Keeping Fresh Herbs Fresh

• Loosely wrap herbs in a damp paper towel, then seal in a zip-top plastic bag filled with air. Refrigerate for up to five days. Check herbs daily, as some of them lose their flavor after a couple of days.

• Store herbs bouquet-style when in bunches: Place, stems down, in a jar with water covering 1 inch of the stem ends, enclose in a large zip-top plastic bag, and change the water every other day. Most herbs will keep for up to a week this way.

• Many supermarkets carry herb plants in their produce sections. Snip off as much as you need, and the plant will last for weeks or even months.

• To revive limp herbs, trim 1/2 inch off the stems, and place in ice water for a couple of hours.

• Wash herbs just before using; pat dry with a paper towel.

• In most cases, heat kills the flavor of fresh herbs, so they're best when added to a dish at the end.

Learn more about herbs:
All About Herbs
How to use fresh herbs to create lively dishes.

Herb Basics
Learn how to keep your fresh herbs fresh.

Herb Gardening 101
A kitchen-herb garden is perfect for a greenhorn because it doesn't need a lot of attention. Here's the insider's guide to getting started.