Herb-Garden Rescue Guide
It’s the season of buying fresh herbs, but how many times do they turn to mush before you can use them? At Love Food Hate Waste, we hate seeing those vibrant greens go to waste. Learn how to keep your herbs vibrant for weeks!
1. The “Bouquet Method” (For Soft Herbs)
Soft herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill are delicate. If you leave them in the plastic bag, they’ll turn into a slimy mess within days. Instead, we suggest treating them like a fresh bouquet of flowers!
- The Trick: Trim the bottom of the stems and place them upright in a glass or jar with about an inch of water.
- The Storage: Cover the top loosely with a reusable bag and pop the whole “bouquet” into the fridge. They’ll stay crisp and perky for up to two weeks!
2. The “Damp Wrap” (For Woody Herbs)
Woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are a bit tougher, but they still need the right environment. They love humidity but hate sitting in puddles.
- The Trick: Wrap these herbs loosely in a damp (not soaking) paper towel or thin tea towel.
- The Storage: Place the bundle inside a sealed container or a reusable bag in your fridge’s crisper drawer. This keeps them hydrated without the rot.
3. Basil: The Fridge Rebel
Whatever you do, keep your basil out of the fridge! Cold temperatures actually cause basil leaves to turn black and wilt faster. Treat basil like a houseplant: keep it in a jar of water on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight. It’ll look beautiful and stay fresh much longer.
4. The Ultimate Leftover Hack: Herb Oil Cubes
Have a handful of “leftover” herbs that you know you won’t use before your next grocery run? This is the ultimate rescue mission to ensure zero waste.
- Finely chop your remaining herbs (basil, oregano, and thyme work great here).
- Fill an empty ice cube tray with the chopped herbs.
- Pour olive oil or melted butter over the herbs until the slots are full.
- Freeze until solid!
Next time you’re cooking a soup, stew, or pasta sauce, just pop a cube directly into the pan. You’ve just saved your herbs and levelled up your future dinner!
Every Leaf Counts
By spending just two minutes prepping your herbs when you get home from the store, you save money and keep delicious food out of the bin. Try this food rescue tip on your next store or market visit!
