How to Store Fresh Herbs: Arturo's Restaurant in Branford, CT.
- accounts07215
- May 20
- 2 min read
Why Proper Herb Storage Matters in Branford's Climate
Fresh herbs add bright flavor to salads, sauces, and mains—but they wilt fast without the right method. By tailoring storage to the herb’s characteristics, you can extend shelf life from just a few days up to three weeks or more. At Arturo’s, we rely on top‑quality ingredients—knowing your herbs stay fresh means every dish tastes its best, whether you’re dining in our restaurant in Branford, CT or ordering online for catering.
Storing Soft Herbs in the Refrigerator
Soft, tender herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, mint) thrive when kept moist but not waterlogged.
Trim & Rinse: Remove ties, discard any yellow leaves, rinse gently under cool water, and spin or pat dry thoroughly.
Bouquet Method: Trim 1 inch off stems, place upright in a jar with 1–2 inches of water (leaves stay above the rim), then loosely cover with a plastic bag before refrigerating. Change the water and re‑trim stems every 2–3 days.
Damp Towel Method: Lay washed herbs on a barely damp paper towel, roll gently, and slip into a resealable bag with slight airflow, then store in the crisper drawer. Re-moisten the towel if it dries out.
Storing Hardy, Woody Herbs
Woody herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano) prefer a drier environment.
Paper Towel Wrap: After washing and drying, wrap loosely in a lightly damp paper towel and place in an airtight container or bag in the fridge
Check weekly for any signs of mold or discoloration to ensure freshness up to three weeks
Countertop Storage for Basil
Basil darkens and loses flavor in cold temperatures, so keep it on the counter.
Vase Method: Trim stems and place basil like a bouquet in a jar of fresh water; change the water every 2 days and remove any wilted leaves.
Stored at room temperature, basil can stay vibrant for up to two weeks.
Freezing and Drying Excess Herbs
When you have more herbs than you can use fresh, preserve them for later:
Freezing: Chop herbs and pack into ice‑cube trays, cover with water or olive oil, freeze, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag for sauces and soups .
Drying: Tie small bunches upside down in a warm, airy spot until crisp, then store leaves in airtight jars away from light.
Bringing It All Together at Arturo’s Restaurant
At Arturo’s Restaurant in Branford, CT, we apply these storage techniques daily to ensure every dish—from our house‑made burrata starter to signature pasta and Taco Tuesday specials—features the freshest herbs possible. Looking for “restaurants in Branford CT” or “Mexican Italian restaurant near me”? Enjoy our herb‑accented menu items in‑house, order online for delivery or catering, reserve online for date night, or pick up gift certificates for friends and family. We also offer full catering and special‑event services—ask about private parties, corporate lunches, and our popular Wednesday wine deals when you call or visit our website www.arturosrestaurantct.com