Fresh herbs are a treasure in the kitchen, adding aroma, flavor and vibrancy to a wide variety of dishes.

However, we are often faced with the dilemma of how to preserve them so that they stay fresh for longer.

Fortunately, there are simple and effective techniques that can help extend the shelf life of your herbs, allowing you to enjoy their quality and flavor for longer.

In this post, we will share some valuable tips for successfully preserving fresh herbs.

Selecting fresh herbs correctly is an essential step to ensure the excellence of the dishes you prepare, guaranteeing their flavor, aroma and quality, even after storage.

When you are choosing fresh herbs, pay attention to some visual and tactile details that indicate their freshness and vitality:

1- Choose leaves and stems that have an intense and vibrant color, indicating that the plant is healthy and full of nutrients.

2- Fresh herbs usually have a characteristic and pleasant aroma, which is also a sign of their quality.

3- Avoid selecting herbs with visible signs of wilting, discoloration or stains. These signs may indicate that herbs are aging or deteriorating, which will negatively affect the flavor and texture of your dishes.

4- If there are damaged parts, such as withered leaves or broken stems, it is recommended to remove these areas before storing or using the herbs.

5- Texture is also important when choosing fresh herbs; the leaves must be firm and crunchy to the touch, demonstrating vitality. Avoid herbs that show signs of excessive softening or sticky texture.

There are a variety of methods for preserving fresh herbs, which can be adapted to suit the type of herb and individual preferences. Additionally, there is the option of storing them in the refrigerator or choosing the freezing method.

Let's look at these two ways of storing fresh herbs.

Proper Washing: When you bring your herbs home, wash them gently under cold running water. Be sure to remove any dirt or impurities, but avoid overwashing them as prolonged contact with water can cause damage.

Gentle Drying: After washing, place the herbs on paper towels or a clean cloth to dry. Pat or gently shake to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing the leaves as this can cause damage.

Airtight Containers or Plastic Bags: Choose an airtight container or clean plastic bag to store your herbs. Line the bottom of the container with a damp paper towel, which will help maintain an environment with ideal humidity levels. The extra moisture helps keep the herbs from drying out too quickly.

Careful Storage: Place the herbs in the container in an organized manner, but avoid overcrowding to avoid crushing the leaves. This will help maintain the integrity of the herbs and allow for adequate air circulation.

Monitoring and Changing the Wet Towel: Periodically check the moisture of the damp paper towel. If it is dry, replace it with a new damp towel. This will help prevent excessive mold growth and keep your herbs fresh longer.

Freezing herbs is a great way to preserve their freshness and flavor, allowing you to enjoy the aroma and fresh feel even when herbs are not in season. Let's explore in detail how you can freeze your herbs successfully.

Choice of Herbs: Select fresh, healthy herbs to freeze. Herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, and dill are great options for freezing, but you can try others as well.
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Washing and Drying: Wash herbs in cold water to remove dirt and debris. Gently shake or dry them carefully using paper towels. Excessive moisture can lead to unwanted ice crystals upon freezing.

Chopping: Chop the herbs into small pieces or according to preference, but avoid chopping them too finely, as the leaves can lose quality when frozen.

Ice Trays: Place chopped herbs in each compartment of an ice cube tray. Cover the herbs with filtered water or extra virgin olive oil. Using water or olive oil helps protect herbs from excessive freezing and prevents frostbite.

Initial Freezing: Place the trays in the freezer until the herbs are frozen. This process helps keep the leaves separate and prevents them from sticking together.

Transfer to Plastic Bag: Once the herb rocks are frozen, remove them from the trays and transfer them to plastic freezer bags. Remember to label the bags with the name of the herb and the freezing date.

Storage: Place the bags in the freezer, where the herbs will stay fresh for several months. The advantage of freezing is that you can take out the desired amount whenever you need, without defrosting the entire batch.

Oil: If you choose to freeze your herbs in olive oil, use good quality olive oil and fill each compartment of the tray with just a teaspoon of olive oil to ensure the herbs don't become saturated.

Use in Preparations: Frozen herbs are excellent for cooked dishes, soups, sauces and other preparations that involve heating. They can lose some of their fresh texture when thawed, so they're best used in dishes where flavor is the main focus.

Avoid Thawing and Refreezing: Try to avoid thawing and refreezing herbs as this can affect the quality and texture. Only remove the desired amount from the freezer when necessary.
Freezing herbs is a practical solution for enjoying the flavor of fresh herbs year-round. By following these simple tips and steps, you'll be prepared to add a touch of freshness and flavor to your dishes, no matter the season.