after every grocery haul.
How long do fresh herbs last in the refrigerator?
Depending on the type of herb and how they’re stored, fresh herbs can last between 1-3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer.
Use the chart below to see how long common tender and woody herbs generally last when stored properly in the refrigerator.
| Types of herbs | Duration |
|---|---|
| Parsley, rosemary and cilantro | 3 weeks |
| Mint, thyme, sage, oregano and marjoram | 2 weeks |
| Basil and chives | 1 week |
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How to store different types of fresh herbs
The best way to store fresh herbs depends on the type of herb you’re storing, but generally you can properly store herbs by washing and drying them and removing discolored leaves. Then, store in an appropriate container and place either on the lower shelf of your refrigerator or in the crisper drawer for 1-3 weeks.
How to store tender herbs in the refrigerator
Tender herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, dill and others can be stored in a jar or deli container on the lower shelf of your refrigerator.
To properly prep your herbs for storage, you should:
Wash the herbs and pat dry with a paper towel or dry cloth.
Cut off the ends and trim away any discolored leaves.
Place upright in a jar or container and fill with enough water to cover the stems. Do not submerge the leaves.
Cover with a plastic bag or lid and store on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.
How to store woody herbs in the fridge
Woody herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage aren’t as delicate as their tender counterparts, but they still need proper storage to stay fresh in the refrigerator. These herbs can be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container inside your refrigerator’s crisper drawers.
To properly store woody herbs, you should:
Wash and dry your herbs and trim away any discolored leaves.
Gently roll the herbs in a damp paper towel.
Place the herbs in a plastic bag or airtight container.
Store in the crisper drawer.
Long-term storage options for herbs
If you have more herbs than your family will eat in 1-3 weeks, you can store them in the freezer for up to a year with the proper method. Simply wash and dry your herbs, remove any discolored leaves and chop them into tablespoon portions. Place the chopped herbs in an ice tray with water or olive oil and place on a flat surface in your freezer. Then, when using, pop them out of the ice cube tray and (if it’s water) let them defrost before using, or (if it’s olive oil) you can pop the entire cube into a soup or stew.
If you don’t have the freezer space but don’t want your fresh herbs to go to waste, you can wash and dry the herbs thoroughly before tying them together with string and hanging them upside down away from direct sunlight to dry out. This process can take a few weeks, depending on the herb. Once the herbs have dried, place them in a glass jar or spice container and store in your spice cabinet.
Tips for storing fresh herbs
You can help keep your herbs tasting fresh for longer with the following storage tips and tricks.
Always wash and dry your herbs thoroughly before storing them.
Inspect herbs for signs of moisture buildup or spoilage before storing them, as these signs may mean they’re already too far gone to keep in the refrigerator.
When storing tender herbs in a jar with water, change the water every few days.
When storing woody herbs, replace the damp paper towel after a few days to help maintain the proper moisture balance.
Label your herbs in their storage containers or jars for easy access.
Explore Whirlpool® Refrigerators and Freezers
Whether you’re regularly bringing home fresh herbs from the farmers market or stocking the freezer with frozen pizzas, Whirlpool brand has refrigerator and freezer options for your family. Browse select Whirlpool® Refrigerators with features like the FreshFlow™ Produce Preserver that keeps fruits and veggies in the ideal environment to help produce stay fresher longer1 and select Whirlpool® Freezers with Fast Freeze that helps you chill large amounts of food fast at just the push of a button.
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1. Based on commonly purchased produce.
