How To Store Fresh Basil And Parsley

You can store fresh basil and parsley easily with the right methods, keeping them vibrant for up to three weeks.

 

It’s all about mimicking the conditions these herbs love, which is high humidity for parsley and a bit less moisture for basil.

 

If you’ve ever bought a bunch of basil and parsley, only to watch them turn into a sad, slimy mess in the fridge within days, you’re not alone.

 

That’s why learning how to store fresh basil and parsley properly is a game-changer for your cooking and your grocery budget.

 

In this post, we’ll break down the best ways to store fresh basil and parsley so they stay crisp, fragrant, and ready for your favorite recipes.

 

Let’s get your herbs lasting longer starting today.

 

Why Storing Fresh Basil and Parsley Differently Matters

The first thing to understand is that basil and parsley are not the same when it comes to storage.

 

Basil is a tender herb that bruises easily and hates the cold.

 

Parsley is hardier and actually loves a chilly, damp environment.

 

So when you’re figuring out how to store fresh basil and parsley, you can’t just throw them both in the same plastic bag and hope for the best.

 

Treating them the same way is why so many people fail at storing fresh basil and parsley successfully.

 

Let’s look at the best individual methods for each.

 

Parsley Loves the Fridge Like a Root Vegetable

Parsley is forgiving and can handle being stored fresh in the refrigerator for a long time.

 

To store fresh parsley, trim the stems slightly and place the bunch in a glass or jar with about an inch of water.

 

Then, loosely cover the top with a plastic bag or a damp paper towel.

 

This method keeps the leaves hydrated and crisp for up to two weeks.

 

Another way to store fresh parsley is to wash it, spin it dry thoroughly, and wrap it in a dry paper towel inside a resealable bag.

 

The key is ensuring no excess moisture remains, as that’s what causes rot.

 

Basil Hates the Cold, So Treat It Like Cut Flowers

If you want to know how to store fresh basil, remember this: do not put it in the fridge if you can help it.

 

Basil is extremely sensitive to cold and will turn black and mushy quickly.

 

Instead, treat it like a bouquet of flowers.

 

Trim the ends of the stems and place the basil bunch in a glass of fresh, cool water on your kitchen counter.

 

Keep it away from direct sunlight, as that can wilt it, but the countertop method is the absolute best way to store fresh basil.

 

Cover the basil loosely with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.

 

This keeps the humidity high and prevents the leaves from drying out.

 

The Best Methods to Store Fresh Basil and Parsley for the Long Term

If you’ve got a massive harvest or a bumper pack from the store, you might want to store fresh basil and parsley beyond just a week or two.

 

Freezing is your best friend here, and it’s simpler than you think.

 

Freezing Parsley and Basil in Oil or Water

You can easily store fresh basil and parsley in the freezer using ice cube trays.

 

Chop the herbs finely and pack them into each compartment of the tray.

 

Then, cover them with olive oil or water and freeze.

 

Once solid, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.

 

This method to store fresh basil and parsley is brilliant because you can just grab a cube and toss it directly into soups, stews, or sauces while cooking.

 

Blanching Parsley Before Freezing

For parsley, you might want to blanch it first to preserve its bright green color.

 

Drop the parsley into boiling water for two seconds, then transfer it to ice water and dry thoroughly.

 

Then, freeze the blanched parsley in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag.

 

This is a great way to store fresh parsley if you plan to use it for garnishes or as a finishing herb.

 

Making Basil Pesto to Store Fresh Basil

One of the tastiest ways to store fresh basil is to turn it into pesto.

 

Blend fresh basil leaves with garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil, then freeze the pesto in small jars or ice cube trays.

 

This not only preserves the basil but also gives you a ready-made sauce for pasta nights.

 

It’s a deliciously practical answer to how to store fresh basil when you have too much to use.

 

Common Mistakes When Storing Fresh Basil and Parsley

Even with the best intentions, people still mess up trying to store fresh basil and parsley.

 

Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid so your herbs stay perfect.

 

Washing Right Before Storage

If you wash basil and parsley right before putting them away, you’re inviting moisture to cause rot.

 

Always wash them, then dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or paper towels before storing fresh basil and parsley.

 

Moisture is the enemy of leafy herbs.

 

Storing Basil in the Fridge

We can’t stress this enough: do not store fresh basil in the fridge unless you’ve chopped it into a paste or pesto.

 

Whole basil leaves in the fridge will suffer from cold damage and turn brown.

 

If you absolutely must refrigerate basil, only do so for a few hours and keep it in a sealed bag with a dry paper towel.

 

Leaving Parsley Out at Room Temperature

The opposite problem happens with parsley.

 

Parsley will quickly wilt and lose its vitality if left out on the counter.

 

Parsley needs the cold and humidity of the fridge to last.

 

So when you’re deciding how to store fresh basil and parsley together, never mix their environmental needs.

 

Store them separately for the best results.

 

So, How to Store Fresh Basil and Parsley?

You can store fresh basil and parsley successfully by treating them as the different herbs they are.

 

Store fresh basil on the counter in a glass of water like flowers, away from the sun.

 

Store fresh parsley in the fridge in a jar of water with a plastic bag cover, or wrapped in a dry paper towel in a sealed container.

 

For long-term storage, freeze basil as pesto or in oil cubes, and freeze parsley either blanched or in water cubes.

 

Avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them, and always dry them thoroughly if you do.

 

Now that you know how to store fresh basil and parsley, you can say goodbye to wilted, sad herbs and hello to fresh, vibrant flavor in every meal.

 

Enjoy having that garden-fresh taste on demand, and happy cooking.