Can You Put Herbs in Water for Flavor, Propagation, and Storage?

According to Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, infused water is a wonderful and refreshing way to stay hydrated by steeping fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs in water. This popular practice answers the question: "Can you put herbs in water?" with a resounding yes, for a variety of purposes from flavoring your drinks to growing new plants.

Quick Summary

It is both safe and beneficial to put fresh herbs in water for several uses, including making refreshing beverages, propagating new plants from cuttings, and extending the freshness of store-bought bundles. The best approach depends on your goal, and simple techniques can yield great results without soil or added sugars.

Key Points

• Flavor Infusion: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary can be steeped in cold water to create naturally flavored, sugar-free beverages that are refreshing and hydrating.

• Simple Propagation: Many soft-stemmed herbs, including mint, basil, and oregano, can be grown from cuttings placed in water, offering an easy way to cultivate new plants indoors.

• Extended Storage: Storing fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in a jar of water in the refrigerator, with the stems submerged, can significantly extend their freshness and vibrancy.

• Flavor Release: For maximum flavor when infusing water, gently bruise or crush the herb leaves before adding them to the water. For delicate flavor, simply add sprigs.

• Best Practices: Always use clean jars and fresh, filtered water. For all methods, replace the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the health of the herbs.

• Nutrient Transfer: While herbal infused water does transfer some nutrients like antioxidants, the primary benefit comes from the natural flavor, not significant nutritional value.

Yes, you can and should put herbs in water. This simple technique is remarkably versatile, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to sugary drinks, a mess-free way to propagate new plants, and an effective method for keeping fresh herbs vibrant longer. Whether you are creating a spa-like infused beverage or starting a new kitchen garden, understanding the proper methods for each application is key to success.

Infusing Water for Flavor

Making herbal infused water is a simple process that adds natural flavor and potential health benefits to your daily hydration. The technique involves combining fresh herbs with water in a pitcher or bottle and allowing the flavors to meld. The key to a great result is to gently prepare the herbs and provide enough time for the infusion to work.

How to Create Flavor-Infused Water

1. Select your herbs: Popular choices include mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
2. Wash and prepare: Thoroughly wash fresh herbs under cool water. For a stronger flavor release, gently bruise or crush the leaves with a muddler or wooden spoon.
3. Combine ingredients: Place the prepared herbs in a pitcher or jar. Add other ingredients like thinly sliced citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) or berries for complex flavor profiles.
4. Add water: Fill the container with cold, filtered water. For a more intense, quicker infusion, some recipes suggest using hot water and letting it steep briefly before chilling.
5. Refrigerate: Let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours. For deeper flavor, infuse overnight.
6. Strain (optional): For a cleaner drink, strain out the solids after infusing for a few hours. This also prevents bitterness from citrus rinds.

Propagating Herbs in Water

Many soft-stemmed herbs are exceptionally easy to propagate in water, providing an endless, mess-free supply of fresh herbs on your windowsill. This is ideal for gardeners in small spaces or anyone looking to expand their plant collection with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Herbs in Water

1. Take cuttings: Use sharp scissors to snip a 4–6 inch cutting from a healthy herb plant, just below a leaf node.
2. Strip leaves: Remove all leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This is crucial as submerged leaves will rot and contaminate the water.
3. Place in water: Fill a clear jar or container with fresh, filtered water. Place the cuttings in the water, ensuring only the bare stems are submerged.
4. Provide light: Place the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
5. Change water: Replace the water every 2–3 days to prevent bacterial growth and keep the environment fresh for the roots to develop.
6. Wait for roots: In a few weeks, roots will begin to sprout. Once the roots are 1–2 inches long, you can either continue growing them in water or transplant them into soil.

Storing Fresh Herbs in Water

For those who buy fresh herbs from the store, keeping them fresh and perky can be a challenge. Storing them in a jar of water, much like a bouquet of flowers, is an excellent way to prolong their life.

How to Store Fresh Herbs in Water for Longer Freshness

1. Prepare the herbs: Trim about an inch from the bottom of the stems.
2. Fill the jar: Place a couple of inches of fresh, cool water in a glass jar or vase.
3. Arrange the bouquet: Place the herbs in the jar, ensuring all stems are in the water and no leaves are submerged.
4. Cover (optional): Loosely cover the herbs and jar with a plastic bag. This creates a humid microclimate that keeps the leaves from drying out. Basil, however, is cold-sensitive and should be stored on the counter, not in the fridge.
5. Refrigerate: Place the jar in the refrigerator, away from the coldest spots.
6. Refresh regularly: Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean.

Fresh Herbs vs. Dried Herbs in Water: A Comparison

Feature	Fresh Herbs in Water	Dried Herbs in Water
Flavor Profile	Brighter, more vibrant, and complex. Releases oils naturally for a cleaner taste.	Concentrated, earthy, and robust. Can be overpowering if over-steeped.
Preparation	Requires washing, bruising, and steeping. Best for infusions and drinking water.	Simpler preparation, often used for hot teas or boiled infusions.
Nutritional Content	Offers a minimal but present amount of vitamins and antioxidants.	Vitamins and antioxidants are reduced during the drying process.
Shelf Life	Best consumed within 1–3 days. Needs refrigeration.	Stable for months or years if stored properly.
Best for...	Infused drinks, cocktail garnishes, and spa water.	Hot teas, tisanes, and recipes where a potent, concentrated flavor is desired.

Conclusion

Putting herbs in water is a simple and rewarding practice with many applications. Whether you're enhancing your hydration with infused water, starting a new plant collection through propagation, or extending the life of your fresh produce, this technique is a fantastic way to utilize the power of fresh herbs. By following the right method for your purpose—chilling for infusions, providing light for cuttings, or refrigerating for storage—you can enjoy the natural flavor and wellness benefits herbs provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs are best for putting in water?

Soft-stemmed herbs like mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent choices for both flavor infusion and propagation in water.

How long can you leave herbs in water for flavor?

For infused water, you can leave fresh herbs in cold water for 1–2 hours for a light flavor or overnight for a stronger one. To avoid a bitter taste from citrus rinds, remove them after about 4 hours.

Is it safe to drink water with herbs in it?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink water with fresh herbs in it. To ensure safety, always use clean jars, thoroughly wash your herbs, and consume the infused water within 1–3 days, storing it in the refrigerator.

How do I make a rooting hormone for woody herbs?

For harder-to-root herbs like rosemary and lavender, a natural rooting hormone can be made by pouring a gallon of boiling water over two cups of chopped willow twigs or three cups of bark. Let it sit for a day before straining and using.

Do you need a special container to put herbs in water?

No, you don't need a special container. Any clean glass jar, pitcher, or water bottle will work. Using clear glass is helpful for monitoring root growth during propagation.

Can I use dried herbs in water for flavoring?

Yes, you can use dried herbs in water, but the flavor profile will be different from fresh herbs. Dried herbs are typically used for hot teas or boiled infusions rather than chilled, subtly flavored water.

Why do the leaves rot when I try to propagate herbs in water?

The leaves rot because they are submerged in the water. It is essential to strip all leaves from the part of the stem that will be below the waterline before placing the cutting in the jar.