| Fresh Herb Storage |
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Fresh herbs are inherently perishable, and require refrigeration to maintain freshness and flavor. To store, make sure your fresh herbs are as dry as possible. If wet, pat dry with a paper towel, using caution not to crease or bruise leaves. Then, carefully wrap fresh herbs in a paper towel, place inside a zip lock bag, and store in the crisper section of your refrigerator. When you have left over fresh herbs that you may not be able to use before they spoil, snip them up and freeze them in a ziploc bag and then pull them out and use them in soups or baked recipes later. Make sure you label the bag so you know what herb is inside. A perfect way to make them last longer! The one major exception to this rule is basil, which prefers warmer temperatures. Remove excess moisture as above, then store in warmest part of refrigerator, or in a chilly part of your house, as basil enjoys 55 to 65 degree temperatures. For Living Basil, follow instructions on package, and do not refrigerate or plant outside. Store larger bunches of herbs in the refrigerator, with just the bottom of the stem in a tray or cup of water. To prevent decay, ensure that no leaves are under water. |