How many times have you brought beautifully fresh herbs and vegetables from the market or the store, only to have them wilt, turn moldy or lose their flavor in a few days? 

It's frustrating, isn't it? Not only are we missing out on quality food, but we are also wasting money and contributing to the environmental problem of food waste. 

The good news is that there are simple and effective ways to extend the freshness of your favorite herbs and vegetables. 

Let's take a look at them!

Why is proper storage important?

Did you know that statistics show that up to 30% of fresh food is thrown away due to improper storage? That's a huge amount that not only puts a strain on our wallet, but also on the planet. 

Food waste contributes to CO2 emissions, unnecessary use of water and land, and increases pressure on the production of more food. If we learn how to store herbs and vegetables properly, we can not only save money but also help to protect the environment.

How to store fresh herbs properly

1. Storage in the fridge

For most herbs such as parsley, coriander or dill, the refrigerator is the ideal place. Here are two proven methods:

- The wet paper method: wrap the herbs in a damp paper napkin and place them in a plastic bag or resealable container. The moisture helps keep the herbs fresh, while the paper absorbs excess water that could cause mold.

- Jars of water: Like flowers, herbs can last longer if you submerge their stems in a jar of water. Cover the top of the herbs with a plastic bag and secure with a rubber band. Coriander and parsley in particular will appreciate this method.

2. Storage outside the fridge

Some herbs, such as basil, prefer room temperature. Place them in a jar of water on the kitchen counter, but out of direct sunlight. This will keep the basil fresh and fragrant.

3. Alternative preservation methods

- Freezing: Chop the herbs, place them in ice cube trays and cover with a little water or oil. The cubes can easily be used in cooking.

- Drying: Hang the herbs in a dry and well-ventilated place, or dry them in the oven on low heat. Keep them in closed containers to preserve the aroma.

- Herb pastes: Mix fresh herbs with olive oil and store in the fridge or freezer. This method is ideal for making homemade pesto.

How to store fresh vegetables properly

1. Each type of vegetable requires a different approach to storage:

- Root vegetables: Carrots, celery or beets will last longer if you wrap them in damp paper or store them in a container with sand.

- Leafy greens: Store spinach and lettuce in plastic or glass containers with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

- Fruit vegetables: Store tomatoes at room temperature as they lose their flavour in the fridge. However, cucumbers and peppers belong in the fridge.

2. Cucumbers and peppers should be kept in the refrigerator until they are cool enough to eat.

- Perforated bags: Use bags with small holes that allow air to circulate and prevent moisture build-up.

- Proper washing: Do not wash vegetables before storage as moisture can accelerate spoilage. The exception is if you dry it immediately.

- Separation of fruit and vegetables: Some fruits, such as apples, release ethylene, which accelerates the ripening and spoilage of vegetables.

How to minimize wastage of herbs and vegetables

Meal planning

Meal planning is key to making efficient use of all the ingredients you buy. Think about the recipes you will be making before you buy and include all the ingredients you have available. For example, leftover herbs such as coriander or parsley can be used not only in main dishes but also in soups, salads or smoothies. 

If you know you won't use some ingredients right away, try incorporating them into other dishes during the week. This way, you'll not only minimize waste, but also save money and time.

Using leftovers

The leftover vegetables you have after cooking don't have to end up in the bin. You can use them to make homemade vegetable stock that can be used as a base for soups, sauces or risottos. 

The cooked vegetables can also be blended to make vegetable patties, spreads or even baking fillings. If you have leftover carrots, courgettes or potatoes, for example, try combining them with spices to create a tasty and healthy meal. Using leftovers is not only eco-friendly, but also a creative way to enrich your diet.

Composting

If you do have leftover parts of vegetables or herbs that can't be used, try composting them. Composting is a great way to turn organic waste into natural fertilizer for your plants. Leftovers such as carrot peels, herb stems or lettuce leaves can become a valuable source of nutrients for your garden or houseplants. 

In addition, composting helps reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. This helps to protect the environment while promoting healthy growth of

Practical tools and gadgets

Special containers

Invest in special vegetable storage containers that regulate humidity and help keep vegetables fresher for longer. 

These containers are ideal for leafy greens such as lettuce or spinach as they prevent them from wilting quickly. 

In addition, they help minimize food waste by extending the shelf life of your ingredients. Thanks to them, you can always have fresh ingredients ready to use.

DIY solution

If you don't want to invest in special containers, you can make your own cloth bags for herbs or use jars you already have at home. Cloth bags are a great alternative to plastic containers and allow the herbs to breathe, prolonging their freshness. 

Jars, on the other hand, can be used to store chopped herbs or smaller pieces of vegetables. This way you not only save money, but also contribute to a more sustainable way of life.

Inspiration for recipes with fresh herbs and vegetables

- Herb pesto: mix basil, garlic, olive oil and nuts. Ideal on pasta or as a spread.

- Vegetable Soup: Use a variety of vegetables and herbs to create a tasty and nutritious soup.

- Salads: combine fresh vegetables with herbs to create a refreshing salad.

- Herb Butter: Mix chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, with vegetable butter. Great on bread or potatoes.

- Vegetable patties: Mix leftover vegetables with spices to create tasty patties that you can fry or bake.

- Herbal tea: Pour hot water over fresh herbs such as mint or lemon balm to make a refreshing tea.

- Vegetable stir-fry: Quickly sauté vegetables in a pan with a little oil, garlic and herbs.

- Mix chopped herbs, olive oil, lemon juice and spices for a tasty salad dressing.

- Stuffed Vegetables: Fill bell peppers, zucchini or tomatoes with a mixture of vegetables, herbs and grains such as quinoa or rice.

- Herbed Potatoes: Sprinkle baked potatoes with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for extra flavor.

- Vegetable smoothie: Blend fresh vegetables, such as spinach or cucumber, with herbs and fruit for a healthy drink.

Conclusion

Proper storage of fresh herbs and vegetables is not only about extending their shelf life, but also about protecting our planet and saving money. Try some of these tips today and share your experiences in the comments. Together we can take a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle! 🌱