Living herbs are a great way to have more fresh herbs available without so much waste. It seems every time I buy a package of basil, it turns brown within a couple of days. (Maybe it’s because we live up north and our produce isn’t always the freshest – who knows?) So… I started my living herb collection with basil being our favorite. Just last week, I used a few leaves for Saucy Italian Baked Eggs and Fresh Vietnamese Salad Bowls. Living basil costs $4.98 for 1 bunch here versus $2.98 for a package of cut basil. It ends up being way more affordable in the long run to buy the living herbs because some of them last for 6-8 weeks for me. And if I don’t harvest too much from then at once, they’ll even last up to 3 months! Also if you end up buying living rosemary or thyme to store in the refrigerator, they last much longer than cut herbs. So depending on prices where you live, having more herbs in the fridge is now more affordable.
There’s a few key points when it comes to how to maintain living herbs:
Which herbs last the best in water? And which are better refrigerated or planted?
I’m not sure how many mason jars full of herbs I can fit on my best window spot. But I’m sure trying to add to the collection, (4 herb plants and counting!). And I’m hoping to add mint this week if it’s back in stock.
Inspiration for recipes using fresh herbs:
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken & Rice (chives) Easy Sriracha Tuna Salad (chives) Summer Strawberry Kombucha Mocktails (mint) Pineapple Cucumber Green Smoothie (mint) Thai Basil Turkey Lettuce Wraps (basil) Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken & Veggies (basil) Rosemary Sea Salt Roasted Almonds (rosemary) The Best Rosemary Potatoes (rosemary) Sweet Potato Sausage Apple Hash (sage) Browned Butter Maple Sage Carrots (sage) Creamy Dairy Free Clam Chowder (thyme) Creamy Dairy Free Tuscan Chicken (thyme)
What’s your favorite fresh herb to use in cooking? This post was originally published in 2014, and has been updated with more information and new photos in 2021.
