# Do Indian grocery stores sell fresh herbs like curry leaves?

**By Jasmeet Singh** · 2026-07-31

**Yes, many Indian grocery stores sell fresh herbs such as curry leaves, coriander, mint and methi.** These herbs are essential in everyday Indian cooking but can be difficult to find in ordinary European supermarkets. A specialist Indian grocery store is usually the best place to look because it understands the ingredients used in regional Indian recipes.

Availability is not always guaranteed, though. Fresh herbs have a short shelf life and often arrive through weekly produce deliveries. A store may have fresh curry leaves one day and sell out shortly afterwards, especially before a weekend or festival. Checking the store’s website or contacting the shop before travelling can save you a wasted journey.

### Which Fresh Indian Herbs Are Commonly Available?

The selection depends on the store, season and delivery schedule, but well-stocked Indian grocery shops often carry several varieties of fresh herbs and leafy ingredients.

**Curry leaves, also known as kadi patta,** are among the most frequently requested Indian herbs. They are used in South Indian dishes, dals, chutneys, poha, upma, sambhar and many types of tadka. The leaves release their strongest aroma when fried briefly in hot oil with mustard seeds, cumin or dried chillies.

**Fresh coriander, or dhaniya,** is used throughout India. It can be blended into chutney, added to marinades or scattered over curries, dal, chaat and biryani just before serving. Unlike some herbs that are only used occasionally, coriander is a regular shopping item in many Indian households.

**Fresh mint, known as pudina,** is popular in mint chutney, raita, biryani, pulao, drinks and salads. Its cooling flavour works particularly well with spicy food and summer recipes.

**Fresh methi, or fenugreek leaves,** has a slightly bitter and deeply aromatic flavour. It is commonly used for methi paratha, aloo methi, thepla, dal and creamy curries. Some stores may also stock drumstick leaves, spinach, dill and other regional leafy ingredients depending on demand.

You can check the current selection in the [fresh Indian vegetables and herbs collection](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/collections/fresh-vegetables). Because these are natural, perishable products, the range may change from one delivery to the next.

![Fresh curry leaves, coriander, mint and fenugreek leaves used in Indian cooking](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0889/1210/1703/files/fresh-curry-leaves-coriander-mint-and-fenugreek-leaves.webp?v=1785467010)

### Are Curry Leaves the Same as Curry Powder?

No. Curry leaves and curry powder are completely different ingredients.

Curry leaves are fresh green leaves from the curry leaf tree. They have a citrusy, slightly nutty aroma that becomes stronger when heated in oil. Curry powder is a dry spice blend that may contain turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek and other ground spices. Despite the similar name, curry powder does not reproduce the distinctive flavour of fresh curry leaves.

Curry leaves should also not be confused with European bay leaves. Bay leaves are firmer, have a different flavour and are normally removed before serving. Fresh curry leaves are smaller and softer and are usually left in the finished dish.

For authentic results, use [fresh curry leaves](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/products/fresh-curry-leaves-kadi-patta) when the recipe specifically asks for kadi patta.

### What Should You Check When Buying Fresh Curry Leaves?

Good-quality curry leaves should look green, firm and aromatic. A few natural marks or variations are normal because fresh leaves are agricultural products, but avoid bunches that are mostly yellow, slimy or badly dried out.

Freshness is also affected by transport and storage. Indian herbs sold in Europe often travel through specialised produce suppliers before reaching local grocery stores. This means the leaves may not look exactly like herbs picked directly from a garden, but they should still have a pleasant aroma and enough firmness for cooking.

Buy only the amount you are likely to use. A large bunch may appear cheaper, but it is not good value if half of it goes into the bin. Curry leaves have a powerful flavour, so a small quantity is enough for several meals.

### Can You Buy Fresh Indian Herbs Online?

Yes, some Indian grocery stores allow customers to order fresh herbs online. This is particularly useful for people who do not live close to an Indian shopping area.

However, fresh herbs require more careful delivery than rice, flour, lentils or spices. Long transport times, missed deliveries and warm weather can quickly reduce their quality. For that reason, delivery areas for fresh products may be more limited than delivery areas for normal packaged groceries.

At present, fresh vegetables and herbs from our store are available for delivery within the Netherlands. Packaged Indian groceries can be ordered for delivery to selected European countries, but customers outside the Netherlands should not assume that fresh curry leaves can be included in the same shipment.

Before ordering, check the product page for current availability and delivery conditions. Popular herbs can sell out between weekly deliveries.

### What Can You Use Instead of Fresh Curry Leaves?

There is no perfect substitute because curry leaves have a very specific aroma. The best alternative is usually dried curry leaves rather than bay leaves or curry powder.

Dried leaves are less aromatic than fresh ones, so you may need to use a slightly larger quantity. Frying them gently in oil can help release more flavour. You can keep a packet of [dried curry leaves](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/products/trs-dried-curry-leaves-30g) in the cupboard for days when fresh leaves are unavailable.

Freezing fresh curry leaves is another practical option. It preserves their flavour better than leaving them in the refrigerator until they dry out. Wash the leaves only if needed, dry them completely and store them in a sealed freezer bag or container. You can usually add frozen leaves directly to hot oil without defrosting them first.

### How Should Fresh Indian Herbs Be Stored?

Different herbs respond better to slightly different storage methods.

For curry leaves, remove any damaged leaves and keep the rest dry. Wrap them loosely in kitchen paper and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Moisture can cause them to spoil quickly, so do not store them while they are dripping wet.

For [fresh coriander](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/products/fresh-coriander-dhaniya-aromatic-green-leaves), trim the lower stems and remove any soft leaves. It can be wrapped in slightly damp kitchen paper or kept upright in a small amount of water, depending on the space available in your refrigerator.

[Fresh mint](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/products/fresh-mint-pudina-cool-fragrant-leaves) should also be kept cool and protected from excess moisture. Avoid crushing the leaves inside an overcrowded grocery bag, as damaged leaves become dark and unusable more quickly.

Whichever method you use, inspect fresh herbs regularly and remove spoiled leaves before they affect the rest of the bunch.

![Fresh curry leaves, coriander and mint stored correctly in a refrigerator](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0889/1210/1703/files/fresh-curry-leaves-coriander-and-mint-stored-correctly-in-a-refrigerator.webp?v=1785467012)

### When Is the Best Time to Shop for Fresh Herbs?

The best time is shortly after a store receives its fresh produce delivery. This usually gives you a wider selection and better-quality leaves. Delivery days differ between stores, so it is worth asking when fresh vegetables and herbs normally arrive.

Shopping earlier in the day can also help, particularly before weekends. Curry leaves, coriander and green chillies are often purchased together, and all three may sell quickly when customers are preparing meals for family gatherings.

Do not assume that every Indian grocery store carries fresh herbs every day. Smaller shops may focus mainly on packaged groceries, while larger or more specialised stores are more likely to maintain a fresh produce section.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Do Indian grocery stores sell fresh curry leaves?

Yes. Many Indian grocery stores sell fresh curry leaves, particularly stores with a dedicated fresh vegetable section. Stock can vary according to delivery schedules and customer demand.

#### Where can I buy fresh curry leaves in the Netherlands?

You can find them at specialist Indian or South Asian grocery stores, including physical shops and online Indian grocery websites that deliver fresh products within the Netherlands.

#### Can fresh curry leaves be delivered across Europe?

Fresh-product delivery depends on the retailer and destination. Packaged groceries are easier to ship across Europe, but fresh herbs may be restricted to local or national delivery because of their short shelf life.

#### What is another name for curry leaves?

Curry leaves are commonly known as kadi patta in Hindi. They may also be listed online as curry leaf, sweet neem leaves or karivepaku, depending on the region and language.

#### Are dried curry leaves as good as fresh curry leaves?

Dried curry leaves are convenient and last longer, but their aroma is milder. Fresh leaves usually provide a stronger and more authentic flavour.

#### Can I freeze fresh curry leaves?

Yes. Dry the leaves properly, place them in a sealed freezer bag or container and use them directly from frozen when preparing tadka, curry, dal or chutney.

#### How long do fresh curry leaves last?

They generally stay usable for several days in the refrigerator when kept dry and sealed. Their exact storage life depends on how fresh they were when purchased and how they are handled at home.

#### What other fresh herbs do Indian grocery stores sell?

Common options include coriander, mint and fresh methi. Some stores may also sell drumstick leaves, dill, spinach and other regional leafy vegetables.

### Finding Fresh Indian Herbs at Mini India Grocery

Mini India Grocery offers fresh curry leaves and a changing selection of Indian vegetables and herbs through its online store. Customers can also visit the physical shop at Gijsbrecht van Amstelstraat 170 in Hilversum.

Fresh products are currently available for delivery within the Netherlands, while packaged groceries can be shipped to selected destinations across Europe. Customers in the Netherlands receive free delivery on qualifying orders above €29. Since fresh-herb availability changes regularly, check the online collection before placing your order or visiting the store.

**Tags:** Curry Leaves Netherlands, Fresh Coriander, Fresh Curry Leaves, Fresh Indian Herbs, Fresh Mint, Kadi Patta

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> Source: [Mini India Grocery](https://www.miniindiagrocery.nl/blogs/netherlands/do-indian-grocery-stores-sell-fresh-herbs-like-curry-leaves)