Fresh herbs are a versatile and flavourful ingredient to have in your kitchen, but the last thing you want is to use some of it from the packet, only to throw away the rest before you can use it again.
Heleen Meyer has a quick and easy kitchen tip that makes fresh herbs and even salad leaves last so much longer – no more wilted or yellow herbs going to the bin! She says the key is a good airtight container and baking paper and/or paper towel.
Here is how she does it, in A FEW EASY STEPS:
- REMOVE the herbs or lettuce from the plastic packaging you bought them in. Pick out and discard any wilted, deteriorating or yellow leaves and stalks.
- Place a piece of KITCHEN TOWEL in the bottom of an airtight container and place the herbs on the kitchen towel.
- WET a piece of BAKING PAPER and squeeze out any excess water. Place it over the herbs or lettuce – this will help keep them fresher for longer.
- STORE the container in the refrigerator and wet the baking paper as needed. The herbs and lettuce will last for up to two weeks.
- DON’T make the baking paper too wet, as the herbs should not be sitting in moisture.
- REPLACE the kitchen towel as needed.
Watch the VIDEO on our Facebook page to see how Heleen keeps herbs fresh for so much longer.
Another way to make sure that you don’t sit with lots of unused herbs in your fridge is to PLANT YOUR OWN. Then you can only pick as much as you need for a meal. Most herbs like Italian parsley, mint, thyme, rocket, origanum, rosemary and sage are really easy to grow. If gardening space is limited, herbs are great to grow in pots or other containers. They just need some sunlight, healthy soil, water and some love to flourish.
Are you looking for delicious ways to use fresh herbs? Visit Heleen’s HERB PAGE in the Tips & Tools section of her website: https://heleenmeyer.co.za/herbs/
Image: Adel Ferreira