How to store fresh herbs in the fridge or freezer

Having fresh herbs at your fingertips can be a great way to fuel creativity in the kitchen, which is why it’s essential to learn how to store them so they last as long as possible. Use the links below to discover more about the differences in storing tender and woody herbs, including how to clean them and how long they may last when properly stored.

How herb type affects storage

Understanding herb types is critical because different herbs require different storage methods to stay fresh, specifically tender herbs and woody herbs.

The essential difference between tender and woody herbs is in the stem. While all fresh herbs have fragrant leaves growing on stems, some, like basil and cilantro, have softer stems while others, such as rosemary and thyme, have more rigid ones, which directly impacts how they should be stored.

Stems and leaves of various tender herbs

Types of tender herbs

Tender herbs are defined by their soft, delicate stems and leaves, which are typically fully edible and easy to chop and use in recipes. Unlike woody herbs, they don’t have tough, fibrous stems that need to be removed—meaning the entire plant can often be used. Having a softer structure also makes tender herbs more delicate overall, so they generally require lighter handling during preparation and cooking.

Tender herbs often have a more delicate flavor than their woody counterparts and they’re typically used fresh or added to a dish right at the end of cooking to preserve their more subtle flavors. Some tender herbs can easily make a bright, fresh, herbaceous sauce like a pesto or a chimichurri just by mixing them, and a few other items you may have in your pantry, in a food processor.

They’re also usually well-suited for raw preparations, where their tender texture allows them to blend easily into dressings, garnishes or herb-forward sauces.

Common tender herbs include:

Parsley (flat or curly)
Cilantro
Mint
Basil
Dill
Chives

Types of woody herbs

Woody herbs are characterized by their tough, fibrous stems, which are typically inedible and often need to be removed before or after cooking. Unlike tender herbs, their structure is sturdier, with firmer leaves and rigid stems that don’t break down as easily. Because of this, woody herbs are often stripped from their stems, used whole and removed later, or finely chopped after the stems are discarded.

These herbs are often stronger in flavor and are commonly cooked into dishes to infuse them with flavor. Because they’re bold in taste, they’re ideal for braising, roasting or adding to oils for a fragrant and flavorful infusion.

Because woody herbs are more fibrous and resilient, they’re typically added earlier in the cooking process to allow time for their structure to soften and for their flavor to fully develop. In some preparations, they may be bundled together or used whole to season a dish as it cooks, then removed before serving.

Common woody herbs include:

Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Oregano

Marjoram
Bay Leaf

How to wash and dry herbs for storage

Whether you’re bringing herbs home from the store or plucking them from the garden, it’s important to wash and dry them properly to remove dirt and decay-causing bacteria. Washing helps remove surface debris that can lead to faster spoilage, but how and when you wash matters for maintaining freshness.

In most cases, it’s best to wash herbs before storing them, since debris and bacteria can accelerate decay. Store-bought herbs may contain moisture from misting in stores, and they’ve likely been handled by people, so properly washing and thoroughly drying them is a good idea.

For garden herbs, washing right away is especially important to remove visible dirt and debris. For packaged herbs, you can wash them before storage, as long as you dry them completely. If you prefer, you can also wait to wash until just before use—but any herbs that are washed should always be dried thoroughly before being stored to help prevent spoilage.

Treat tender herbs like a bouquet of fresh flowers, handle with care and place them in a container filled with a little water. Woody herbs can be rolled in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag to store.

1. Wash herbs with cool water

Always wash your herbs with cool water. There are several methods for washing, including simply running them under the kitchen faucet, but because they can be more delicate, consider immersing tender herbs in a bowl of cool, fresh water.

2. Repeat if needed to remove debris

Let the dirt settle to the bottom of the bowl, then rinse again in a second bowl of clean water. Hardier herbs can stand up to a little more “wear and tear“ so go ahead and give them a spin in a salad spinner.

3. Dry herbs thoroughly before storing

After the herbs have been properly washed, make sure they’re thoroughly dried. Give them a few shakes, then lay them in a single layer on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and cover with another layer of towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

Dryness is an important factor in preserving herb freshness. Always wash and dry your herbs thoroughly before storing them, and inspect for any moisture buildup or signs of spoilage, which can shorten their shelf life.

How to store tender herbs in the refrigerator

Even after tender herbs are cut, many of them have stems that continue to “drink” water, helping the herbs stay crisp. You can store clean tender herbs upright in a Mason jar or a deli container, with a bit of water in the bottom for their stems to rest in, on a lower shelf in your fridge. This method keeps the stems in water while covering the leaves and keeping them out of the water to help them stay fresh longer.

Wash and dry herbs thoroughly.
Snip the ends and remove any brown or discolored leaves.
Place herbs upright in a container with enough water to cover the ends of the stems, but not deep enough to submerge the leaves.
Cover with a plastic bag or lid.
Store on the lower shelf of your refrigerator.
Replace the water every few days.

Simply snip off the ends as you would any fresh flower and place in about an inch of water. Cover the herbs with a plastic bag or the deli container lid and freshen the water when it starts to look cloudy. Stored this way, your tender herbs should be good to go for several days up to three weeks, depending on the herb.

How to store fresh basil

Basil is a bit of an outlier as far as tender herbs go; its leaves will turn black if they get too cold. Follow all of the proposed steps for storing tender herbs with the exception of step 5. This herb thrives in warm conditions, so place your basil bouquet at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. A countertop often works fine for this.

How to store woody herbs in the refrigerator

After you’ve cleaned and dried your woody herbs, it’s important to maintain the right moisture balance while protecting them from excess air exposure so that they stay fresh longer.

To help maintain balance, after you’ve cleaned and dried your woody herbs, simply dampen a paper towel or cheese cloth,roll your herbs up like a burrito and tuck them in a plastic bag or plastic container to keep out decay-producing oxygen. Woody herbs can typically be kept fresh stored like this in your crisper drawer for 2-3 weeks.

Wash and dry herbs.
Remove any brown or discolored leaves.
Roll herbs in a damp paper towel.
Place in a plastic bag or sealed plastic container.
Store in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator.
Rewet paper towels when they begin to dry out.

Fresh herb storage chart

Parsley, rosemary, cilantro

Storage Method

Upright in water (tender) or wrapped (woody)

Location

Refrigerator

Expected Shelf Life

Up to 3 weeks

Mint, thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram

Storage Method

Based on type (tender vs. woody)

Location

Refrigerator

Expected Shelf Life

About 2 weeks

Basil, chives

Storage Method

Upright in water (tender)

Location

Refrigerator

Expected Shelf Life

About 1 week

Shop KitchenAid^® refrigerators

KitchenAid brand offers refrigerators specially designed to help keep your produce at the peak of freshness. For instance, select KitchenAid^® models feature the Preserva^® Food Care System that helps keep ingredients fresh and flavorful. This single evaporator system uses sensors to continually monitor temperature levels in both the refrigerator and freezer and adapts the flow of cold air between them to maintain optimal temperatures throughout.

KitchenAid brand also offers a Refrigerator Herb Tender^® Container, an accessory sold separately that lets you fill a cylindrical container with a little water and place your tender herbs upright in it for easy, flexible storage. And be sure to shop KitchenAid^® refrigerators with solutions for fresh food organization for inspiration on extending the life of produce and more.

How to store herbs in the freezer

Maybe you’ve got a bumper crop of mint this year, or you won’t be able to use up all the basil you bought at the farmers market. Freezing is a great way to make sure you have herbs on hand year-round, and proper freezer storage can help extend the life of your herbs for up to a year. Freezing works well for herbs like parsley, dill, basil, chives, lemon balm, mint or tarragon. Frozen herbs can be used in the same proportion as fresh herbs, but freezing can cause the water in the cell walls to expand, so herbs may be limp when thawed. As a result, they’re best used in cooked dishes like soups, sauces and stews rather than as garnishes.

Wash and dry herbs, then remove any discolored leaves.
Chop herbs into tablespoon portions or leave woody herbs whole if preferred.
Place herbs in an ice cube tray and fill with water or olive oil, pushing the herbs under the liquid.
Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag and label for use later.
Use frozen herbs as needed by adding cubes directly to soups, sauces or stews, or allowing water-based cubes to melt and patting dry before use.
Alternative methods: If you don’t have an ice tray, freeze herbs in a plastic bag laid flat for easy portioning, or freeze leaves individually on a tray before storing. Woody herbs can also be wrapped in a paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag before freezing.

Herb storage FAQs

Proper herb storage can help extend freshness and reduce waste, but you may still have questions about how to get the best results. Below are answers to some common questions about storing, using and preserving fresh herbs so you can make the most of them in your kitchen.

Growing herbs at home ensures that you always have fresh ingredients on hand. Parsley, rosemary, mint, basil, chives, thyme, lavender and oregano are just a few of the low-maintenance herbs that can easily be grown at home with the right care.

Fresh herbs add an elevated taste to a variety of recipes. Muddle herbs for homemade cocktails at your next party, blend fresh parsley into an herbaceous soup or garnish bruschetta with mint leaves.

Consider using fresh rosemary for a flavorful twist to baked potato chips or add depth to an apple tart by incorporating fresh thyme. If you find yourself with a large amount of fresh herbs on hand, whip up a homemade pesto and add it to grilled meats, pasta or veggies for a punch of flavor.

Fresh herbs can generally last anywhere from 1-3 weeks in the fridge and up to a year in the freezer when stored properly.

How long your herbs last depends on the type of herb and how they’re stored. Tender herbs and woody herbs have different storage methods, and using the right approach can help extend their freshness. Proper preparation—like washing, thoroughly drying and removing any discolored leaves—can also help prevent early spoilage.

Moisture levels and storage conditions play a key role as well. Excess moisture can lead to spoilage, while not enough moisture can cause herbs to dry out. Storing herbs in the appropriate location in your refrigerator, such as the lower shelf or crisper drawer, depending on the type, can also help maintain their quality for longer.

The best way to store fresh, packaged herbs is to remove them from their original container, wash and thoroughly dry them, and store them properly by type. Tender herbs can be kept upright in water, while hardier varieties should be wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a container.

Shop all KitchenAid^® refrigerators for fresh food storage

Whether you’re preparing weeknight meals or making room for your latest farmers market haul, KitchenAid^® refrigerators offer the features and storage options you need. Available in a variety of capacities, select models from KitchenAid brand include Humidity-Controlled Crispers, which let you select the high humidity that keeps romaine crisp, or the arid environment that helps figs and apricots stay fresh. Some ingredients need to stay within easy reach. Select KitchenAid^® refrigerators make that simple with FreshChill^™ Full-Width Refrigerated Drawers, which delivers organization with storage dividers and allows you to set temperatures manually. Adjust your drawer to be wine storage, deli storage, drink storage or meat storage at the touch of a button.