Cooking & Baking

question everything

(50,527 posts) Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:04 PM 21 hrs ago

Keeping fresh basil (in plastic container) at room temperature or refrigerated?

I got a some and I put it in the refrigerator since I was not going to use it for a few days. When I took it out most of the leaves were brown and starting to wilt.

They are not refrigerated in the store so I suppose they can sit on my counter?

5 replies

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Keeping fresh basil (in plastic container) at room temperature or refrigerated? (Original Post) question everything 21 hrs ago OP

Put your fresh basin in water Lifeafter70 20 hrs ago #1

Thank you. Will do question everything 20 hrs ago #3

The fridge is mean to basil. usonian 20 hrs ago #2

Thank you. I have not had problems with cilnatro nor parsley, would keep all herbs in the crisper drawer question everything 20 hrs ago #4

This time of year Retrograde 11 hrs ago #5

Lifeafter70

(557 posts)

1. Put your fresh basin in water

Reply to question everything (Original post)

Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:10 PM

20 hrs ago

And leave it on the counter.
Basil doesn't like cold temperatures.

question everything

(50,527 posts)

3. Thank you. Will do

Reply to Lifeafter70 (Reply #1)

Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:33 PM

20 hrs ago

usonian

(18,583 posts)

2. The fridge is mean to basil.

Reply to question everything (Original post)

Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:30 PM

20 hrs ago

Stores are cooled, though. Homes get a bit warm (I blame high electric rates) so as Lifeafter70 says, keep it watered.

I gave up and bought another basil plant.

And a parsley plant.

Parsley and cilantro have kept for a week in the warmer spots in the fridge. I don't grow cilantro because it has a short life and goes to seed quickly.

question everything

(50,527 posts)

4. Thank you. I have not had problems with cilnatro nor parsley, would keep all herbs in the crisper drawer

Reply to usonian (Reply #2)

Wed Jun 25, 2025, 03:35 PM

20 hrs ago

Retrograde

(11,165 posts)

5. This time of year

Reply to question everything (Original post)

Thu Jun 26, 2025, 12:26 AM

11 hrs ago

I buy a plant at the grocery store and keep it on the porch (unless I plant it) and use the leaves as needed. I've never had success with it in the fridge, although I have frozen pestos made from the leaves.

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