I enjoy using fresh herbs. I mince them in an old Mr. Coffee grinder,
then refrigerate the results in small sealed containers. Once ground,
however, their shelf life is limited, as they soon begin to rot. I'm
aware of the standard procedures for drying fresh herbs and, although
I could do that, I have another idea in mind. What would be the effect
of putting one of those small dessicant cylinders in with the herbs,
the kind sometimes found in bottles of over-the-counter drugs? First,
would they work? Secondly, would they have any adverse effect on the
herbs?

---

Clarification of Question by nautico-ga on 05 Apr 2006 05:40 PDT

Freezing? Hey, I'd never thought of that! Thanks!

Have you tried keeping your dried herbs in the freezer for long-term
storage? I do this, and the results are good.

Yes, freeze them whole and only chop or grind before using.

In fact, if you freeze them whole, the herbs go brittle and can be
crumbled into the pot without the need for chopping in many cases.