The Little-Known Trick to Storing Cilantro So It Lasts for Days
Cilantro is a versatile leafy herb that can add an extra pop of flavor to curries, beans, dips and beyond. If you take it home and throw it in the fridge, it'll last three days or so if you're lucky. But if you want to keep this delicious herb around for longer, you need to know how to store cilantro the right way. Here's what the experts say about the best way to store cilantro to keep it fresh for longer.
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What Is The Best Way To Store Cilantro?
The best way to store cilantro is to put it in water and keep it in the fridge. Similar to the way fresh cut flowers last in a vase of water, allowing cilantro to continue to take in water keeps it from spoiling. Storing cilantro in a cool environment like the refrigerator helps preserve freshness and keeps it from quickly going bad.
How Do You Clean And Store Fresh Cilantro?
1. Rinse cilantro. Start by removing the rubber band from the cilantro and gently running it under cool water. "Begin by rinsing the cilantro in cold water to remove any dirt or debris," says Melanie Marcus, registered dietician and founder of the site Miss Nutritious Eats.
2. Dry cilantro. "Gently shake off any excess water from the leaves," says Marcus. "You can also roll in a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water." If you own a salad spinner, this can also be used to dry cilantro efficiently.
3. Trim cilantro. "Trim any wilted or discolored leaves," says Marcus. "Like any cut bouquet, you can trim the stems' bottom to help them absorb water." For best results, Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN and author of Air Fryer Cookbook For Dummies, recommends cutting around one inch off the bottom of the stems.
4. Place cilantro in water. "Place cilantro in a narrow, tall cup filled with about two inches of water," says Shaw. "Cover the top of the cilantro with a plastic zip-lock bag and place it in the refrigerator away from the cooling unit." For best results, make sure the cilantro is loosely covered to provide some airflow. Be sure to replace the water every two to three days to keep cilantro fresh, says Marcus.
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Where Do You Store Fresh Cilantro?
The best place to store fresh cilantro is in the refrigerator. It lasts longer when stored in the fridge and tastes better than leaving it out once cut. "I prefer the taste and texture of fresh cilantro from the garden or refrigerator — especially during the summertime."
How Do You Store Pre-Cut Cilantro?
If you purchased cilantro that's already cut up into smaller pieces, it can be more difficult to store and will spoil faster. "I wrap pre-cut cilantro in a paper towel to absorb moisture, then place in an airtight container," says Shaw. "I usually use it within a day or two max for best quality."
Marcus uses a similar method to keep pre-cut cilantro from drying out. "If cilantro is pre-chopped, I like to put it in a small ramekin with a moist paper towel over the top until I’m ready to use it," she says. "If it’s going to be more than a few hours, I will wrap it with plastic and store it in the fridge."
Can You Freeze Cilantro?
"Cilantro leaves can be frozen whole in a freezer bag," says Marcus. "Simply wash and dry thoroughly before removing leaves from the stems, placing them in a freezer bag, and removing as much air as possible before sealing."
If you like to use a lot of cilantro in your cooking, Marcus recommends freezing cilantro in cubes. "Simply add a bunch of cilantro and a bit of water to a food processor until a paste forms," she says. "Freeze into cubes and add to dishes as needed for a more significant cilantro flavor."
