Do you have the bad habit of getting home from the store and immediately throwing your herbs in the plastic produce bag into the crisper only to be forgotten about until it’s dead and wilted? Read on to learn how to store herbs properly to help them last longer and get your money’s worth.

How to Store Herbs in 4 Easy Steps

1. Wash Your Herbs

Even though your herbs get a little shower every day at the store, it’s important to wash them again after you get home. Washing your herbs doesn’t sterilize them, but it does get rid of surface debris and bacteria that can shorten how long they last. Wash your herbs by filling a salad spinner with cold water. Spin the herbs gently around in the water to loosen any debris. Drain the water, spin the herbs dry, set them on a layer of paper towels, and pat gently with more paper towels to blot away any excess moisture.

2. Wrap in a Damp Paper Towel

Most effective for hardy herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, wrapping your herbs in a damp paper towel can extend their life by almost a week. Store hardy herbs by arranging them lengthwise in a single layer on a slightly damp paper towel. Roll them up, and then transfer the bundle to a bag or wrap it in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator.

3. Store Upright in Water (Fridge)

Storing herbs upright with water, like flowers, is found to be best for tender varieties like cilantro and parsley. Snip off the bases of the stems and remove any discolored or wilted leaves. Transfer them to a large Mason jar with an inch of water in the bottom. Seal the jar with the lid (if it fits), or cover the top of the jar with an overturned plastic bag sealed with a rubber band. It's important to keep the tops of the herbs tightly covered. Store in the refrigerator.

4. Store Upright in Water (Counter)

For a specialty herb such as basil, snip off the bases of the stems and place the bunch in a vase or a Mason jar with an inch or two of water at the bottom, just like a bouquet of flowers. Cover the top of the jar with the same process as above. Store at room temperature in a light area, but out of direct sunlight.

Cut down on food waste and save money by learning how to store herbs properly. For more produce storing tips check out our guides, How to Store Fruit with Ease and Storing Food: How to Store Vegetables.