Best storage conditions

Store fresh sprigs cold, around 34 to 40 degrees F, with high humidity so the leaves stay turgid. Keep them away from the coldest part of the refrigerator, since very cold spots can chill and blacken tender herb leaves.

How long it keeps

Fresh sprigs typically stay usable for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Properly dried leaves hold good flavor for roughly 6 to 12 months, and frozen savory keeps for several months.

Storage methods

For short-term fresh storage, wrap the stems loosely in a slightly damp paper towel inside a partly open bag, or stand the cut ends in a small jar of water like a bouquet and cover loosely. For longer keeping, move to drying or freezing rather than trying to hold the fresh herb for weeks.

Freezing & preserving

Summer savory dries beautifully: bundle a few stems and hang them upside down in a warm, dark, airy spot, or use a dehydrator on a low herb setting, then strip the leaves and store them whole in an airtight jar. To freeze, chop the leaves into ice cube trays topped with water or oil, or freeze whole sprigs flat in a bag. If you want to can foods that include savory, follow only tested USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) recipes, and remember that low-acid mixtures such as savory-seasoned beans or vegetables must be pressure canned to a tested process rather than water-bath canned.

Tips

Dry the herb until the leaves crumble easily, then keep the jar out of direct light and away from the stove where heat and steam dull the aroma. Label everything with the date, and crush dried leaves just before cooking to release the most flavor.

General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.