How to Store Cilantro Hacks: Keep It Crisp and Green

I’m bringing you all the ultimate guide on how to store cilantro with or without stem. I don’t think there is any other herb which is as famous as cilantro in Indian households. It gives a magical flavor in our home cooked cuisines. It has a freshness which gets infused in the cuisines and its aromatic smell lightens up everybody’s mood. Cilantro has a fresh and bright flavor. Although many people think it tastes like soap, which may be due to a genetic attribute. Cilantro is a famous herb which gets used in different cuisines: Indian, Latin American, Caribbean, Asian and North African.

Cilantro is a member of the parsley family which is another aromatic herb used in many cuisines. It is a rich green herb from the Coriandrum sativum plant. The leaves of cilantro are tender with young seeds. Its seeds are grounded into powder form to use in many cuisines. It is also used in making chutneys in Indian households. Let’s see how we can store it.

Always remember to buy fresh cilantro from your local grocery store. Cilantro has a sharp aroma. Earthy smells with citrus undertones are one of them. Colour is the second most important thing . Avoid buying yellowish coloured cilantro. Lastly, always check the leaves. They should be sturdy and not mushy.

How to store cilantro and keep them fresh for a long time? We have mentioned everything below:

How To Store Cilantro (Whole):

1. Cut off the very ends of the cilantro stems.
2. Then place the bunch (stem side down) into a mason jar or can with an inch of water.
3. Next, take a clean plastic bag and place it on top of the cilantro to loosely cover the leaves.
4. Store the cilantro in the refrigerator, as the leaves prefer cooler temperatures. Also, change the water when you notice a change of color of the leaves.
5. Cilantro can last up to two weeks from this way.
6. Try to wash the cilantro leaves right before using it.

How To Store Cilantro (Chopped):

1. For this process, we highly recommend washing the cilantro and air drying it.
2. Take a bunch of cleaned and washed leaves and cut its large stems leaving its leaves. You have to cut that portion from where the leaves are starting to grow.
3. Now roughly chop the leaves as you would like to consume it. You can also store them without cutting them.
4. Now take a clean kitchen towel and spread the cilantro leaves evenly. Make sure they don’t have any water.
5. You can now store the leaves in an airtight container or jar. It will last up to 14-20 days.

How To Store Cilantro (freezing Method):

If you want to store cilantro for a long time (up to 5-6 months) then the best way to do this is as follows:

1. Place cilantro (chopped or whole) in a zip lock bag and then directly put inside the freezer. Use the frozen cilantro for making  curries, soups or add to meat (for extra taste).
2. Add cilantro in a food processor or in a blender, and blend with olive oil or water to make a paste. Pour the puree into an ice cube tray to make cubes and freeze. Drop the cubes into a zip lock bag. Add cilantro cubes while cooking stews, soups, curry dishes or sauces.
3. Use frozen cilantro for making curries and soup. Don’t use them for garnishing. Always use fresh cilantro for it.

Tips And Tricks:

• Remember to remove the yellow or rotted part of the cilantro otherwise it will destroy the other leaves as well.
• Make sure you dry the leaves properly before putting them in an airtight jar.
• Remember to change the paper towel or kitchen towel in 12-14 days.
• Time to time check if the leaves are green or not.
• Try to keep them in the kitchen or paper towel only.
• A bunch of whole cilantros without chopping them will stay fresher than the chopped one’s.
• You can air dry the leaves if you want to.
• Unwashed cilantro will stay fresh longer than the washed one’s.
• You can buy a salad spinner for drying the cilantro quickly.
• You can also eat the cilantro stems.
• Remember to wash the cilantro leaves very gently.

CONCLUSION:

To put it briefly, storing cilantro is very easy. We have shared three types of methods on how to store cilantro. You can use any of the given methods for storing cilantro leaves. But the freezing method is not the best because cilantro has a lot of natural enzymes that will decompose if you put it in the freezer. Although it’s a best option if you are making stews and curries.

Cilantro has a lot of positive effects on your body. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, aids in digestive issues, exhibits microbial effects, It is a great dietary fiber, iron source, magnesium and is rich in antioxidants.

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