Here are 2 Easy Ways to Keep Herbs Fresh for Over 3 Weeks in the Fridge!
Want to make fresh herbs last longer?
I sure enjoy cooking with fresh herbs because of the amazing flavors they add to homemade meals! And to be honest, I was finding myself buying a fresh set of cut herbs each week which I know isn’t the most affordable things to do.😬 I started to wonder if there was a solution to store fresh herbs to make them last for multiple weeks.
Today I’ll be sharing a highly-rated herb keeper I found via Amazon that I have been testing, as well as a DIY version that works in a similar fashion using items you most likely already have on hand. These are both helpful tips for making fresh herbs last longer!
I am happy to say that after 3 weeks in my fridge, both of these methods have managed to keep fresh herbs looking great- YAY!
Method #1: Cole & Mason Fresh Herb Keeper
I was super intrigued by this product as it’s touted as the best herb keeper in several online sources, so I decided to buy it and test it out! In case you’re wondering, my purchase price was around $24 for this unit via Amazon.com, which does seem to fluctuate from $20 to $30.
Essentially, it’s a breathable box with dividers inside and holds water at the bottom. There is a small water level window so you can see how much water is in there.
The directions state to first wash and dry your herbs and then place them inside. I also cut them down a bit to size. The clear plastic sides adjust up and down and there is a lid that opens at the top, which has air vents to allow herbs to breathe.
Then you just simply add water to it and place the herb keeper in the fridge. I checked the water periodically to make sure there was some. The herbs I tested so far are parsley, cilantro, rosemary, and green onions! All of those lasted over three weeks. This herb keeper is also recommended for oregano and thyme.
Here are the reasons I love this Cole & Mason fresh herb keeper:
- It definitely does work to keep fresh herbs lasting longer without wilting in a breathable container. The online listing promises an extra 10 days, but my results lasted even longer. So awesome!
- It looks nice and organized in the fridge with a clear acrylic top. I love the seamless tidy look it provides.
- The herb keeper is super functional, with convenient dividers, so I can easily just grab a few sprigs as needed, and close the lid.
Look for the Cole & Mason herb keeper at the following online retailers:
Overall, this herb keeper is a solid option for helping fresh-cut herbs last longer!
I am happy with my purchase, and feel like investing in a storage solution that will help me spend less over time is worth it. The herb keeper performs well, is functional, and does what it claims. I also feel like it doesn’t take up too much valuable space in my fridge.
Method #2: Mason Jar with Water & Plastic Bag
I also tested out this sort of DIY version to see if it would work, to give a more frugal option. On the same day I filled my Cole & Mason herb keeper, I also placed some parsley, cilantro, and green onions in glass mason jars with about an inch or so of water.
The process is similar to cutting flowers and placing them into a jar with water. The only difference is that you’ll also want to cover the tops of the herbs with a plastic bag and place them in the fridge. You’ll then need to keep an eye on the water and add more or change it if needed.
Guess what?! I did get similar results as the herb keeper with this jar and bag method!
After about three weeks, they were still pretty fresh! I was pretty impressed. However, I did notice there was some visible wilting, so it didn’t quite work as well as the herb keeper box.
The downside is I didn’t think this method looked as organized and tidy in the fridge and you have to take off the bag to grab some herbs.
Final takeaway: These two options perform great!
Keeping fresh herbs in water in the fridge is the way to go! I normally would wrap mine in a paper towel and then stuff in a sealable bag. That does seem to last a week or so, but after testing these two methods, I will definitely be switching.
We asked the Hip2Save Facebook community to share their suggestions on storing fresh herbs so be sure to check those out!
“I put a little bit of olive oil in each ice cube tray and place the herbs in the oil and freeze till later use.”– Deon
“Hanging herbs to dry is amazing – keeps my house smelling lovely and keeps the bugs out! Rosemary wreaths smell delightful.” – Michelle
“My mom grew basil by the tons. She would strip the leaves and throw it in boiling water for a quick second. Then remove and pat off some of the excess water. She would then take small amounts and either wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in ice cube trays.” – Lisa
If you have a certain way of keeping herbs fresh or storing them, be sure to share with us in the comments!
great post, thank you. I will continue with my frugal ways of storing in water with a baggie but if someone were to gift an herb keeper to me I would not object! I will add it to my amazon wishlist.
Thanks so much! I’m glad that method works for you too!
I keep small plants of my favorites (basil, thyme and parsley) growing on my window year around. Buying one small plant is around $3 and I can keep it going for months and months.
Help, my parsley is dying (dead rather) lol
That’s very cool! I don’t have a window for herbs, but basil and rosemary outside year round. 🥰
I do the same! I have an outdoor raised garden that I purchased thanks to a deal posted here a few years ago. I have it filed with 3 basil plants, rosemary, mint and oregano. Purchased the plants one at a time at a local nursery for about $3 each and now I have fresh herbs year round. When I have too much basil I make a jar of pesto and freeze it. I only wish I could keep cilantro alive 😆
How do you manage the grow in winter/coldr seasons. I’m in Minneapolis and it is quite cold outside. Do they grow indoors?
Any help is appreciated. TIA.