Everyone knows fresh herbs are superior to their dried counterparts, but they are also pricey and spoil easily.

Here's how to pick the best of the bunch and how to keep them fresh once you get home.

When buying fresh herbs, look first at the leaves, which contain all of the flavor. Pass on any herbs that are crushed, bruised or look black. Before you pick a bunch, wave the herbs in front of your face: if they are fresh, you should be able to smell them.

To retain the freshness of herbs, remember to cut the bottom of the stems a bit, just as you would a flower bouquet. Place the herbs in a glass of water and refrigerate. If the herbs were sold packaged, keep them in the plastic container, which is designed to keep produce fresh.