Fresh herbs wilt fast in a crowded refrigerator. A glass herb keeper gives soft herbs like parsley and cilantro a tall, upright home with a little water, and it lets you see what is left at a glance. Glass also does not hold onto smells or stain, so it suits strong herbs such as basil, mint and dill.
The six picks below are glass jars and containers that work well as a herb keeper for the refrigerator, from tall canning jars to snap-lid food storage. Several are general storage products that home cooks commonly use for herbs rather than purpose-built keepers. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the size, lid type and contents on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Height | Tall jars hold whole bunches of parsley or cilantro upright with stems in water |
| Mouth width | A wide opening makes it easy to drop in a bunch and clean the inside |
| Lid | A tight lid slows moisture loss, while a loose lid suits herbs that rot when sealed |
| Glass quality | Thick glass resists chips and usually handles the dishwasher |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Size class | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Wide Mouth Quart Jar | Glass canning jar | Quart class | Metal band and lid |
| Bormioli Rocco Fido | Glass jar, hinged lid | Several sizes | Rubber gasket seal |
| Weck Tall Jar | Glass jar, glass lid | Tall format | Clips and a rubber ring |
| Anchor Hocking Montana Jar | Glass jar with lid | Large class | Wide mouth, heavy glass |
| OXO Smart Seal Glass | Glass, snap lid | Several sizes | Locking lid |
| Pyrex Simply Store | Glass, plastic lid | Mid size | Suits flat-laid herbs |
The 6 Best Glass Herb Keepers for the Refrigerator
1. Ball Wide Mouth Quart Mason Jar
A classic glass canning jar that is widely sold in sets. The quart class is tall enough for a bunch of parsley or cilantro standing in an inch or two of water.
Suits: tender herbs standing in water. Strengths: an easy entry point, simple cleaning and a familiar size. Weaknesses: metal lids can rust if left wet. Skip it if you want a purpose-built keeper.
View Ball Wide Mouth Quart Mason Jar on Amazon
2. Bormioli Rocco Fido Glass Jar
An Italian glass jar with a hinged lid and a rubber gasket. More of a pantry jar, but a medium or large size holds a trimmed bunch of mint or basil and closes tight.
Suits: sturdy storage with a clean look. Strengths: a tight gasket seal and an attractive shape. Weaknesses: the opening is narrower on some sizes. Skip it if you want a very wide mouth.
View Bormioli Rocco Fido Glass Jar on Amazon
3. Weck Tall Glass Jar
A German glass jar system with a glass lid, a rubber ring and metal clips. The tall format suits long-stemmed herbs, and no metal touches the contents.
Suits: long-stemmed herbs. Strengths: all-glass contact surfaces and a good look. Weaknesses: you need to keep the clips and rings together. Skip it if you prefer a simple screw lid.
View Weck Tall Glass Jar on Amazon
4. Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Jar
A heavy, wide-mouth glass jar with a lid, sold in several large sizes. The weight keeps it stable in a fridge door, and the wide opening takes a full bunch without crushing leaves.
Suits: big bunches. Strengths: stable weight and a wide opening. Weaknesses: it takes up more shelf room. Skip it if your fridge shelves are tight.
View Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Jar on Amazon
5. OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container
A rectangular glass container with a locking lid and a gasket. Lay stems on a damp paper towel and close the lid.
Suits: hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme. Strengths: a locking lid and easy stacking. Weaknesses: it does not stand a bunch upright. Skip it if you want stems in water.
View OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Container on Amazon
6. Pyrex Simply Store Glass Rectangle
A rectangular glass storage dish with a plastic lid that is common in many kitchens. It works for cut herbs laid flat on a paper towel.
Suits: flat storage of cut herbs. Strengths: a familiar brand and a see-through body. Weaknesses: the lid is plastic rather than glass. Skip it if you want an airtight seal.
View Pyrex Simply Store Glass Rectangle on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash jars and lids by hand or on the top rack, and dry them fully before use.
- Trim the stem ends and change the water every few days.
- Rinse herbs only before use, since extra moisture on leaves speeds spoilage.
- Wipe the rim of the jar so the lid seals cleanly.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Sealing basil in a cold fridge, where it can turn dark.
- Letting leaves sit under the water line.
- Packing a jar so tightly that air cannot move.
- Buying a jar too short for long stems.
Glass Herb Keeper FAQ
Which herbs should stand in water?
Parsley, cilantro, mint and dill do well with stems in water. Keep basil on the counter or in a loosely covered jar, since cold air can darken its leaves.
Should the lid be on or off?
A loose cover helps soft herbs hold moisture. Hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer a closed container with a damp paper towel.
Is glass better than plastic for herbs?
Glass does not keep odors or stain from strong herbs, and you can see the contents. The tradeoff is weight and the chance of breakage.
The Short Version
For an easy start, the Ball quart jar. For a tight gasket, the Bormioli Rocco Fido. For an all-glass look, the Weck. For big bunches, the Anchor Hocking Montana. For hardy herbs laid flat, the OXO Smart Seal. For a familiar dish, the Pyrex Simply Store.