How to save on fresh herbs

One of the things that makes me hopping mad is the amount supermarkets charge for fresh herbs. A tiny pack of coriander- enough for 1 recipe - will typically set you back about 79p.  For about 20p less you can buy 4 or 5 times as much in a Middle Eastern or Asian grocer (or an Italian one for basil or parsley).

There is of course the downside that you have to wash it and trim off the leaves but that doesn't take long and the herbs tend to have much more flavour than ones that have been pre-packed. Most will keep for several days in a plastic bag in the salad container of the fridge though basil is best kept at room temperature and coriander in water. (Put the whole bunch in a jam jar or tumbler full of water, cover with a plastic bag, secure with a rubber band and keep in the fridge. Change the water every couple of days. Take out and wash the coriander as you need it.)