How Long Does Rosemary Last? Does it Go Bad?

If you’re an avid home cook, rosemary is likely a herb in your kitchen arsenal.

Its strong aroma and robust flavor mean that it’s great for seasoning everything from chicken to potatoes.

But how long does rosemary last? Does it go bad like other herbs?

And if so, what can you do extend its longevity?

In this article, I’m going to break down all the nuances of storing fresh rosemary so you know exactly what to do with this fragrant herb in order to keep it pungent longer!

What’s Rosemary?

Rosemary is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region.

It has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine.

The leaves of the rosemary plant are used to flavor food or made into an essential oil.

Rosemary is a member of the mint family and has a strong, pungent aroma.

The name “rosemary” comes from the Latin word for “dew” (rosmarinus) and refers to the plant’s habit of growing in wet, humid conditions.

Rosemary is a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions.

It grows best in full sun but can also tolerates partial shade.

Rosemary is a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially roast lamb, chicken, and fish.

It can also be used to make teas, infusions, and extracts.

The herb has many health benefits and is known to improve memory, boost mood, relieve stress, and promote hair growth.

How to Store Rosemary?

When it comes to storage, there are a few things you should keep in mind for rosemary.

First of all, make sure that the herb is completely dry before storing it.

If there is any moisture on the leaves, it will cause the rosemary to rot.

Once the herb is dry, you can store it in a number of different ways.

One option is to store the rosemary in a glass jar or container with a lid.

This will protect the herb from moisture and light.

Another option is to wrap the rosemary in a paper towel and then place it in a zip-top bag.

This method will also help to keep the herb dry.

You can store rosemary in the fridge for up to two weeks using either of these methods.

If you want to store rosemary for longer than two weeks, you can freeze it.

To do this, chop the herb into small pieces and then place it in a zip-top bag.

Be sure to label the bag with the date so you know when you stored it.

Rosemary will last for several months when frozen.

How Long Does Rosemary Last?

Rosemary is a perennial herb that can last for several years with proper care.

The plant is hardy and can tolerate some neglect, but it will produce the best flavor if it is given regular watering and feeding.

Rosemary can be grown in containers or in the ground, and it does best in full sun.

To prolong the life of your rosemary plant, water it regularly and fertilize it every few weeks.

If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to water your rosemary more frequently.

Be sure to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering so that the roots do not rot.

You can also mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

If you are growing rosemary in a pot, you will need to repot it every few years to refresh the soil and give the roots room to grow.

When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one so that the plant doesn’t become rootbound.

Rosemary can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist soil.

Can You Freeze Rosemary?

Yes, you can freeze rosemary. This herb is actually quite versatile when it comes to freezing.

You can chop it and store it in an airtight container, or you can freeze it whole.

If you’re planning on using the Rosemary later for cooking, it’s best to chop it before freezing so that it will be easier to use later on.

Simply place the chopped Rosemary in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

If you want to freeze Rosemary whole, that’s fine too.

Just make sure that you wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or put it in a freezer-safe bag.

Frozen Rosemary will last for up to one year stored this way.

When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the Rosemary out and use as desired.

How to Tell If Rosemary Is Bad?

Rosemary is a herb that is used in many dishes.

It has a strong flavor and can be used fresh or dried.

Rosemary can last for a long time if it is stored properly, but it will eventually go bad.

There are a few ways to tell if rosemary has gone bad.

The first way to tell if rosemary has gone bad is by looking at it.

Fresh rosemary should be green and have firm stems.

If the rosemary is wilted or the stems are soft, it is probably bad.

Another way to tell if rosemary has gone bad is by smelling it.

Fresh rosemary should have a strong, pleasant smell.

If the rosemary smells sour or unpleasant, it is probably bad and should not be used.

If you’re not sure if the rosemary is still good, you can try using it in a small dish first.

If the rosemary doesn’t taste good or doesn’t have much flavor, it is probably bad and should be thrown out.

Overall, it’s important to use your senses when determining whether or not rosemary has gone bad.

If it looks or smells bad, it’s probably best to throw it out.

Conclusion

You can extend the shelf life of fresh rosemary by refrigerating it in a stand-alone container or plastic bag.

It’ll keep fresh this way for up to two weeks.

If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it.

Rosemary can be blanched and frozen whole or in small sprigs.

With whole sprigs, you can just pop them into a freezer bag and use them as you need them.

If you blanch the rosemary first, it’ll stay fresh for up to a year.

You can tell if rosemary has gone bad if it starts to turn yellow or brown, or if the leaves become brittle.

If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the rosemary.