5 Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why?

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Want to know about Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why? We have details to ensure you do not put the wrong ones there!

Storing herbs is the best way to ensure they keep fresh for a long time to come. However, there are a few ones that you should avoid refrigerating. If you want to know about the Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why, then read ahead!

Here are all the details you need about pruning herbs the right way


Why You Should Not Keep Herbs in the Refrigerator?

Generally, people store herbs in the refrigerator immediately after buying them from the grocery store, as they are unaware that herbs wilt quickly in the fridge. You can keep them crisp and fresh by submerging them in a glass jar filled with water.

1. Basil

Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why
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Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum

Basil is highly sensitive to cold and its leaves can turn black in the refrigerator. It’s better stored at room temperature, ideally in a glass of water, like fresh flowers.

Check out our article on growing basil here

2. Cilantro

best Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why
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Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro can wilt and lose its fresh, citrusy flavor when refrigerated. It’s best kept in a jar of water at room temperature, covered loosely with a plastic bag.

Note: Like cilantro, when refrigerated, parsley can wilt and lose its vibrant color and flavor. 

Learn everything about growing Cilantro here

3. Mint

top Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata

Mint leaves can become limp and lose their vibrant color and potent flavor in the cold environment of a fridge. Like basil and cilantro, it thrives better in a glass of water at room temperature.

A Tip: You can keep the leaves fresh by wrapping them in moist paper towels and putting them in a Ziploc bag, but do not seal and store them in the refrigerator.

Here’s everything you need to know about growing mint

4. Dill

Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why in glass
Anethum graveolens

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens

After harvesting, the leaves of dill wilt fast, but the flavor will not change. Just sprinkle some water on the stems, wrap it in a paper towel, and place dill in a Ziploc bag.

Check out our article on growing dill here

5. Tarragon

Herbs You Should Never Keep in Fridge and Why 3

Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus

Though, you can store tarragon in the refrigerator or keep it in a damp paper towel and place it in a Ziploc bag or in a jar filled with water.


The Bottom Line

Chives should be refrigerated to maintain their crisp texture and onion-like flavor. Store them in a plastic bag or container.

Even though keeping these herbs in a fridge can make them lose their flavor, there’s no harm in keeping them refrigerated for a day.

If you are looking forward to keeping the herbs preserved for a long time so that they maintain their flavor, we have a detailed article on it here.  

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