How to Store Fresh Herbs So They Last Longer: The Complete Herb Storage Guide
By Ann & Stacy at Vejibag
Fresh herbs have a way of making simple meals feel special.
A handful of fresh cilantro on tacos. Bright parsley mixed into a salad. Fresh dill with roasted vegetables. Mint in summer drinks.
But we’ve all been there…
You buy a beautiful bunch of herbs with the best intentions, tuck them into the fridge, and just a few days later discover a sad bunch of wilted leaves or a slimy forgotten bundle hiding in the drawer.
Fresh herbs are one of the most commonly wasted foods in the kitchen — but with the right storage method, they can last so much longer.
The trick is understanding what fresh herbs actually need.
After years of helping customers keep their vegetables, greens, and herbs fresh longer, here’s our complete guide to storing fresh herbs.
Why Do Fresh Herbs Go Bad So Quickly?
Fresh herbs are delicate because they continue losing moisture after they’re harvested.
Most herbs spoil because of one of two problems:
They dry out.
The cold, dry environment of your refrigerator pulls moisture away from delicate leaves.
This causes:
- limp parsley
- wilted cilantro
- dried-out dill
- sad, droopy mint
They get too wet.
On the other hand, trapping herbs inside a sealed plastic bag can create excess condensation.
Too much trapped moisture can lead to:
- slimy leaves
- mold
- faster breakdown
The goal is simple:
Fresh herbs need the right balance of moisture + breathability.
The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs
Most soft herbs love a slightly humid environment that keeps them hydrated without trapping excess moisture.
That’s exactly why herbs are one of our favorite things to store in a Vejibag.
Our organic cotton produce saver bags help maintain moisture while still allowing fresh food to breathe — creating the kind of environment fresh herbs naturally prefer.
Wet it. Bag it. Crisp it.
How to Store Cilantro
Cilantro is famous for going from fresh to forgotten seemingly overnight.
To keep cilantro fresh longer:
- Remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
- Rinse cilantro if desired.
- Shake off extra water.
- Wet your Vejibag and wring it out.
- Place cilantro loosely inside.
- Store in the refrigerator.
The goal is a damp environment — not soaking wet.
A Small Vejibag is one of our favorites for bunches of cilantro.
How to Store Parsley
Parsley is one of the easiest herbs to keep fresh when stored correctly.
This works for:
- curly parsley
- flat leaf parsley
- Italian parsley
Store parsley just like leafy greens:
A little moisture + airflow helps prevent the leaves from drying out.
Many customers tell us parsley lasts significantly longer once they stop storing it loose in the fridge.
How to Store Dill
Dill is delicate because the fine leaves lose moisture quickly.
To store fresh dill:
- keep it cool
- protect it from drying refrigerator air
- avoid excess trapped water
A damp breathable bag helps dill stay fresh and usable for more meals.
How to Store Mint
Mint is hardy but still benefits from proper storage.
For fresh mint:
✔ rinse
✔ lightly shake dry
✔ place in a damp Vejibag
✔ refrigerate
This helps keep leaves hydrated and ready for:
- drinks
- salads
- sauces
- cooking
How to Store Basil
Basil is the exception.
Unlike many herbs, basil does not love cold refrigerator temperatures.
For best results:
- trim stems
- place basil stems in a jar with a little water
- loosely cover leaves if desired
- keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight
Basil likes to be treated more like fresh flowers.
Should You Wash Herbs Before Storing?
You can!
This is one of our favorite kitchen habits.
Taking a few minutes after grocery shopping or visiting the farmers market means herbs are:
✔ clean
✔ ready to use
✔ less likely to be forgotten
Just remember:
Herbs like moisture, but they don’t want to sit in puddles of water.
Shake off extra water before storing.
How Long Do Fresh Herbs Last?
This depends on:
- how fresh they were when purchased
- the type of herb
- refrigerator conditions
- storage method
But proper storage can make a huge difference.
Instead of buying herbs for one recipe and tossing the leftovers, good storage helps you actually use the whole bunch.
Less waste. More flavor.
What Size Vejibag Works Best for Herbs?
Our favorite sizes for herbs:
Small Vejibag
Great for:
- cilantro
- parsley
- dill
- mint
- smaller bunches
Two Pocket Vejibag
A customer favorite for organizing multiple herbs.
Use one side for cilantro and one side for parsley — or separate herbs from smaller vegetables.
Fresh Herbs Are Worth Saving
Fresh herbs add so much flavor and freshness to everyday meals.
They deserve better than being forgotten in a plastic bag at the bottom of the fridge.
A simple change in storage can help you:
- waste less food
- save money
- eat more fresh ingredients
- rely less on disposable plastic
Fresh food is meant to be enjoyed — not thrown away.
Wet it. Bag it. Crisp it.
— Ann & Stacy
Quick FAQs for Herb Storage:
What is the best way to keep fresh herbs longer?
Most fresh herbs last longer when protected from drying out while still having airflow. A slightly damp, breathable storage environment helps maintain freshness.
Should fresh herbs be stored wet or dry?
Many soft herbs prefer slight moisture. They should not be soaking wet, but preventing them from drying out helps extend freshness.
Should cilantro be refrigerated?
Yes. Cilantro generally keeps best refrigerated in a cool, slightly humid environment.
Why does cilantro get slimy?
Cilantro often becomes slimy from excess trapped moisture, damaged leaves, or poor airflow.
Can you store different herbs together?
Yes, similar herbs can be stored together. A divided storage option like the Two Pocket Vejibag helps keep different herbs organized.
