{"id":15922,"date":"2024-08-01T08:49:44","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T12:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/?p=15922"},"modified":"2024-08-01T08:49:44","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T12:49:44","slug":"fresh-herbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/2024\/08\/01\/fresh-herbs\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Fresh Herbs in Cooking"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2014 By Kate Yerxa<\/a>, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/em><\/p>\n

Adding flavors to meals with fresh herbs is a great way to cut down on added sugar, salt and fat. While the recommendation to use herbs in cooking seems straightforward, there are a few questions that are commonly asked about the best way to use fresh herbs.<\/p>\n

Do I need to wash fresh herbs?<\/h3>\n

Yes, fresh herbs need to be washed, after harvested and before you plan to use them. Wash fresh herbs under running water, shake dry (or use a salad spinner) and pat off any extra water with a clean towel.<\/p>\n

How do I store fresh herbs?<\/h3>\n

Fresh, washed herbs should be stored in an open, perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Washed herbs can also be wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel and stored in an open, perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Fresh herbs can last approximately 2-3 days this way in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n

Cut herbs can be stored in a jar or glass with about 1 inch of water, covered with a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator. Change the water daily and herbs can last 5 to 7 days. Basil does not store well in the refrigerator, instead, store it at room temperature in a jar with water.<\/p>\n

For information about preserving herbs, visit the Spoonful blog post 7 Ways to Best Preserve Spring Herbs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When do I add fresh herbs to a recipe?<\/h3>\n