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Using fresh herbs in your cooking is an excellent way to add flavor to a dish, but it's rare that we use an entire bunch of herbs in one go. When stored improperly, they can quickly turn slimy, brown, and wilted, resulting in half the bunch getting thrown out. If you're storing your herbs in the bag they came in, it's time to level up! Herb keepers help control moisture and oxygen levels to keep your herbs fresh for weeks.
Our favorite herb keeper is OXO's Good Grips GreenSaver Herb Keeper, which has a removable basket and a large, clear water basin. But if you want to keep browsing, we have nine more excellent picks below! If you're not sure where to start, check out our buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to get the lowdown on all the things to consider when choosing an herb keeper for your kitchen.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
Herb keepers come in a range of shapes and sizes, so how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, we'll explain the different types of herbs and their storage needs and go through the most important things to look for in an herb keeper.
Not all herbs should be stored the same way, so it’s important to choose an herb keeper that works for their needs. Think about what kinds of dishes you cook and which herbs you buy most often.
Tender herbs include herbs with soft leaves and stems, like parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint. To keep them fresh, look for a container that can hold them upright in your fridge with their stems in water.
Basil is a little bit different. Unlike other tender herbs, it shouldn’t be stored in the refrigerator since it’s sensitive to cold temperatures. Instead, place the stems in a container, fill with water just so the stem ends are covered, and store them upright on your counter.
Hardy herbs include herbs with woody stems and tougher leaves, like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. They need some moisture so they won’t dry out, although too much water will cause them to become slimy.
They store best when wrapped in a moist paper towel and then placed in a container or sealable bag in your fridge. Chives are often considered a tender herb but should be stored like hardy herbs.
If you tend to buy a mix of tender herbs, hardy herbs, and basil, it’s a good idea to invest in multiple herb keepers so you can store each one in their optimal conditions.
Since basil needs to be stored at room temperature, you might have one herb keeper for your fridge and one for your counter. You could also buy an upright herb keeper with a water basin for storing tender herbs and a horizontal container for your hardy herbs.
When you’re pulling just a few stalks out of a bunch of herbs, it can be easy for them to get tangled up together, especially tender herbs. Luckily, herb keepers come in a range of creative designs to allow you easy access.
Some open at the side so you can pull the herbs out by their stems, while others open at the top like a traditional storage container.
Others feature a two-piece construction with a basket and container. The herbs sit in the basket, which goes into the water-filled container. When you’re ready to use them, simply pull the basket up and out of the water and select your herbs.
You could just use a plastic Tupperware or Mason jar to store herbs, but specialized herb keepers offer enough perks to make them worthwhile. They can be easier to use and work better, too.
If you’re storing tender herbs, you’ll want a container that you can fill partway with water. Ideally, you should change this water every couple of days. This means that you’ll want a water basin that’s easy to fill, easy to empty, and easy to see into to check the water clarity and level.
Some herb keepers are filled from the top and require you to remove the herbs each time. Others have a spout that you can use to empty and refill the water. In addition, make sure you can actually see how much water you’re putting in to avoid overfilling.
Both lack of oxygen and too much oxygen can be your herbs’ enemies. Without enough airflow, the storage environment will grow too moist, leading to decay, mold, and slimy herbs. However, too much airflow can turn tender herbs brown and dry them out. An herb keeper can help you get just the right amount of ventilation.
While hardy herbs do well in an enclosed container, tender herbs will thrive with a small amount of airflow. Therefore, look for a container that has vents or openings to allow some fresh air to circulate.
Since most herbs should be stored in the fridge, don’t forget to consider how much space an herb keeper will take up; for many people, fridge space is valuable real estate! For hardy herbs, you can find horizontal, stackable containers that can help save space.
Since tender herbs need to be stored upright, make sure to measure the height of your refrigerator shelves. Some herb keepers can even fit in the door of your fridge. Upright containers are easier to knock over, so you might want to look for one that has a tight seal to mitigate spills.
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OXO's herb keeper features a two-piece construction, with a clear outer container and a removable basket that allows for 360-degree air circulation. For easy access to your herbs, use the handle to pull the basket out, then open it like a book. You can fill the bottom of the container with water for tender herbs.
A few reviewers warned that the lid is loose and comes off easily. Still, most reviewers said this herb keeper effectively extends the shelf life of herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint, as well as vegetables like asparagus and lettuce. Furthermore, the contents are easy to access, and the whole thing is a breeze to clean!
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Keep multiple herbs fresh in Cole & Mason's herb keeper, which comes with three removable dividers so you can store up to four types of herbs at once. The clear top has air vents to help reduce moisture buildup and can collapse down for easy storage. A water-level window at the bottom lets you know when the basin needs refilling.
This herb keeper is difficult to clean for some users, while others noted that taller herbs don't always fit. Still, many were pleased to report that it keeps their herbs fresh for weeks. They said it's large enough to hold multiple types of herbs and they appreciated that the clear top can be adjusted to different heights.
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This 4.7-quart container from Progressive International has an adjustable air vent that allows for different amounts of airflow. The container has holes at the bottom and a tray to catch excess moisture. It comes with a removable divider, and the design and size makes it easy to get woody herbs like rosemary, oregano or marjoram in and out.
While the manufacturer states that it's dishwasher-safe, reviewers reported that the lid has a tendency to warp, resulting in a loose fit. However, many reviewers found that this container works wonderfully for lettuce, produce, and herbs. They said it holds plenty.
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For tall bunches of herbs or even veggies, check out this herb keeper made from glass and stainless steel. It's designed with an inner basket you pull up using the knob at the top. Water can be added to the bottom of the glass container and air vents in the lid allow for circulation.
Some reviewers didn't like the design of this herb keeper, saying it's fragile or hard to clean. Others noted that it's on the larger size, so be sure to measure your fridge space. On the plus side, many reviewers were pleased with how much it can hold and how long it keeps herbs fresh. They said it helped reduce their waste in the kitchen!
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The Eco Herb Savor Pod consists of a clear plastic pod and a fillable base with a small footprint that can fit easily in your fridge. Open the pod like a book to insert your herbs, then place it in the base and use the spout to fill the basin with water. With this design, herbs stay protected and out of your way until you need them.
Longer herbs may need to be trimmed to fit in the pod, as some reviewers said it's too short. Others said it was hard to open the pod to access their herbs. Still, plenty of reviewers were pleased with how long their herbs last in this keeper, especially cilantro. Additionally, they appreciated that it fits in the door of their refrigerator.
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Reviewers mention it's not totally spill-proof even though the parts screw together. However, most agree it's a step up from a glass with a plastic baggie over it, not only in appearance but functionality. They also like the simplicity.
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This herb keeper uses a basket connected to a flip-up lid. When you open the lid, the basket will automatically rise. A silicone plug near the bottom helps you drain and refill without needing to open the top. This keeper can fit up to three bunches of herbs and is dishwasher-safe!
A couple of reviewers noted that lightweight bunches may not stay submerged, but can float. Still, the majority of reviewers agreed that it keeps herbs fresh and crisp for weeks. In addition to herbs like cilantro and parsley, they also had success using it to store celery, asparagus, and green onions.
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The futuristic-looking herb keeper pod from Prepara is slim and sleek, making it a great space-saving option. The clear window hinges open so you can add your herbs; then use the lidded spout to add water.
The main complaint reviewers had was that the door doesn't always stay closed. Some use rubber bands for extra security. Despite this, many said the pod works wonderfully to keep their herbs like new for weeks. They were also pleased with their small footprint, saying they take up little space in the fridge or on the counter.
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This herb keeper from Honey-Can-Do is both cute and functional. The basket lifts up with the lid, which has a decorative leaf on top. The main body is made of borosilicate glass and has a fill line so you know how much water to add.
Not everyone loved the design of this herb keeper. Some reviewers found it to be slippery or difficult to insert herbs into. Others noted it can be too short for longer stems. Despite these complaints, many reviewers said it effectively extends the life of their herbs, including dill, parsley, cilantro, and mint.
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Hutzler's Herb Saver is sweet and simple, with a design reminiscent of a terra cotta pot. It comes with three pieces: a base to fill with water, a ring to keep your herbs in place, and a cover to keep them protected. Stash it in the door of your refrigerator for easy access and toss it in the dishwasher for quick cleanup.
While some reviewers liked the design of this herb keeper, others said the top is hard to open and close. Some warned that it cracks easily. Aside from this, users found that their herbs stayed fresh and perky for many days. They used it for mint, cilantro, Italian parsley, and even asparagus.
To get the most out of your herbs, wash them before storing them. This will help remove debris and bacteria that can lead to faster decay. Once your herbs are clean, dry them thoroughly. You can do this in a salad spinner, with paper towels, or with a dishtowel. It’s important to get as much water off of the herbs as you can since too much moisture can promote decay.
Once your tender herbs are safely in their herb keeper, change the water every couple of days. When you do this, give them a quick check and remove any brown or slimy herbs from the bunch. Hardy herbs can be wrapped in a damp paper towel once dry, and stored in an upright or horizontal container without added water.
Place your herb keeper in a spot in the fridge where it doesn't get extremely cold. You don't want to accidentally expose them to frost damage!
Fresh herbs add flavor without adding sodium to your foods, and can be prepared in all sorts of delicious ways. Check out more of our favorite products to help you include them into your cooking!
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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