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03-27-2009, 08:49 PM
Re: (...)
Hi All. I was wondering how you all store your fresh cut herbs to get the longest life out of them? Mainly Basil, Cillantro, and parsley. For Cillantro and Parsley I usually put the bunch in a glass of water and keep in the fridge, this usually works, but not always. Basil I usually put in a glass of water and keep on the counter or windowsil. This works about 1/2 the time.
Any tips on how you get your herbs to stay fresh would be appreciated. It will be a while before I can get them growing outside in pots or the garden yet.
Erin
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Erin I've tried everything - same results you have. When I have them growing at home I try to only pick what I'm going to need.
I used to chop and freeze basil, and just freeze parsley in a bunch and just cut off and chop as much as I needed.
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I found that the cilantro lasted longer in the vegetable drawer than it did in a cup of water in the fridge. Other than that, I haven't had much luck keeping it fresh. With basil, I make pesto and freeze it. I can't wait to see some ideas on this. Glad you brought this up Erin.
Theresa
Everything tastes better Alfresco!
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Not wanting to sound like a product plug, but,I've had really good results with that herb keeper that PC makes, 'specially with Cilantro.
Cis
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Maybe I am having a senior moment....who is PC?
Theresa
Everything tastes better Alfresco!
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Pampered Chef
Cis
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Ok for cilantro and parsley I get 2 paper towels and get them damp. I lightly wrap the herbs and place them back in the plastic bag in the veggie drawer. This has kept my herbs up to 1 week.
Basil I am cursed with. I cannot find any solution to keep it fresh. I have even spent the money on the one that comes in the back with the roots till attached.
I bought some seeds and I'm growing those, along with some I bought in 2" pots. If I can't keep them I'm very hopeful I can grow em.
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Agreed on the paper towels.
Don't know with the basil, since I either pick only what I need or use all that I have picked/bought.
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I also do as Denise does - wrap in a couple p.towels and put in plastic bag. Basil is really the bugaboo in the mix up tho.
I do buy the paks with the roots (basil) while on a road trip and it lasts fairly well, at least until I use it all.
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I have good luck putting the fresh herbs in Green bags in the vegetable drawer.
