How To Store Cilantro: Keeping Your Magic Herb Fresh and Flavorful

Discover the best methods on how to store cilantro and maintain its freshness for an extended period. Learn how to keep your cilantro vibrant and flavorful with proper storage techniques.

Before we learn how to store cilantro, let’s delve into some details about this versatile herb:

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is a popular herb widely used in various cuisines across the globe. It belongs to the coriander plant family and is also referred to as coriander leaves or Chinese parsley.

With its delicate, feathery leaves, cilantro offers a unique flavor profile, combining fresh and citrusy notes with hints of pepper, lemon, and parsley. This versatile herb serves as a common garnish and ingredient in numerous dishes, including salads, salsas, soups, curries, and more.

Originally native to Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, cilantro has now become a cherished herb appreciated by culinary enthusiasts worldwide. However, due to its distinctive taste, cilantro elicits varying reactions among people, with some finding it refreshing and others associating it with a soapy or unpleasant flavor.

For more details about cilantro, you can check here.

Benefits of Cilantro

Let’s the medicinal benefits of cilantro, before learning how to store cilantro.

Discover the potential medicinal benefits of cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, as you incorporate this versatile herb into your culinary endeavors. Here are some health advantages associated with cilantro that can benefit you:

1. Antioxidant Properties

Embrace the richness of antioxidants found in cilantro, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which can neutralize harmful free radicals in your body. Reducing oxidative stress may contribute to your overall well-being.

2. Digestive Health

Incorporate cilantro into your meals to potentially aid digestion. This herb contains compounds that may help alleviate gas, bloating, and indigestion, promoting a healthy digestive system. Its natural fibers can also support regular bowel movements.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Cilantro may possess anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial for managing inflammation in your body. Embrace this herb as part of your diet, especially if you have inflammatory conditions.

4. Detoxification Support

Consider using cilantro to support your body’s natural detoxification processes. It is believed to help remove heavy metals and toxins, making it valuable in detox diets and cleansing protocols.

5. Cholesterol Management

Preliminary studies suggest that cilantro may aid in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, potentially supporting your heart health.

6. Blood Sugar Regulation

Embrace cilantro as a potential aid in managing blood sugar levels, particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

7. Immune System Support

Enjoy the immune-boosting properties of cilantro, thanks to its vitamin C content. Strengthen your immune system and enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections.

8. Antimicrobial Activity

Cilantro contains compounds with demonstrated antimicrobial properties, potentially helping you combat certain bacterial and fungal infections.

9. Skin Health

Embrace cilantro’s antioxidant content to promote healthy skin. It protects your skin from damage caused by pollution and other external factors.

Remember, while cilantro shows promising potential for these health benefits, further research is needed to establish its effectiveness and safety conclusively. If you intend to use cilantro for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Enjoy the versatile and healthful properties of cilantro in your culinary journey, and reap its potential rewards for your well-being.

Now that we have seen the benefits as well, let’s dive into how to store cilantro. 

Method 1: How to Store Cilantro in Your Fridge

Ensure the freshness and flavor of your cilantro by learning how to store cilantro properly in your fridge. Follow these steps of how to store cilantro in top condition:

Trim the Stems

Start by trimming the bottom ends of the cilantro stems if needed. This helps the herb absorb water effectively and stay fresh.

Rinse and Dry

Gently rinse the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with paper towels or a salad spinner, ensuring it is completely dry before storage.

Prepare a Container

Get a glass or airtight container and place a slightly damp paper towel or clean kitchen towel at the bottom. This provides the right amount of moisture without making the cilantro soggy.

Store Cilantro

Stand the cilantro upright in the container, with the stems resting on the damp paper towel. Alternatively, place the cilantro in a jar with water, similar to fresh flowers, and cover it loosely with a plastic bag.

Loosely Cover

Loosely cover the cilantro with a plastic bag or use the container’s lid to create a semi-sealed environment. Avoid sealing it tightly to allow for proper airflow.

Place in the Fridge

Store the container or jar in the vegetable compartment or main section of your fridge, away from direct airflow. The ideal temperature for cilantro storage is around 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).

Check Regularly

Regularly check the cilantro for any signs of spoilage, such as wilting or browning leaves. Remove any damaged parts to preserve the freshness of the rest of the herb.

By learning how to store cilantro in the fridge, you can keep your herb fresh in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, depending on its initial freshness and storage conditions. Remember to inspect it regularly and use it promptly for the best flavor and culinary experience.

Method 2: Storing Cilantro in Water

Here’s how to store cilantro in water:

Trim the Stems

 Begin by trimming the bottom ends of the cilantro stems if necessary. This step ensures that the cilantro can absorb water more effectively.

Rinse the Cilantro

 Gently rinse the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off any excess water.

Prepare a Jar or Glass

 Take a clean glass or jar and fill it with about an inch or two of fresh, cool water.

Place the Cilantro

Arrange the cilantro bunch in the jar, allowing the trimmed stems to rest in the water. Ensure that the leaves are kept above the water level to avoid submerging them.

Cover with a Plastic Bag

 Loosely cover the cilantro and the jar with a plastic bag. This step helps create a slightly humid environment around the cilantro while still allowing some airflow.

Store in the Fridge

 Place the jar in the refrigerator’s vegetable compartment or main section. The optimal temperature for storing cilantro in water is between 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).

Change the Water

 Check the water in the jar every few days. If it becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant odor, replace it with fresh water. Trim the cilantro stems slightly before putting it back in the jar.

By using this method on how to store cilantro in water, you can extend its freshness and keep it vibrant for up to two weeks. This technique helps maintain the herb’s moisture and prevents it from wilting. Remember to check the water regularly and change it as needed to ensure the cilantro stays fresh throughout its storage.

Method 3: How to Store Cilantro in Freezer

Preserving cilantro’s freshness in the freezer is a simple and effective method. Let’s learn how to store cilantro in the freezer properly:

Clean and Dry

 Thoroughly clean the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Ensure the leaves and stems are completely dry by shaking off excess water or using a salad spinner.

Chop or Leave Whole

 Decide whether you want to freeze the cilantro leaves and stems as a whole bunch or chop them into smaller pieces. Both methods work well, so choose based on your preference and intended use.

Flash Freeze (Optional)

 To prevent the cilantro from clumping together, consider flash freezing. Spread the chopped cilantro on a baking sheet in a single layer and place it in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours.

Packaging

 Transfer the cleaned and dried cilantro into a freezer-safe container or an airtight freezer bag. Ensure that there is no sir left while locking the bag.

Label and Date

 Remember to label the container or bag with the contents and the freezing date. This helps you keep track of its freshness and use it within the recommended timeframe.

Store in the Freezer

 Place the labeled container or bag in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

Use within Six Months

 Frozen cilantro can maintain its flavor and aroma for up to six months. Now that we know how to store cilantro in the freezer, we need to note that it won’t retain the same texture as fresh cilantro, however it can be used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes.

When needed for a recipe, simply remove the required amount of frozen cilantro from the freezer and add it directly to your cooking. There’s no need to thaw frozen cilantro before use. It works best in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and sauces, rather than as a garnish, due to its altered texture.

Method 4: Storing Cilantro in Mason Jar

Now let’s find out how to store cilantro in a Mason jar and keep it fresh for an extended period:

Clean and Dry

Start by washing the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat the leaves and stems dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry.

Trim the Stems (Optional)

If you prefer, you can trim the bottom ends of the cilantro stems before placing them in the Mason jar. This helps the herb absorb water more effectively.

Prepare the Mason Jar

Take a clean and dry Mason jar that comfortably holds the cilantro bunch.

Add Water

Fill the Mason jar with a few inches of fresh, cool water. Make sure the water level is enough to submerge the trimmed ends of the cilantro stems.

Place the Cilantro

Carefully insert the cilantro bunch into the Mason jar, with the trimmed stems resting in the water. Keep the leaves above the water level to prevent wilting.

Cover with a Plastic Bag (Optional)

If you wish, you can loosely cover the cilantro and the jar with a plastic bag. This creates a slightly humid environment while allowing some airflow.

Store in the Fridge

Place the Mason jar with the cilantro in the refrigerator’s vegetable compartment or the main section. The ideal temperature for cilantro storage is between 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).

Change the Water

Remember to check the water in the jar every few days. If it becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant odor, replace it with fresh water. Trimming the cilantro stems slightly before returning them to the jar can also help maintain freshness.

These steps show you how to store cilantro in a Mason jar with water, extending its shelf life and keeping it fresh for up to two weeks. This method preserves the herb’s moisture and vibrant green color, ensuring it’s ready to elevate your culinary creations. Check the water regularly and change it as needed to ensure the cilantro stays fresh throughout its storage.

Method 5: Storing Cilantro with Roots

To extend the freshness of your cilantro and keep it usable for a longer time, consider storing it with its roots. Here’s how to store cilantro with roots:

Buy Fresh Cilantro

When you purchase cilantro from the store or farmer’s market, look for bunches that still have their roots attached. Fresh cilantro with roots tends to stay fresher for a more extended period.This is th emost crucial step on how to store cilantro in water.

Trim the Stems

Once you bring the cilantro home, trim the bottom ends of the stems, if needed. This step helps the cilantro absorb water and stay fresh.

Rinse and Dry

Gently rinse the cilantro under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the leaves and stems dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Place in a Jar with Water

Take a clean glass jar or a glass with a narrow mouth, and fill it with a few inches of fresh, cool water. Place the cilantro bunch in the jar, ensuring that the trimmed stems are submerged in water while the leaves remain above the water level.

Cover with a Plastic Bag (Optional)

If you like, loosely cover the cilantro and the jar with a plastic bag. This creates a slightly humid environment, maintaining the herb’s moisture without suffocating it.

Store in the Fridge

Put the jar with the cilantro and roots in your refrigerator’s vegetable compartment or the main section. The ideal temperature for storing cilantro is between 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C).

Change the Water Regularly

Remember to check the water in the jar every few days and change it as needed. Fresh water ensures that the cilantro stays hydrated and remains fresh.

By knowing how to store cilantro with its roots in water, you can prolong its freshness for up to two weeks. The roots act as a natural water source, keeping the herb hydrated and vibrant.

This method allows you to have fresh cilantro readily available for your culinary endeavors, adding a burst of flavor to various dishes. Remember to check the water regularly and replace it to ensure the cilantro remains fresh throughout its storage.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Storing Cilantro