Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a green herb rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It has a variety of culinary uses. The herb offers a lot of health benefits such as reduced blood glucose levels, anti-inflammatory properties, fight infections, and boost the health of your heart, skin, brain, and digestive system.

If you don’t want to waste money spend on buying cilantro, you need to store it the right way. Many people use a small portion of herbs and throw away the rest because of losing freshness. Let us tell you how to store fresh cilantro!

Use a water-filled jar

Using a large jar filled with water can keep the cilantro fresh for many days. This is one of the simplest ways to store fresh cilantro. First, you need to wash the cilantro and let them dry. Next, fill a jar with water and put your cilantro in it.

Make sure you cover the inside of the jar with a loose plastic bag so that it prevents the loss of moisture. Make sure you change the water 1-2 times a week. This way, you can store the cilantro fresh without putting it in the refrigerator.

Storing this way means the bunch of cilantro will remain fresh for at least 2 weeks. This is a gray to avoid wasting your favorite herb that you can use different culinary applications. Not wasting it means saving money and time to go for vegetables and herb shopping.

How to store fresh cilantro in the fridge?

You may don’t like this but the fact is that cilantro does not last long in the fridge. Usually, they will last in the fridge for 4-5 days. After this period, the cilantro will look wimpy and turn black. Eventually, you will have a mush.

Do you need to wash cilantro before storage? This is an important question. No, you must not wash them before you store them in the fridge. Contrarily, you only need to wash them before you consume or use them in your recipes. The purpose of washing is to remove any dirt, dust, and microbes.

If you are wondering whether or not you can freeze cilantro, then let us tell you that you can freeze them. However, there are some downsides. If you plan to use cilantro as an ingredient in your cooking applications, then freezing them is a good idea. On the other hand, if you want to use them as a garnish, then we suggest not freezing them because the fridge environment can turn them black.

Steps required for storing cilantro in the fridge

You may have noticed that the cilantro you bring home from the vegetable market is often wet. It is because the grocery storekeeper keeps them misted with water so that they look fresh. So, it is important to air dry your cilantro. Spread them out on a surface and let the cilantro air dry for about 15 minutes.

Now, lay a paper towel on the tray and transfer the cilantro on it. Use another absorbent paper towel and then pat gently any excess water or moisture. Dry your cilantro is important because when they are dry, you can store them for longer.

How to store fresh cilantro using a plastic bag?

Another method to store fresh cilantro is to use a paper towel and a plastic bag. To do this, you need to separate the bunch into 4-5 smaller bunches. Now, place them on top of the dry paper towel. Also, you can place some of them in between. The next step is to gently fold the paper.

Avoid pressing on the cilantro or squeezing them. Otherwise, they will bruise and may get rotten. Now, place the folded paper towel in a bag. Push the air out and seal the bag. Next, place the bag in the fridge. This is a good way to keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks. The only condition is to dry them accurately before storing them.

How to store fresh cilantro using containers?

One of the best ways to store fresh cilantro is by using a paper towel and air-tight container. Line the air-tight container with a clean paper towel.

Make sure you cover the bottom area and the sides of the container. Avoid packing tightly. Simply put, loosely pack them on top of it. Now, use another clean paper towel to cover them.

You can make as many layers of cilantro you want – this depends on the size of the container. Keep in mind to avoid overpacking. It is important not to have more than 3-4 layers in the same container.

The next step requires you to close the lid of the container and store it in the fridge. This method is better than the previous ones because it allows you to store fresh cilantro for a month.

Conclusion

In summary, cilantro provides you many health benefits. It is one of the best herbs you can use in a variety of cooking applications and salads. You can store cilantro in a water-filled jar, plastic bag, container, etc. Keeping them in the fridge directly will turn them into a mush. Therefore, the best solution is to store them in a plastic bag and then put the bag in the fridge.

How do you keep cilantro fresh longer?

Loosely cover the leaves with an upside-down plastic bag and pop it in the fridge. Storing cilantro this way will keep it fresh for as long as a month — just make sure to occasionally refresh the water in the jar. You can also use this same method for other leafy herbs like parsley and mint.

Should I wash cilantro before storing?

SHOULD I WASH CILANTRO BEFORE STORING? No, do not wash them before storing them. However, you need to wash them before using them because there are some sands that come with it. So, only wash them right before you are going to use them.

How long is cilantro good for in the fridge?

Properly stored, fresh cilantro will usually keep well for about 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Can you store cilantro on the counter?

Yes, you can store cilantro in a Mason jar on your counter.

Can I freeze fresh cilantro?

A super simple way to freeze cilantro for later is to stash in a zip-top freezer bag. To do this, wash your cilantro and pat dry with a clean dishtowel. Place the sprigs in resealable bags and toss in the freezer.

Should you store cilantro in water?

Put the herbs in water: Fill a jar or a water glass partially with water and place the stem ends of the herbs into the water in the jar. If you are storing the herbs in the refrigerator, cover loosely with a plastic bag. Cilantro loves cool temperatures and should be stored in the refrigerator.

How do you store cilantro for a week?

Will cilantro grow back after cutting?

Cilantro clippings can grow in water, though not as well. To “reset” this plant, simply harvest the cilantro, leaving between a half-inch and an inch of stem, and wait for it to grow again.

Can you dry cilantro for later use?

So, yes, it is good to dry cilantro if you want to store the herb for more than 3 months. The method you use is very important in maintaining the flavor and general quality of the spice. You can use your dehydrator or microwave to dry cilantro leaves for later use. But my favorite method is air-drying herbs.

What is the benefit of cilantro?

The bottom line

Coriander is a fragrant, antioxidant-rich herb that has many culinary uses and health benefits. It may help lower your blood sugar, fight infections, and promote heart, brain, skin, and digestive health. You can easily add coriander seeds or leaves — sometimes known as cilantro — to your diet.

How long can you freeze fresh cilantro?

Pour into a clean ice cube tray or small covered containers and place in the freezer. Once frozen through, transfer the cilantro cubes to a resealable plastic bag for long-term storage—they will last in the freezer up to six months.

How do you store cilantro for a month?

With a glass of water and a plastic bag, you can keep fresh cilantro ready to use in your fridge for about two weeks. Keeping cilantro in your freezer can preserve it for several months. For even longer-term storage, dry the cilantro leaves and store them in your spice cabinet.

Can you vacuum pack cilantro?

Vacuum Sealed Bags

Because oxygen is the enemy of frozen cilantro, vacuum sealing is the best way to assure they stay safe from the damaging effects of freezer burn. Bunch the sprigs together and place them in the vacuum bag then remove the air and seal.

Can you freeze cilantro in olive oil?

You can also freeze the cilantro whole, and break off a few leaves whenever you need them. Consider tossing the cilantro with some olive oil. This will protect the delicate herb from the cold and keep it from going mushy. Simply place the herb into a bowl and toss it with a teaspoon to a tablespoon of olive oil.

How do you thaw frozen cilantro?

When using frozen cilantro, do not thaw it first. To store the fresh herb for about a week, stand upright in a glass with about an inch of water and store in the refrigerator. Trim the stems and refresh the water daily. Or you can place a damp cloth around the herbs and put them in the crisper drawer.

Can you freeze herbs like cilantro?

For long-term storage, tender herbs like mint, parsley and cilantro can be removed from their stems and frozen into ice cubes. Pack ice cube trays with chopped or whole leaf herbs, cover with water and pop into the freezer.

What do you do with fresh cilantro from the garden?

Chopped, raw cilantro sprinkled over a cooked dish adds flavor to and brings down the spicy heat of Mexican and Thai food. You can also add it to salads, mix it in to fresh salsa or blend it in with mashed avocado for homemade guacamole. Cilantro should be used fresh because it loses most of its flavor when dried.