How to Store Cilantro

Cut the Ends

Always start by cutting off the ends of the cilantro in your bunch. Also, get rid of any damaged or old leaves. You may even consider cutting off the tough stems to make things easier, especially when you would want to fit the cilantro into a container.

Dry Them Completely

Use clean paper towels to dry the cilantro if you notice any moisture whatsoever. It is useless to go any further and learn how to store cilantro if you fail to dry those leaves completely. You may consider using a salad spinner to get rid of any moisture left on the leaves.

Put Them Between Dry Paper Towel

Place the cilantro in a dry paper towel in an airtight plastic container. You should also arrange a single layer of cilantro on it and place another paper towel over the layer. Work with the same pattern and keep placing paper towels in between the layers of cilantro. Avoid crowding the container with too much of the herb, and always ensure that there is a paper towel at the bottom of the container and at the top as well.

Store into Refrigerator

Place the container into the refrigerator. The cilantro will stay fresh this way up to three weeks. Just be sure to check it periodically to ensure it is in perfect condition.

Cut the Ends

Cut the ends first. Take a pair of sharp kitchen shears and cut off any damaged stem ends. Also, remove any damaged leaves. While taking off leaves and cutting off the dry ends, you should keep the herb under cool, running water. This will help keep the ends fresh.

Dry the Leaves

Get rid of any water left on the leaves. Use dry paper towels to dry them off or make use of a salad spinner for this task. While you do not need to worry about wet stems, it is important to ensure that leaves are dry.

Fill Water into a Glass

Take a glass and fill it with water. Use cool water and fill the bottom quarter of the glass. Now, place the cilantro into the glass while making sure the stems are fully submerged in the water. It is important to ensure that the leaves are above the surface of the water and are not wet. You may consider reducing the amount of water if it is difficult to keep leaves above the level of water.

Spread with a Plastic Sack

Cover the glass with a plastic bag. You can use a re-sealable plastic bag for this purpose. Simply spread it over the herb. Make sure that the opening of the bag is below the mouth of the glass. Do not use any rubber band or anything to secure it.

Change the Water Regularly

Be sure to change the water regularly. If you do not change it every few days, you will see your herb becoming dry and limp. Change the water as soon as you notice the water become discolored. It is also a good idea to get rid of any wilting leaves or dried ends at this time.

Put Them into the Refrigerator

Simply place the glass in your refrigerator to keep the cilantro fresh for up to a couple of weeks. Never leave the cilantro at room temperature or it will not be usable beyond a week.

It is also possible to store the herb in the refrigerator alone. Here is how to store cilantro using the refrigerator.

• Start by washing it well.

• Take a large colander and place the cilantro in it. Let it drain for some time.

• Chop the cilantro after they are dry and add about 1/3 cup olive oil to a cup of chopped cilantro. Put them in the blender and make a mixture.

• Take the cilantro puree and put it in the ice cube trays.

• Freeze these trays for several hours. Then, take out the cubes and put them in a plastic freezer bag.

• Place the bag full of cilantro cubes in your freezer.

Now you know how to store cilantro in different ways, but it is equally important to learn what you should not do when storing herbs. For instance:

• Avoid direct and excessive exposure to light because this will lead to discoloration.

• Avoid excessive exposure to oxygen because it can turn cilantro as well as other tender herbs like mint and basil brown. Herbs last longer when wrapped and covered.

• Avoid too much moisture or you will never be able to store herbs for long. Moisture promotes decay that turns leaves moldy and slimy. Also, remember that not enough moisture will also make cilantro to dry out.

• Avoid improper temperature that will make cilantro and other herbs to lose flavor quickly. You should always store cilantro in the refrigerator – this holds true for other herbs as well, except for mint and basil.