How To Store Parsley To Keep It Fresh

Refrigerating method is one of the methods to keep your parsley fresh. This method helps to keep your parsley fresh and retain its flavor for longer use than usual. Parsleys can last up to a week using this method.

1. Jar with Water

First, clean the parsley effectively by gapping and rubbing each under cold water to remove any dirt. If there is excess water remaining on the parsley then shake it well with the help of hands otherwise, you can also use a salad spinner to dry the parsley.

It is considerable that some moisture remains on the parsley. Then stream the ends of the parsley stems and remove the roots if any. Now place the trimmed parsley stems in a clean jar or glass adding about 1 inch of water like a flower bouquet.

After that, cover the parsley with a cover loosely and jar with a plastic bag or wrap leaving some gap for airflow. Then store the jar in the refrigerator. It is recommended to clean the jar and change the water after 2 to 3 days to prevent bacteria. 

2. Damp Paper Towel Method

First, wash the parsley with clean water and dry it properly using the salad spinner or paper towels until it gets dried properly. Then put the parsley on a clean, flat, and dry surface and warp it loosely in a damp paper towel.

Now place the wrapped parsley in a plastic bag that can be resealed making sure it is not tightly packed. Then seal the bag maintaining a small gap for air circulation, and store it in the drawers of your refrigerator. This method helps to keep the parsley fresh for about 7 to 10 days.

3. Plastic Bag Method

After washing and drying the parsley keep it in the resealable plastic bag directly. Consider gently squeezing out the air as much as possible before sealing. This helps to reduce the oxidation. Then seal the plastic bag properly and store it in the fridge.

This method helps to keep parsley fresh for about 7 days but in this method, it requires lots of monitoring for moisture balance that can cause spoilage. Use it properly according to guidance and be aware regarding the risk of parsley being damaged.

4. Herb Keeper Method

In this method use a container called Herb Keeper to keep your parsley fresh. Herb keeper is a container that is designed to maintain the freshness of herbs. While keeping the parsley consider filling the base with a small amount of water and putting the clean and dried parsley inside it. 

After that close the lid making sure that the parsley is facing to the upper and the stems are submerged partially to the level of the stem in the water. Then store the herb keeper inside the refrigerator and change the water after 2 to 3 days.

The freezing method is another alternative to keep your parsley fresh and retain the color and flavors for a longer period than the refrigeration method. Here the parsley is converted into ice cubes that can be stored for longer periods.

5. Dry Freeze

In this method firstly wash and dry parsley properly then remove the leaves from the stems and chop the parsley into small pieces like you do before adding it to the food you cook. Then put the chopped parsley pieces into a layer of the baking sheet using paper.

Then put the baking sheet in the freezer until the chopped parsley gets completely frozen in 1 to hours. Shift the frozen parsley to an airtight container, jar, or freezer bag then put it inside the freezer. This method helps to keep parsley fresh for about 6 months.

6. Flash Freeze

In this method wash and dry the parsley properly leaving the leaves whole in stems without cutting. Then put the fresh washed parsley whole leaves on the baking sheet with parchment paper. Then put the baking sheet into the freezer until it becomes solid.

Then shift the frozen parsley into the airtight container, jar, or freeze bag by squeezing the air out of the bag as much as possible. This method helps to preserve the parsley maintaining its freshness for about 6 months.

7. Water Cubes

Do the same process as mentioned before that is to wash and clean the fresh parsley properly with clean water then chop the parsley into small pieces. Then pack the chopped parsley into ice cube trays by filling each compartment of the tray partially.

Then pour water into the parsley in each compartment in a full. Then freeze them until they get solid. Now take the freezer parsley cubes out of the store by popping them and then put them into the freezer bag, These cubes can be directly served.

8. Olive Oil Cubes

The same process is repeated like the above method but the water is replaced by the olive oil here. Firstly chop the parsley into small pieces as used while serving after washing it with clean water and drying them.

Then place the parsley pieces into the ice cube tray filling each compartment with olive oil partially Do this in a 50-50 manner where the parsley content is half and the remaining half is olive oil. Then freeze it into a refrigerator then transfer the cubes into a freeze bag.

The drying method is another alternative to keep the parsley long-lasting for years. In this method, the parcels are dried and stored using different drying methods which helps to retain the color and flavor for years.

9. Air Drying

Firstly gather the small bunches of parsley then tie it with the help of a kitchen string. Then hang the bunches placing them upside done in a warm, dry, and well-vaporated area where direct sunlight is absent. Make the parsley completely dry.

This drying process takes usually up to 1 to weeks to dry completely depending upon the humidity. Once the parsley are dried crumble the leaves using hand and store them into an airtight container keeping away from direct sunlight, The air-dried parsley can last a year.

10. Oven Drying

Oven drying is done by using the regular oven available in the kitchen at your home. First, set your oven to its lowest setting which is around 170°F. Then the washed and dried parsley into a baking sheet using a paper.

Then put the baking sheet inside the oven by keeping the door open a little. That will help the moisture to escape from oven. Dry the parsley for about 2-4 hours checking it every time until it gets fry and becomes brittle. Store the dried parsley after drying.

11. Microwave Drying

At first wash and dry the parsley with clean water. Make sure that it is completely dry before putting it into a microwave. Then put the dried parsley between the two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Keep microwave settings high for about 30 sec.

Then check the parsley that is inside the microwave from time to time. Repeat the process until the parsley becomes dry and brittle in touch. Crumble the dried parsley using your hands and store it in an airtight jar. This method helps to sustain the flavor of parsley for 6 months.

12. Dehydrator Drying

In the first step keep the washed and dried parsley into dehydrator trays using a paper. the set the dehydrator up to 95°F to 115°F for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. The duration should depend on the machine and the moisture available on the parsley.

Then check the parsley from time to time to make sure it is properly dried. It needs to crumble easily when fully dried. Store the dried parsley in an airtight container available keeping it in a cool and dry place. This method helps to retain the color and flavor of parsley for a year.

The process of storing parsley aims to preserve them for a longer period. When you follow the above-given steps, you will able to use parsley for a longer period than usual, but now comes the question; How long can we expect to keep them intact?

Generally, we can say their quality can last up to weeks, months, or a year depending upon the method you applied. However, the ideal conditions can help to keep them for years or more. The key factors that consider their shelf life are moisture, light, and air exposure.

Storage Tips

• The first that needs to be done is to keep them in a place with low humidity, somewhere dry and cool, as these are the conditions they are preserved. Store them in an airtight container putting them away from direct sunlight to help maintain their potency.
• The second thing you need to do is to use glass jars or airtight plastic containers that is sealed with lids. These protect dried peppers from unwanted air and humidity.
• Label and date the container to indicate the date of storage. This will help you track their freshness and use them within their optimal period, around 6 months to a year.

Are Stored Parsley Tastier Than Fresh?

It depends on what you are making. The same can be said for the difference between fresh dill and dried dill. Both are very subtle and require larger amounts when dried, but also are more consistent in recipes using dried dill and parsley. You would notice the difference in the outcome of Ranch dressing.

Dried parsley is a key ingredient as the leaves are crushed in the palm of your hand to increase its even infusion, and when used fresh it will impact a “green grass” flavor. Also, using fresh parsley in cold prepared foods, if not thoroughly washed, can increase the chances of microbial growth, therefore giving Ranch dressing, for example, a shorter shelf life than the dressing made with dried parsley.

To get the best out of the drying parsley methods, proper storage is crucial. While the above ways can be helpful, stay with us for more effective methods.

Vacuum-sealed Container

Do not get confused with the name; in simple words, it is meant to use jars, bags, or containers that are airtight. These can shield air exposure that can cause the jars to lose flavor and become brittle over time.

For the best airtight container, you might want to choose a glass jar. The reusable plastic bag may not provide a complete seal against moisture. Fill the container tightly and label it to keep track of the batches.

Store in Cool and Dry Place

After drying parsley and keeping them in an airtight container, look for a cool and dark corner in the cupboard or pantry. These places keep direct sunlight and heat away. They provide the required amount of light and heat for dried parsley.

Also, remember that refrigeration can increase shelf life, but it is not ideal for dried parsley. Cold temperatures and changing humidity in the refrigerator can cause them to lose their flavor.

Maintain The Cool Temperature

The cool temperature and low humidity levels are perfect for storing dried parsley. Heat can cause a loss of flavor. Try to put them away from direct sunlight and maintain a cool temperature.

It is better to store them in a basement as these places are suitable for cool and stable humidity levels. Keep the temperature consistent for the parsley throughout.

Look Out if the Parsley is Dried

Regularly checking the dried parsley is a must. The dried and dehydrated texture is a sign that they are properly dried. When you squeeze these dried parsley it needs to be crumbled properly.

Moisture can cause mold growth and spoilage to the dried parsley. For better results, it is recommended to use a fast drying method by applying dehydrated or oven.

Check for Signs of Spoilage

Before you store them, you are also required to check their quality. Even after proper drying the dried parsley is at risk of spoilage. Look out for signs of moisture and mold development in the container or on the parsley.

If there are any insect activities, discard this parsley. Smell the parsley; if they have a strong, off-putting odor, they are not good to store. Stored parsley can last more than a year, but make sure their storage conditions remain ideal. 

Apart from storing leftover parsley in your kitchen it can also be used dried and has different benefits that motivate you to dry and store it. 

Increased Shelf Life

One of the obvious benefits is the increased shelf life of dried parsley. It allows you to enjoy this flavored parsley for a longer time. When parsley is dried correctly, moisture is reduced, which minimizes spoilage.

This means you can enjoy them for several months to even years, depending on storage conditions. It also reduces food waste and the convenience you have as it ensures you have a ready supply of parsley during festive times.

Better Flavor

The drying parsley has little to no amount of moisture. This helps to increase the content of flavonoids, which is responsible for improving the flavor of this parsley.

Besides, dried parsley has a long-lasting flavor for a long period. Whether you take them out after a month or a year from your pantry, they can give the kick your culinary delights require.

Nutritional Benefits

While being used for food to add additional flavor and color parsley is also used for other medicinal uses. These little parsley are filled with nutrients. They contain antioxidants in it and are rich in vitamin C which helps to improve your immune system of your body.

It doesn't lose its importance even after drying and has retained its nutrients. Also, it is rich in fiber which improves your digestive system after consuming.

Versatility in Cooking

Apart from their great nutritional value, dried parsley can help maintain diverse tastes in your culinary applications. Their unique flavor can enhance your food.

You can make a variety of food at your home and mix some portion of dried parsley into items like soups, fish, chicken, mutton, and noodles to give extra flavor to them. Other items like pizza, potatoes, and chips can also be mixed with dried parsley for a better taste.

It is a common herb that is used to add flavor to food by most of the household kitchen. At present it is farmed and used in food all around the world for different purposes. The leafy green plant is small and strong, and its leaves can be used in all sorts of recipes from tabbouleh and pesto to pizza and tempura.

There are 3 main varieties of parsley:

• Curled leaf parsley
• Flat-leaf parsley
• Hamburg parsley

Most herbs, when dried, undergo a complete concentration process flavor-wise. That is not the case with parsley. Fresh and dried parsley have major flavor differences. Both dried and fresh conditions are different forms of parsley. It is essential to know about their differences.

The dried form of parsley is similar to fresh with additional flavor and smell to it. But fresh parsley adds a fresh smell to any kind of dish you cook on your own. Parsley is better during fresh as the freshness and greenery color are being preserved to add extra color and flavor to your food.

Nutritional Values

Unlike many other herbs and spices, the nutritional quotient of parsley remains the same for dry and fresh forms. Recent research has brought to light the fact that the nutrients in it have a higher concentration as compared to other dried herbs.

Parsley mostly undergoes the drying process after the harvest. As a result, carotenoids and polyphenols have a very low degradation time.

Uses 

You can use fresh parsley for making chimichurri sauce as well. Blend fresh parsley with garlic, olive oil, and cilantro, and voila! Use this sauce as a dipping sauce or even as a marinade.

Dried parsley can be used in boiled, braised meat-based dishes. You can also use dried parsley to make oven-baked herbed vegetables. An added advantage of dried parsley is the long cooking hours. The nutrition and taste are not compromised even on high heat.