When you buy fresh herbs, they’ll last longer if you keep them hydrated.

You can buy an “herb keeper” like the one in the photo, but you don’t need one. It’s simple to create a makeshift herb hydrator:

1. If the herbs have roots, place them in a glass of water covered with a plastic bag before refrigerating.

2. For a no-spill solution, instead of the glass use a quart-size plastic take-out container and secure the lid.

3. If you don’t have room for a glass or quart container, wrap the fresh herbs in damp paper towels and place in the plastic bag. Then, tuck in your produce drawer, or anywhere else it fits.

Find articles about herbs, reviews of our favorite herbs, salts and seasonings, and how to check your bottles of herbs and spices for freshness in our Salts & Seasonings section.

The Prepara Herb Keeper keeps herbs fresh, but you can rig your own device (photo courtesy Crate & Barrel).