What do cilantro, mint, parsley, and thyme have in common? They’re all herbs that you can enjoy both fresh and dried, among many others! When do herbs go bad, both fresh vs. dried?
Fresh herbs will last anywhere from 1-3 weeks when stored properly and can be frozen for up to six months before they go bad. Dried herbs won’t go bad for years and usually stay fresh for 1-3 years.
How can you tell when herbs go bad – both fresh and dried? We have the answers to that question and many more in this article.
When do fresh herbs go bad?
Herbs (as well as spices) are specific plants that are used culinary-wise to add flavor to foods and drinks. Herbs and spices give some of the foods we know and love their distinct flavor, like Mexican food! Some herbs also are used for their potential medicinal and health benefits in alternative and holistic medicine.
Herbs are the leaves of plants while spices come from other parts of the plant, including the stems, roots, bark, flower buds, and seeds. For example, the coriander plant’s leaves are used as an herb (cilantro) while its dried seeds are a spice (coriander seeds).
Unlike spices, you can find herbs fresh and dried. Basil, mint, oregano, parsley, and thyme are just a few examples of common fresh herbs.
Fresh herbs have a much shorter shelf life than dried herbs. The shelf life also depends on whether they’re grown at home or bought from a grocery store.
Best storage practices for fresh herbs
In general, fresh herbs can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks when they’re stored properly. To store fresh herbs for maximum shelf life, always keep them in the refrigerator. Wrap fresh herbs in a wet paper towel and keep them covered in a sealed container such as a ziplock bag. Alternatively, you can put fresh herbs in a cup of water and cover them with plastic in the fridge.
Herbs can be washed before storing, but there are a few exceptions. Delicate herbs such as dill weed shouldn’t be washed until you plan to use them, while heartier herbs like basil and mint can hold up to washing as soon as you bring them home. Always wash herbs before using them since they can carry dirt, bugs, and other stuff you probably don’t want to eat!
Can you freeze herbs?
Some herbs do well when frozen which can extend their shelf life to around six months. Some fresh herbs might not freeze as well as others, so you might want to experiment with a small batch to determine if freezing herbs will work for your intended use.
When do dried herbs go bad?
Dried herbs have much longer shelf lives compared to fresh. Dried herbs can last between 1-3 years (and possibly longer) when they’re stored correctly. If you buy dried herbs at the store the container will likely come with a printed best-by date, which indicates how long the dried herbs are expected to retain their ideal freshness and flavor.
Best storage practices for dried herbs
Store dried herbs in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid storing them next to direct sources of heat and light, which can make them go stale and lose their potency faster.
Signs that fresh herbs went bad
Fresh herbs that have gone bad are more obvious to identify compared to dried herbs. Fresh herbs that have gone bad will appear wilted, slimy, wet, and might even have mold growth. Fresh herbs that are past their prime will likely have an “off” smell that isn’t pleasant.
Signs that dried herbs went bad
The easiest way to determine if dried herbs have gone bad is by giving them a sniff. Dried herbs should have a somewhat strong, pleasant scent. If their fragrance has diminished over time or smells like nothing at all, that’s the biggest sign it’s time to get a fresh batch.
If ground herbs (the ones that have a powder-like consistency) have large clumps in them, that can be a sign that moisture has entered. If there are more clumps than there are ground herbs, it’s a good idea to toss the container and get a fresh replacement.
Can eating old herbs be dangerous?
Eating old dried herbs isn’t likely to cause any serious issues. However, fresh herbs that have gone bad can harbor potentially harmful bacteria, especially if they aren’t washed before use. To avoid foodborne illness, always wash fresh herbs before using them and practice the proper storage guidelines we mentioned earlier.
FAQs:
Dried herbs that are past their prime won’t have a strong scent, or might not smell like anything. Signs that fresh herbs are past their prime include wilting, a slimy texture, an off-putting odor, or mold growth.
Fresh herbs carry the risk of harboring harmful bacteria just like other fresh produce like lettuce. To minimize the risk of getting food poisoning from herbs, wash them before using them.
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