How Long Do Fresh Curry Leaves Last?

Curry leaves are an essential ingredient in many South Asian dishes and often add a distinct flavor and aroma to food like chicken curry. These shrubs are native to South Asia but also thrive in Southeast Asia and northern parts of Australia, where the climate is warm and tropical. The small, green leaves are aromatic, and when crushed or fried in oil or ghee, it emits a pungent smell that is often described as a mix of citrus, anise, and, well, curry.

It is an essential ingredient for curries, soups, and chutneys, and no simple substitutes exist. So if you have a curry leaf plant in your garden or balcony, you are lucky because these leaves are best used fresh. If you are buying curry leaves from a grocer and need to ration your usage, rest assured that the leaves can last up to six months, depending on how you store them.

The fridge is your best tool to extend the life of curry leaves. First, remove the leaves from the woody stems with your fingers, pat them dry with a damp cloth, and store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. There is no harm in washing the leaves, but you have to thoroughly dry them before storing them because the moisture makes them mushy or moldy over time.

This step can help maintain the curry leaves' freshness for about two weeks, but you can increase their lifespan by wrapping them in paper towels or keeping them in a zip-lock bag to keep out moisture and condensation. This might extend its lifespan to about four weeks.

Alternatively, use the freezer to store curry leaves. To do this, wipe the leaves thoroughly and place them in a ziplock bag. Then, remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it and placing it in the freezer. Frozen curry leaves can last for up to six months.

If you live in a place with abundant sunshine, you can sun dry the curry leaves yourself. Spread the leaves on a clean, dry surface and leave them out for a few days. Alternatively, use a dehydrator that has the same effect. Once the leaves are dehydrated and start to wrinkle, store it in an airtight container on a kitchen bench for up to six months, depending on the temperature and humidity in your house. 

While the dried curry leaves are unlikely to become inedible, the flavor will reduce over time, so you may have to use more in a recipe compared to fresh leaves. Just remember that curry leaves might be essential to a dish, but they are often discarded while eating, just like a woody lemongrass. 

With this, you can make anything from dal to halibut with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and tomato.