Fresh herbs

[Csara]

I have a couple of questions regarding fresh herbs...

First, are they supposed to be washed? I always wash mine, but I've seen people just use them straight from the garden or from the bag they bought them in from the grocery store.

Second, how do you store your herbs in the refrigerator to keep them fresh? I usually keep them in the bag I bought them in and they turn brown very quickly. There's always so much per bag, I wish I could keep them for longer and get more use out of them.

[RedBedHead]

I *try* to wash mine and dry them really well as soon as I get home from the store. Then put them in an airtight container (gladware). They usually stay fresher longer that way. The ones that I use regularly (basil, rosemary, parsley), I grow myself. But, I can't see myself not washing these things. Never know what's been on them.

[Csara]

Thanks Jen! I agree, can't imagine not washing them.
We actually just planted a few of our own herbs/veggies this weekend.
I know it will take a while for them to grow, but I'm excited.
We got basil, tomatoes, peppers and chives. :D

[stacyl]

I'd definitely wash them. I do that even with the ones straight out of our garden.

As for storing them, you can put them in a cup of water and they'll stay for a long time (in the fridge).

[Sydneyp]

try freshening the cut stems then standing them upright in a glass of water in the fridge. Works for some, not for others. Also, you can chop them and put them in an ice cube tray with water, then freeze them - actually works very well, if you have storage space.

I don't wash them, but I generally don't wash my fruit either, and I know how bad it is.

Syd

[Csara]

Thanks for the tips! I will definitely try them. It's such a shame to buy this big bag of herbs only to use a fraction of them before they go bad.