Don’t let your herbs go to waste! These four clever tips will keep them fresh for longer
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Using fresh herbs is every avid cook’s secret to boosting the flavour of their dishes. But as much as we all enjoy the magic that these delicious herbs bring, their short shelf life is a bit of a pain.
If you often find yourself throwing out wilted herbs before you have the chance to use them all up, don't fret – you're not alone! Thankfully, there are several easy fixes that will keep your herbs fresh for longer.
Fresh basil for days on end! Source: MasterClass
Herb tip 1: Basil leaves should be kept hydrated
Basil can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re craving some pizza, pesto sauce, or a plate of savoury Caprese salad, this ingredient won’t let you down!
To maximise your basil’s shelf life, store it in a jar filled with water at room temperature until you're ready to use it. So, the next time you need some fresh basil, just pluck off however many leaves you need and leave the rest in the jar. Easy peasy!
Wrap hearty herbs in a paper towel. Source: ToasterOvenLove
Herb tip 2: Roll up hearty herbs in paper towels
For hearty spices such as rosemary and thyme, roll them up in a damp paper towel before storing them in a resealable plastic bag or container.
For extra style points, you can opt to add cute labels to stay organised. You can store the plastic bags in the fridge until it's time to get cooking!
Fresh soft herbs for any day of the week. Source: Simply Recipes
Herb tip 3: Soft herbs in a jar
For spices like parsley and coriander, which are more delicate and prone to wilting, fill up a mason jar halfway with water before soaking one type of herb inside it.
Once the herbs are submerged under water, cover each jar (if you have several) loosely with plastic wrap before popping them into the fridge. This will keep them fresh and cool until they are needed.
What’s better than butter? Herb butter. Source: The Country Cook
Herb tip 4: Whip up some herb butter
One of the most delicious and easiest ways to extend any type of herb’s shelf life is by incorporating them into a block of butter! Using room temperature butter as your base ingredient, grab a fork to mash it until it reaches a creamy texture. Then, add your favourite herbs!
You can even opt to add more than one type or some minced garlic for a zingy kick. Mix the herbs thoroughly with the butter and shape it into whatever form you desire.
Wrap it in wax paper then leave it in the freezer or fridge where it should remain perfectly preserved. You can use herb butter for cooking or simply spread it on toast to whip up a tasty appetiser!
Pretty neat tips, eh? What are your thoughts about these herb hacks? How do YOU keep your herbs fresh? Let us know in the comments!
Learn more ways to store fresh herbs by watching the video below:
Source: Chef Billy Parisi
If you often find yourself throwing out wilted herbs before you have the chance to use them all up, don't fret – you're not alone! Thankfully, there are several easy fixes that will keep your herbs fresh for longer.
Fresh basil for days on end! Source: MasterClass
Herb tip 1: Basil leaves should be kept hydrated
Basil can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re craving some pizza, pesto sauce, or a plate of savoury Caprese salad, this ingredient won’t let you down!
To maximise your basil’s shelf life, store it in a jar filled with water at room temperature until you're ready to use it. So, the next time you need some fresh basil, just pluck off however many leaves you need and leave the rest in the jar. Easy peasy!
Wrap hearty herbs in a paper towel. Source: ToasterOvenLove
Herb tip 2: Roll up hearty herbs in paper towels
For hearty spices such as rosemary and thyme, roll them up in a damp paper towel before storing them in a resealable plastic bag or container.
For extra style points, you can opt to add cute labels to stay organised. You can store the plastic bags in the fridge until it's time to get cooking!
Fresh soft herbs for any day of the week. Source: Simply Recipes
Herb tip 3: Soft herbs in a jar
For spices like parsley and coriander, which are more delicate and prone to wilting, fill up a mason jar halfway with water before soaking one type of herb inside it.
Once the herbs are submerged under water, cover each jar (if you have several) loosely with plastic wrap before popping them into the fridge. This will keep them fresh and cool until they are needed.
What’s better than butter? Herb butter. Source: The Country Cook
Herb tip 4: Whip up some herb butter
One of the most delicious and easiest ways to extend any type of herb’s shelf life is by incorporating them into a block of butter! Using room temperature butter as your base ingredient, grab a fork to mash it until it reaches a creamy texture. Then, add your favourite herbs!
You can even opt to add more than one type or some minced garlic for a zingy kick. Mix the herbs thoroughly with the butter and shape it into whatever form you desire.
Wrap it in wax paper then leave it in the freezer or fridge where it should remain perfectly preserved. You can use herb butter for cooking or simply spread it on toast to whip up a tasty appetiser!
Pretty neat tips, eh? What are your thoughts about these herb hacks? How do YOU keep your herbs fresh? Let us know in the comments!
Learn more ways to store fresh herbs by watching the video below:
Source: Chef Billy Parisi
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