Herbs on the Windowsill
I simply can’t believe I’ve gone through most of the summer without this little trick for keeping cut herbs fresh longer. Longer than in the fridge that is. Just put the stems in a glass or clean vase with a little water. I just forgot about this and instead I’ve been wrapping herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, etc., in a little paper towel, then in a plastic bag. They get smushed and scrunched and after a couple of days, either dry out or get slimy. No matter what, herbs are perishable, and even in the glass I hope to use the basil and parsley (freshly harvested today at my CSA farm) by tomorrow, or Thursday at the latest. At least the leaves will still be springy and green!
Katie said,
August 29, 2006 @ 10:21 pm
Good luck on using your herbs. Since I went veggie a month ago I haven’t had any troubles using all of my herbs. Just yesterday I had the same parsley and basil and made a great pesto for some gnocchi. thank you for you blog it has helped me a lot and thank you for your books because my children wouldn’t be eating this well without them.
Kaji's Mom said,
August 30, 2006 @ 6:52 am
I always put my basil in a glass next to the window, and it lasts forever that way. If you leave it long enough, it will grow roots!
Geraldine said,
August 30, 2006 @ 12:24 pm
Fresh herbs are so great but they do wilt quickly. This is a good reminder, simple but effective tip. Thanks Nava
Susan G said,
August 30, 2006 @ 7:10 pm
Basil is very sensitive to cold and may turn black in the refrigerator… Went out tonight and had a wonderful dish with Israeli couscous, slivers of sundried tomatoes and basil, parmesan cheese, topped with a basil top — and noticed that the leaves were blackened, but yummy all the same. I have 3 inch tall glasses meant for bulb-forcing that I part the shorter herbs in. The oregano sprigs are rooting…
Teddy said,
August 31, 2006 @ 8:42 pm
I didn’t know this trick
I usually just wrap them in a damp cloth. Great tip!
Teddy
Heather said,
September 1, 2006 @ 8:34 pm
I went out a picked a huge bunch of basil and the kitchen now has this great aroma. My daughter picked some mint and has been placeing little jars all over the house. Every time I find one it makes me smile. Thanks
heather