Have You Ever Bought Fresh Herbs? If no, why not give it a try.

I am sure we all have a thing or two of dried herbs in our cabinets because they are fast and easy. Much more convenient then fresh herbs, lasting longer and no prep.    However there are sometimes when only fresh works best.    If you know how to keep them at their best you are more then likely going to get more then one meal out of a bunch.   Nothing worse then buying fresh herbs using them that night then finding dry or spoiled herbs when you go to use them again.

For someone who has never bought fresh herbs here is a quick rundown on what you need to know. 

• You'll want to start with picking the best bunch of herbs. Look for pretty unbruised leaves, you should be able to smell it when the leaves are about three inches away.  As you buy and consume on regular basis you will become an expert at picking. You may have to grow your own, sometimes the selection at the store isn't good so starting an herb garden is a good idea if you plan using them often.   What is fresher then right off the pant.

•  Do not wash them until you are going to use them.  If you wash before storing you will leave moisture on the herbs leaves, this weighs them down and can cause mold.

•  Remove any fasteners the herbs have (usually rubber bands). Cut off any roots and lower parts of the stems.  If you leave them on they draw moister from the herbs leaves, this will prevent the tops from wilting.   Wrapped trimmed herbs loosely with a damp paper towel, store in a zip-lock bag. Unlike most cases you want to leave a little air to cushion the herbs. If you have room in the refrigerator storing them in containers is best since they won't get crushed.   Keep them in the "warmest" part of your refrigerator (this is usually the top shelf).  You do not want them to get too cold because that turns the herbs black.     It is best to check them every day, get rid of anything that is not looking good.

  To wash you can rinse with the faucet or swish in a bowl of cold water.     When you use the bowl method you will be able to see how much dirt comes off the herbs, if there is a lot you should "swish" them again to make sure you got it all off.   The most importation part of washing them is getting them dry, you want them dry, dry when the time comes to use them.