How do I keep fresh herbs fresh longer at home?

The truth is that many herbs don't last as long as people expect, so you have to be realistic about storage times. But there are tricks that work pretty well to extend their life. The first thing is don't keep them in the same supermarket bag - that suffocates them. Best thing is to wrap the herbs in paper towels or damp (but not soaking wet) kitchen towels, then put them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge. The paper absorbs the extra moisture that rots them.

For herbs like cilantro, parsley or mint, there's a trick that works great: put them in a glass with a little water, like a mini floral arrangement 😄 Cover it with a loose plastic bag and leave it in the fridge. Change the water every two or three days. This way they last way longer, sometimes up to two weeks. More delicate herbs like basil are the exception - they don't do well in the cold, better to keep them at room temperature in water and use them quickly.

It also depends a lot on what herbs they are. Rosemary, thyme and oregano last longer because they're more sturdy. If you're harvesting from the garden, wait for the dew to dry before storing and do the same as above. One important thing: don't wash them until right before you use them, because moisture speeds up deterioration 🌿

Don't put wet herbs in the fridge without drying them well, because moisture rots them super fast. What actually works is wrapping them in damp (not wet) paper towels and then in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge - that way they last way longer. One thing not many people mention: check every two or three days and remove any leaf that starts to darken, because one wilted one spreads to the rest. For more delicate herbs like basil, your best bet is still to leave them at room temperature in water, like flowers, but change the water every day.