Wilted parsley or yellowed dill is an annoying problem that every cook faces. The main reason why food spoils quickly is due to the wrong level of humidity and access to oxygen. To prolong the life of aromatic herbs, it is important to take into account the characteristics of each plant species.
Proper preparation before storage
The first thing to do after buying or harvesting a bunch of twigs is to pick them. Get rid of yellowed and rotten leaves, as they release ethylene, which accelerates the deterioration of healthy twigs.
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Washing: Most greens are best stored unwashed. If you prefer clean, dry them thoroughly on a paper towel. Excess moisture on the surface of the leaves in a closed container encourages bacterial growth.
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Temperature conditions: The ideal place for storage is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or a special freshness zone.
Glass vessel method
This method is best suited for dill, parsley и cilantro. Treat them like a living bouquet of flowers.
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Trim the tips of the stems by a few millimeters.
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Place the bundle in a glass or jar of clean, cold water.
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Cover the top with a plastic bag, securing it with a rubber band to create a micro greenhouse effect.
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Change the water every two days.
This approach keeps the leaf structure dense and crisp for up to two weeks.
Using paper towels and containers
For delicate leaves such as spinach, arugula or basilThe wrap method is more suitable.
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Lightly moisten the paper towel with a spray gun.
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Wrap the greens in it and place in an airtight plastic container or ziplock bag.
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The paper will maintain the proper hydration level, keeping the greens from “suffocating”.
Keep in mind that basil is extremely sensitive to cold – at temperatures below 7 degrees its leaves can quickly turn black, so it is often advised to keep it simply on the kitchen table in water.
Vacuum and freeze for longevity
If you realize you won’t have time to use all of your food, use canning methods. Freezing in olive oil or butter in ice molds preserves all essential oils and vitamins. With this method, the herbs are added immediately to hot dishes at the end of cooking.
A smart approach to storage helps you significantly reduce food waste and always have healthy ingredients on hand for your favorite recipes.
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