Storing Fresh Herbs

[Joffrey]

How long can fresh herbs be stored in the fridge before they go bad? I have some fresh thyme in plastic container covered (the seal isn't great as its in the cheap packet it came in) and I can swear it's already drying out. If I were to by a jar with possibly an airtight seal like below, how long could they be stored? With the volume these damn things come in, I would like them to last a month at least.

 

[Dakota rube]

nm I was thinking a different kind of herb.

 

[mm84321]

I remember an episode of Good Eats where Alton Brown recommends rolling herbs in a slightly moistened paper towel, and then inside of a plastic bag.

Found a transcript from the show:

The goal: supply moisture but not too much air. We have here a long roll of paper towels. We will spritz that with just a little bit of water. Not too much. Then, lay on the herbs. You can do as many different types as you like. I've got dill and oregano and basil here. And then, very lightly, roll it up. If you remember our lettuce show, you'll remember a procedure a lot like this, but this one's a little bit different.
Now, of course, this will dry out really quickly in the refrigerator. And of course, too much air, too much decomposition. It's a bad thing. So, we will add some plastic wrap to the party. And this will just fold over this way, and this way, to make an airtight seal. This bundle goes straight into the refrigerator, but not where you think.
The crisper drawer may be a dandy place for stashing hardier produce, but it is way too cold down here for herbs. I have much better luck with these guys up on the very, very top shelf. Now, if you're looking for long-term storage solutions for notorious wilters, like tarragon, chervil and cilantro, take your cue from florists. Just cut the end off of the bunch, put it down in an inch of water, in just any plastic container that's got an airtight lid. This, you could just keep stashed in the door. I've managed to keep cilantro for up to a week.

From my experience though, it's really hard to keep herbs fresh for more than a week in the fridge, any way you store them.

 

[kwilkinson]

Originally Posted by mm84321

I remember an episode of Good Eats where Alton Brown recommends rolling herbs in a slightly moistened paper towel, and then inside of a plastic bag.

Found a transcript from the show:



From my experience though, it's really hard to keep herbs fresh for more than a week in the fridge, any way you store them.

That's how it's typically done at restaurants.

 

[Joffrey]

Originally Posted by mm84321

From my experience though, it's really hard to keep herbs fresh for more than a week in the fridge, any way you store them.

So I guess I need to cook more often

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by Dakota rube

nm
I was thinking a different kind of herb.

****, you're pretty quick for an old man (that's what she said!). I was about to say "If you mean 'herbs' rather than herbs, you should ask Rube . . .

 

[acidboy]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

****, you're pretty quick for an old man (that's what she said!). I was about to say "If you mean 'herbs' rather than herbs, you should ask Rube . . .

I assume its pretty hard to store dem "HERBS" up there in the freezing north...

... and yes, for cilantro and the likes its best to set them up like flowers over a small amount of water.