Fresh herbs make better infusions. Store them badly and they dry out, lose their aroma or even grow mold, and your butter and oil will taste flat. Here's how to keep dried herbs fresh for months.
The 4 enemies of freshness
- Air: oxygen slowly breaks down aroma and flavor.
- Light: sunlight and UV fade herbs fast.
- Heat: warm spots speed everything up. Keep herbs below room temperature if you can.
- Humidity: too much moisture invites mold; too little makes herbs brittle and dusty.
How to store herbs the right way
- Use airtight glass jars. Glass doesn't hold onto smells and won't affect flavor. Fill jars most of the way so there's less air inside.
- Keep them dark. Amber or opaque jars are best. If yours are clear, keep them inside a closed box or cabinet.
- Find a cool, steady spot. A cabinet away from the stove, dishwasher and windows works well. Avoid the fridge, where temperature swings can cause condensation.
- Control humidity. A small two-way humidity pack in each jar keeps herbs from drying out or getting damp.
- Don't over-handle. Open jars only when you need to, and use clean, dry hands or tools.
- Label and date. Know what's in each jar and how long it's been there.
Keep it all in one place
A storage box keeps your jars dark, organized and protected, and a lock keeps them private.
Our lockable bamboo storage box has a combination lock, odor control and a slide-out tray. Just $35.99 when you add it to any infuser order.
Add to cart Learn moreHow long do dried herbs last?
Stored well, dried herbs keep their best flavor for roughly 6 to 12 months. Smell is your best test: if the aroma is faint, it's time to use them up in a big batch of infused butter.
FAQ
Can I freeze herbs?
You can, but freezing and thawing can make them brittle and damp. For most people, a cool, dark cabinet is better.
Plastic bags or containers?
Glass is better. Plastic can hold odors and let air through over time.
Do I need to decarb before storing?
No. Store herbs as they are and decarb right before infusing. See our decarb guide.
