Week 3: Herbs That Last

Fresh Today, Flavorful Tomorrow: How to Keep Herbs from Going to Waste

Last week in Week 2, we talked about freezing fruits for smoothies—but what about the fresh herbs that add flavor to those blends, or to quick meals like salsa, sauces, and stews?

Fresh aromatic herbs—like thyme, basil, parsley, mint, and rosemary—are some of my favorite ingredients to cook with, preserve, and enjoy year-round.

Whether you’re harvesting herbs from your garden or buying in bulk from a store like Restaurant Depot, these vibrant greens are also some of the quickest to spoil. Basil and mint can wilt within days, and bunches of parsley and cilantro often go limp in the back of the fridge.

As someone who uses herbs generously in Ghanaian tomato stew, soups, and stir-fries, I’ve learned how to make every leaf count.

🌿 Smart Herb Strategies

  • Wash herbs as soon as you get home to remove dirt and reduce bacterial spoilage.

  • Use fresh herbs in big-batch meals like:

    • Tomato stew

    • Pasta sauces

    • Soups and broths

  • Freeze the rest in a variety of forms:

    • Whole leaves

    • Roughly chopped

    • Blended with water or oil in ice cube trays

    • Even if herbs like basil or mint lose a bit of color, they still add great flavor to smoothies, stir-fries, and grain bowls.

💰 My Herb Buying Tips

Buying herbs in bulk can stretch your dollar and your pantry. Here’s how I do it:

  • Buy what you use most in large bundles—like basil, mint, and thyme. I prefer to get mine from Restaurant Depot, where the price per ounce is far better than grocery stores.

  • Grow what’s easy or available near you. Rosemary, for example, is easy to grow in pots—so try planting some at home or even at work! You might also be lucky, like me, to live in a neighborhood where rosemary bushes are everywhere and free for the picking.

  • Buy per use for herbs you don’t use as often. I personally buy cilantro and parsley in smaller amounts when I need them.

🌱 Not All Herbs Behave the Same

  • Soft herbs (like basil, mint, cilantro): Best preserved chopped or blended. Discoloration is normal but flavor stays intact.

  • Hardy herbs (like rosemary, thyme): Excellent for drying and long-term flavor infusions.

🧂 How to Preserve Hardy Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme)

  • Hang to dry in bundles or dehydrate at low heat.

  • Store sprigs whole or crumble into jars.

  • Use to flavor roasted meats, veggies, and stews.

💡 Extra Ideas:

  • Blend with onion or garlic and freeze into cubes.

  • Add fresh sprigs to homemade pickles for a flavor boost.

  • Add to homemade broths.

👉 DIY Herb Salt Tip:
Blend dried rosemary and thyme with sea salt. Pulse in a spice grinder and store in jars for an easy way to season vegetables, meats, or fries.

❄️ Freezing Tips for All Herbs

 

  • Wash and dry herbs thoroughly.

  • Chop or blend with water/oil and portion into cubes.

  • Label with herb type and freeze date.

  • Use FIFO (first in, first out) to prevent waste.

  • Store in sizes you’ll actually use (1–2 tablespoons).

⚠️ Freezer Safety Tip
Once removed, herbs begin to thaw quickly and may degrade. Return unused portions to the freezer immediately to preserve texture and flavor.

📝 Final Thoughts

Fresh herbs are best used right away but life gets busy. A little prep now can save you money, reduce waste, and keep your meals full of flavor later.

Whether you’re storing basil for a quick stew or freezing mint for tea, preserving herbs ensures you’re always just a sprinkle or cube away from something delicious.

This Wraps Up the Stretch & Preserve Series

We’ve turned short-term ingredients into long-term flavor—covering how to preserve fruits and herbs so you can reduce waste, save money, and build a smarter pantry.

But it doesn’t stop here. These same stretch strategies can be used for vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peppers, zucchini, and even cucumbers. The more you prep ahead, the easier it becomes to create delicious meals from what you already have on hand.

👉 Stay tuned for more smart kitchen tips, ingredient-saving strategies, and meal ideas to help you cook with intention and stretch every bite.

💛 Thank you for reading!
Whether you’re here to save money, reduce food waste, or make healthier meals for your family—I’m so glad you’re on this journey with me. Keep stretching those ingredients and savoring every bite.

With love,
Alice aka SpiceQueen
Creator of The Stretch Pantry