Introduction
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb commonly used in Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a pungent, citrusy flavor that’s ideal for adding to salsas, soups, and curries. While cilantro is a flavorful herb, one common issue with it is that it goes bad quickly, which can be discouraging. However, keeping cilantro fresh is possible with some tips and tricks. In this article, we will explore easy methods for keeping cilantro fresh for a long time.
The Simplest Way to Keep Cilantro Fresh
If you want to keep cilantro fresh for up to two weeks, using a jar with water is the easiest method.
Start by trimming the stems of the cilantro leaves and removing any dead or yellow parts. Next, immerse the stems into a jar filled with clean water to submerge the stems’ bottom part. After that, cover the top of the jar with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator to prevent the cilantro from dehydrating. Change the water daily, and you will have fresh cilantro that lasts for two weeks.
Preserving Cilantro for Longer Periods without Refrigeration
If you don’t have a refrigerator or want to keep cilantro fresh for longer without refrigeration, you can try these easy methods:
Wrapping Cilantro in a Dry Paper Towel
Wrap the cilantro in a dry paper towel and keep it in an airtight container or plastic bag. This way, the towel will keep the cilantro dry, preventing moisture from reaching the leaves.
Storing Cilantro in an Airtight Container
Another way to keep cilantro fresh without refrigeration is to store it in an airtight container. It will prevent moisture from reaching the leaves and keep the cilantro dry, which prevents drying off.
Store Cilantro in a Glass with the Stem Submerged
If using a jar is too large for you, you can use a glass that requires less storage space. A glass can hold a small amount of water to immerse the cilantro stems. The method of using a glass prevents the cilantro from drying, keeping the cilantro fresh for longer periods.
How to Store Cilantro in the Fridge for Maximum Freshness
The best way to store cilantro in the fridge is to wrap it in a damp paper towel, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the vegetable drawer. The damp paper towel will keep the cilantro moist and the airtight container will prevent the canister from drying. This storage method will keep cilantro fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Using Freezer Bags for Storing Cilantro
If you want to keep cilantro fresh for a longer time, you can freeze it using freezer bags. To do this, cut cilantro into small pieces and put them into freezer bags. The freezer bags will prevent the leaves from drying and keep the cilantro fresh for months. When you need cilantro, take out the required amount and put it back in the freezer.
Tips to Using Cilantro for Cooking Even When It’s No Longer Fresh
Cilantro that’s no longer fresh doesn’t need to go to waste. The dried leaves can still be used to lend flavor to your cooking. They can be used as a garnish while serving or used for making sauces, soups, and curries.
How to Regrow Cilantro in Water or Soil
Did you know that you can grow cilantro from the leftover stems?
To grow cilantro, trim the stems and put them in a glass or a jar with water. Leave the glass in a sunny spot for a few days, replace the water as required, and you will see roots starting to form. Once the roots have formed, transfer the stems to a pot with soil and continue watering them regularly, and in a few days they will start to grow.
Conclusion
There are several easy ways to keep cilantro fresh, whether you’re storing it in the fridge, freezer, or even regrowing it. The best way to keep cilantro fresh for longer periods is by using a moist environment for it. By following these simple tips, you’ll have fresh and flavorful cilantro whenever you need it for your cooking.
