Herbs and spices bring unique flavors to our favorite foods and drinks. Taco meat wouldn’t have quite the same kick without taco seasoning, and pumpkin pie without cinnamon or nutmeg just wouldn’t have that fall flavor. What’s the best way to store your favorite herbs and spices so they stay fresh for your favorite recipes?
The best way to store dried herbs and spices is in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sources of light, and heat, and away from excessive humidity. Fresh herbs do best when refrigerated and wrapped in a damp paper towel – except basil, which is happiest at room temperature.
For more tips and tricks on the best way to store your herb and spice collection, keep reading!
The best way to store dried herbs and spices
Dried herbs and spices are convenient because they have a long shelf life, so you can stock your spice rack without worrying about them going bad anytime soon. Storing dried herbs and spices properly helps maximize their freshness and helps them retain their optimal flavor.
Herbs and spices typically come with a printed best-by or use-by date, which indicates how long they’re expected to maintain their freshness. That date is more of a guide than a hard expiration date, and many dried herbs and spices will still be good to use even past the best-by date.
Here are some suggestions on the best way to store dried herbs and spices!
- Keep the containers tightly sealed at all times. Oxygen entering the container can cause the herbs and spices to go stale more quickly.
- Store herbs and spices in glass jars if possible. Plastic jars also work fine, but glass is superior because it isn’t porous like plastic. Glass jars do a better job of sealing out air and moisture.
- Keep dried herbs and spices in a cool, dark, and dry place. A cupboard or shelf in the pantry are great places to store your herb and spice collection.
- Avoid storing herbs and spices next to direct sources of light or heat, which can degrade the quality of the herbs and spices.
- While you can’t change the climate where you live, excess humidity can cause ground herbs and spices to clump and spoil more quickly. You might consider adding a dehumidifier to your pantry if you live in an excessively humid area, or store bottles of herbs and spices in an airtight container.
Storing fresh herbs
While spices are almost always dried, herbs are the leaves of plants and can be grown and purchased fresh. Some examples of common herbs that can be found fresh include basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and many others.
If you buy fresh herbs, here are some tips on the best way to store them so they keep longer!
- Store the majority of fresh herbs in the refrigerator since storing them at room temperature can cause them to dry out and wilt. The exception to this rule is basil, which can be damaged in cold temperatures and should be kept at room temperature.
- Store fresh herbs wrapped in a wet paper towel and placed in an airtight container like a glass container with a lid or a sealing ziplock bag. This helps them retain their moisture and stay fresh longer.
- You can also place fresh herbs in a glass of water and cover it with a plastic bag.
- Freeze fresh herbs for up to six months. Be sure they’re placed in an airtight container before you freeze them.
- Wash fresh herbs before using them to remove dirt, bugs, and other debris that might be present. If you’re going to store them after washing, blot them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to dry them.
- Some herbs are more delicate and shouldn’t be washed until you’re ready to use them. Some examples of more delicate herbs are dill weed and cilantro with finer leaves.
- Avoid storing fresh herbs near direct sunlight (which shouldn’t happen if they’re in the fridge!), which can cause them to turn brown.
FAQs:
Sealable glass containers are ideal for storing herbs in, both fresh and dried. For fresh herbs, wrap them in a damp paper towel before placing them in an airtight container to help them retain their moisture and prevent browning and wilting of the leaves.
Spices are dried, which means they don’t have to be refrigerated. Fresh herbs, on the other hand, require refrigeration with the exception of basil, which does better at room temperature.
Fresh basil should be stored wrapped in a damp paper towel loosely wrapped in a plastic bag. If it has stems, you can place them in a jar of water like you would a bouquet of flowers, which helps the leaves maintain their moisture until you’re ready to use them.
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