There's a difference, depending on the recipe.
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Both fresh and dried herbs can make a dish shine. Can you imagine homemade guacamole without chopped fresh cilantro, pesto without sweet basil, or marinara sauce without a pinch of dried oregano? But when is the best time to use fresh vs. dried herbs? And can you substitute one for the other in a recipe?
Here's the answer: There's a time and a place for both kinds of herbs—fresh and dried. It's smart to stock your spice rack with some of the basics like dried rosemary, oregano, basil, and thyme. They'll last for months and a little goes a long way. But it's also a good idea to add fresh herbs to your shopping list—maybe a bunch of parsley, basil, cilantro, sage, rosemary or thyme, depending on what you're cooking this week. Ahead, find out the best uses for both kinds of herbs, how to swap one for the other, and the best way to store them.
Can you substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs?
Yes—but it's not a one-for-one swap. The general rule for substituting fresh herbs for dried herbs is to use three times the amount of chopped fresh herbs for the dried herbs called for in a recipe (and vice versa). So, if your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, you can substitute 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of fresh chopped basil in its place. If your recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Just note that this is a general guideline and not a hard-and-fast rule—while an herb swap will work just fine in a soup or thickened stew, you wouldn't want to use dried herbs in a salad or for garnish.
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Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
It really depends on the situation and what type of flavor you want. Fresh herbs are generally better for use in uncooked foods like a pesto, guacamole, chimichurri, or other herb sauce like Ree Drummond's restaurant-style salsa. Dried herbs blend well into cooked dishes like the best soups and stews, as they have a more potent flavor.
Why are dried herbs more potent than fresh herbs?
Dried herbs have been dried and often crushed, which concentrates their flavor, making them more potent than fresh herbs. Fresh herbs have a higher water content, so they're not as strong. If you're making a swap, use less dried herbs than you would fresh.
What is the best way to store fresh and dried herbs?
Fresh herbs should be kept in the refrigerator. To prolong their life you can lightly wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and store them in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge. Most fresh herbs will last for about a week (though basil will brown faster and parsley and rosemary might last up to two weeks). Keep an eye on the herbs—if they are browning and become slimy, be sure throw them away.
Dried herbs should be kept in a cool, dry place away from light. They'll technically last for years, but they'll start to lose their full flavor after about three months, so you might want to replenish your stash every so often. Give them a sniff—if they don't smell herby anymore, it's time to replace them.
No matter what type of herbs you use, they are going to make any dish you're making much more flavorful!
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