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Tips & Tricks for Storing Fresh Herbs

August 30, 2023 General /Family

Growing fresh herbs in your garden, window boxes or even a few flowerpots is a fun summertime activity for children of all ages. Using fresh herbs can also turn a bland or boring meal into one that’s bursting with flavor! It’s best to use fresh herbs right after you pick them or buy them at the market, but that’s not always possible. Follow these three simple steps to keep your herbs fresher for longer.

Storing Fresh Herbs

Step #1

Basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, mint, and other soft herbs should be treated like flowers. Snip the bottoms off the stems and put the herbs in a drinking glass with an inch or two of water. Keep basil at room temperature, but for other soft herbs, cover loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Change the water when it gets cloudy.

Step #2

For herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme, wrap in a damp paper towel, then loosely in plastic wrap, and store in your refrigerator’s vegetable crisper drawer.

Storing Fresh Herbs
Storing Fresh Herbs

Step #3

For long-term storage, you can freeze herbs. Frozen herbs can last for up to 6 months when properly stored. Here’s how:

  • A Wash and dry the herbs well.
  • B Spread the individual leaves (or the sprigs of hard herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme) on a small tray and then put them in the freezer.
  • C When they are frozen solid, move them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bags, label the bag with the date, and then return to the freezer.
  • D When you are ready to use your frozen herbs, there is no need to thaw them. Simply remove the amount that you need and replace the container back in the freezer. 
Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position