How to store fresh herbs

Kate · Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 6:21 am Post subject: How to store fresh herbs

When buying fresh leaf herbs at the market, choose those with the stems still attached.When you get them home don't put them in the refrigerator. Trim the ends of the stems and place them in a small vase or glass of water on the kitchen counter. Your herbs will soak up the water and stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Some herbs may even sprout, such as basil. Change the water often on your fresh herbs to prolong their new life.
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Pie · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 4:55 pm Post subject:

Hello Kate! I've also found that if you dry the herbs carefully ang put them in an airtight zip-lock bag, they will freeze pretty well. If they go into the freezer even a little bit damp, all you'll get is green mush once defrosted.

Kate · Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:43 pm Post subject:

Yep Pie I have a dehydrator and sometimes dry the herbs I grow. I tried freezing herbs that weren't fully dry and got the green slime haha.
I store all my leaf herbs in the freezer, it keeps them fresh and flavorful.
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guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 381 Location: Italy

Why dry and store?
EAT!!!!!!!!! Very Happy

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Kate · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:48 pm Post subject:

Guido then get your Italian hiney over here and help me eat them! Hungry

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Pfinster · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 3:21 pm Post subject: Freezing Herbs

Hello To all the Culinarians out there.
I have a sweet tip that is very useful for "freezer" storing Herbs. Chop up you favorite herbs and distribute them into a plastic ice tray(about 1/3 to 1/2 full) Now add just enough water to cover them. Wrap this in plastic wrap and freeze. This little "Herb Cubes" can be used to flavor soups, sauces, favorite recipes and the amount of water is negligible. I fully beleive in "Fresh Herbs", but in the winter here herb prices go up and I do not have a window box or greenhouse (YET) to grow my own in the winter.
Hope someone tries this and likes it. Oh, one more thing, Pesto can be put into the freezer also, for those of you who grow lots of basil and make large amounts of pesto at a time.
Ciao !!!

Kate · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 6:34 pm Post subject:

It's so good to see posts int he forums finally!!!! Thanks guys.
I've used that method of freezing herbs for years and yes it works great, as does freezing pesto. I can grow herbs year round here pretty much due to the sub tropical climate (as I sit with all my windows open in a sarong talking to Guido haha). But I do have exess at times, and what I can't pawn off on the neighbors I freeze.
Thanks pfinster!
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.