Herbs have the unique ability to change the way we think by affecting our moods when they are inhaled or used otherwise.

If we smell some fresh herbs such as peppermint, rosemary, cilantro, parsley or basil, they all will give us different scents but each scent is responsible for causing us to think or feel a certain way because of the part of our brain it immediately affects.

Herbs are plants with savory or aromatic properties that are used for flavoring and garnishing food, medicinal purposes, or for fragrances. These do not include vegetables that are eaten for their nutritional value

What are fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs normally refer to those that are still in the green and natural state. We will refer to fresh herbs as those that are not cooked or in any way disturbed by heating or the addition of any other ingredients.

Bringing home a bunch of nice smelling herbs can be very exciting.  It may be your intention of making them serve you for a long time, however, Storing your fresh herbs can create some bad experiences if you don’t know the right way of storing them.

Storing them for a few days is okay, but, some vegetables go bad easily and need special care in order to go beyond just a few days.

Herbs don’t last long if you just throw them in the fridge, or leave them lying on the kitchen counter.

So here are three ways to make your herbs last longer?

Drying

If you plant herbs and are going to reap for drying, the best time to do that id right before the herb is ready to flower. This is when the flavor and the oil content of its leaves are at the highest point. For many herb varieties, that time falls within the summer.

Rinse herbs to remove unwanted materials such as dirt and even insects.

Herbs with low moisture content such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage, can be airdried. Just tie then on a string in a way to allow air to pass through all the leaves and ensure that no mold or mildew develops. Keep away from sunlight and, remove any bad leaves, they may spoil the whole bunch.

Herbs with high moisture content such as mint, tarragon, and basil need to be dried in a food dehydrator or an oven to prevent the formation of mold.

When drying in an oven, spread out the herbs evenly on a cookie sheet and turn the oven on the lowest cooking temperature. Place the herbs in and turn them over every now and to let them dry evenly. After a few hours, they will be fully dried and ready to be packaged. Place dried herbs in an airtight container and store in a dry place at room temperature.

Refrigeration

Wash herbs properly and dry them either by using paper towels or letting them dry by air. Using a standing fan can help to speed up the process. Place the herbs in a tightly covered jar or in a zip lock bag with most of the air removed.

You may also use a plastic wrap to seal the herbs properly on a tray with a piece of paper that will assist in absorbing moisture.

Keeping them in a jar of water

This method can work for many herbs. Most herbs like to be kept in water, and sometimes they continue to grow for months while being in the water. One of the best ways to store herbs in a jar of water in to ensure the stem area that will be immersed is cut properly. It should be neatly sliced horizontally and not have battered edges which will cause it to rot quickly.

Place your herbs in a jar that is halfway filled with fresh water. If can be placed in your refrigerator, depending on the temperature or on the kitchen counter neat a window if it likes sunlight.

The best herbs for storing this way are basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint.