The use of herbs is a great way to infuse your meals with flavor. However, fresh herbs often have a short shelf life and can become wilted and unusable quickly.

Fortunately, there are several methods for preserving fresh herbs so that they can be used for later. Below are 30 tips for preserving fresh herbs:.

Drying Herbs

Drying herbs is an effective way to preserve them. Here are ten tips for drying herbs:.

1. Air Drying

Air drying is one of the simplest ways to dry herbs. Simply tie the herbs together with a string and hang them in a well-ventilated area.

2. Oven Drying

Oven drying can be done by placing herbs on a baking sheet at a low temperature of 150°F for two to four hours.

3. Microwave Drying

Microwave drying involves placing herbs on a paper towel and microwaving them in bursts of 30 seconds until they are dry.

4. Using a Dehydrator

A dehydrator is specifically designed to dry herbs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use it effectively.

5. Freeze-Drying

Freeze-drying involves placing herbs in a freezer and waiting until they become dry and crispy.

6. Salt Drying

Covering the herbs in salt draws out moisture and dries them out effectively.

7. Solar Drying

Solar drying involves placing the herbs on a tray and leaving them out in the sun for several days.

8. Pressing Herbs

Pressing herbs allows for easy transportation and long-term preservation without fear of the herbs losing their flavor.

9. Hanging a Bunch of Herbs Upside Down

Hang a bunch of herbs upside down to dry them out in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

10. Placing the Herbs in a Paper Bag

Placing the herbs in a paper bag and leaving them out in a cool, dry location for several weeks will dry the herbs out without damaging their flavor.

Freezing Herbs in Oil or Water

Freezing herbs in oil or water is an easy way to extend their shelf life. Below are ten tips for freezing herbs:.

11. Blanching Herbs

Blanch the herbs before freezing to lock in their color and flavor.

12. Chopping Herbs

Chop up the herbs into small pieces before freezing to make them quicker and easier to use in the future.

13. Freezing Herbs in an Ice Cube Tray

Fill an ice cube tray with olive oil or water and add chopped herbs. This method allows for easy measurement of the herbs.

14. Freezing Herbs in a Ziploc Bag

Add the chopped herbs into a Ziploc bag in single-use portions. Flatten the bag slightly before freezing to make it easier to store.

15. Freezing Herbs in a Ball Jar

Place fresh herbs in a ball jar and add olive oil to cover them completely before freezing.

16. Freezing Pesto

Pesto freezes excellently. Place pre-made pesto in a sealed container and freeze it for later use.

17. Freezing Compound Butters

Compound butters can be frozen and utilized in future recipes or to season meat or vegetables.

18. Flash-Freezing

The flash-freezing method involves quickly freezing herbs on a tray before storing them in a container in the freezer.

19. Dehydrating Herbs First

Dehydrating herbs minimizes moisture and helps to prevent freezer burn once they are frozen.

20. Using a Vacuum Sealer

The vacuum-sealing method is ideal for long-term storage and can help to preserve the flavor of the herbs.

Preserving Herbs with Vinegar or Alcohol

Preserving herbs with vinegar or alcohol is another way to prolong their shelf life and flavor. Here are seven tips to preserve them:.

21. Adding Herbs to Vinegar

Add the finely chopped herbs to a bottle of vinegar and let it sit for several weeks to infuse flavor.

22. Making Herb-Infused Salad Dressing

Combine fresh herbs and vinegar or lemon juice into a salad dressing. This method is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of herbs in their salad dressing.

23. Making Herb Vinegar

Herb vinegar is a great addition to recipes. To make it, add herbs to wine or apple cider vinegar and let it sit for several weeks before straining it.