Learn how to store cilantro (a.k.a coriander leaves) fresh for longer in the fridge with simple tips and tricks.
Indian cooking is all about flavors. Be it different spices, herbs, or more, we add anything and everything to spruce the whole meal. If there’s one ingredient I swear by in almost every recipe, it has to be cilantro.
From snacks to rice-based recipes, curries, and more, you will notice almost every recipe garnished with chopped cilantro leaves. Ever wondered why this is done? Well, these leaves give a kick of flavor to the dish. Besides these recipes, it is also used in making the very popular Indian ‘hari chutney’.
Let's Learn below how to buy, clean, cut, and store cilantro fresh for longer.
Jump to:
- What is Cilantro?
- Are Coriander and Cilantro the Same Thing?
- What Does it Taste Like?
- How To Buy Cilantro?
- How To Clean Cilantro?
- How to Cut Cilantro?
- How To Store Cilantro?
- Can You Freeze Cilantro?
- How to Use Cilantro in Recipes
- Tips on How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Cooking 101 Recipes
- How to Store Cilantro?
What is Cilantro?
It is an aromatic plant indigenous to Southern Europe and Western Asia and known locally as "hara dhania" in India. The plant is scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum.
Cilantro is used as a key ingredient in Indian, Asian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is commonly used as a garnish or ingredient in dishes like chutneys, salsas, cilantro lime rice, guacamole, and salads.
With its powerful aroma, it not only enhances the flavor of food but also provides a number of health advantages. It helps to strengthen immunity and is a strong source of antioxidants. To know about the benefits in detail, read below.
Benefits Of Cilantro Leaves
- The essential oils present in cilantro or Chinese parsley are cleansing, bacterial- and immune-enhancing.
- Moreover, it helps with digestion, stomach pain, blood sugar regulation, and other things.
- It is a great dietary fiber, magnesium, and iron source.
Are Coriander and Cilantro the Same Thing?
Coriander seeds are produced when the plant blossoms and produces seeds. Coriander is also known as cilantro in Spanish.
In the United States, Coriander and cilantro refer to different parts of the same plant, and they are not exactly the same thing. Coriander refers to the seeds of the plant, while the stems and leaves of the coriander plant make up cilantro.
In the UK, India, and other parts of the world, Coriander is commonly referred to as "coriander leaves," and "coriander seeds". The coriander seeds are ground to make coriander powder that is commonly used in soups, curries, and spice powders.
What Does it Taste Like?
The flavor of cilantro is believed to be fresh and slightly citrusy.
How To Buy Cilantro?
There are three things to notice before buying the right kind of cilantro leaves. Take a look below to learn about them.
- Color: Fresh cilantro leaves need to be a vibrant green color. If there are any yellow or brown leaves in your bunch of cilantro, it has spoiled.
- Texture: Look at the texture of the leaves and stems after examining the color of your cilantro bunch. They shouldn't be soft and mushy but strong enough to stand upright when you hold them in your hands.
- Smell: Fresh cilantro should have a citrus undertone and an earthy aroma. Don't purchase cilantro that smells bad.
How To Clean Cilantro?
Remove the rubber band or twist tie from the coriander bunch and place them in a big bowl of cold water. Swirl the cilantro with your hands in the water to remove the dirt or debris. The soil will land at the bowl's base. You should repeat this procedure a few times to get all the grit out.
Shake off any excess water using a colander or your hand, and spread it on a clean towel or paper towel to dry before storing it.
How to Cut Cilantro?
1. Trim off the Stems
Cut the stems from your cilantro and remove the leaves from the stalks before preparing them. Use a knife to cut the thick stems near the bottom.
The tender stems can be added to soups, chutneys and used to prepare vegetable broth. If not used right away, just make sure to store them in the fridge in an airtight container or ziplock that has been lined with paper towels.
2. Chop Cilantro
Hold the leaves tightly with one hand and use a sharp knife, to chop the cilantro leaves in a rocking motion. You can roughly chop or finely chop as per your preference before storing them.
How To Store Cilantro?
There are a few different methods to keep cilantro once you've bought it.
Store In Refrigerator - Without Washing
If you don't have time to wash your herbs right away after buying them, you can store them for later usage.
Place your unwashed cilantro bunch on a paper towel. Roll the bunch from one end to the other, covering it completely. Store them in an airtight glass container or plastic storage bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before usage, make sure to wash.
Store Whole Cilantro in the Fridge (My preferred method)
This is the way I like to keep cilantro leaves in the refrigerator. Almost every recipe I make during the week includes cilantro.
Spread the washed and air-dried cilantro onto a layer or two of paper towels. Gently fold it twice to wrap the cilantro. Keep the wrapped cilantro in an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator. This method will ensure cilantro stays as fresh as possible for up to 3 weeks.
For best results, Ensure to change the paper towel after one week and remove any brown or yellow leaves as well.
Store Chopped Cilantro in the Fridge
Place the roughly chopped cilantro leaves loosely in a layer or two in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Be sure to remove any brown or yellow leaves that you see on a weekly basis.
This method of storage will ensure that your cilantro stays as fresh as possible for up to 2 weeks.
Store In Refrigerator - In A Glass Jar Filled With Water
This approach is frequently used to keep cilantro fresher for longer. Add a few inches of water to a glass or mason jar. The cilantro bunch should be added with the stems submerged.
Please Note: It's not necessary for the stems to be totally submerged in water.
Wrap the leaves in a plastic bag and seal them with a knot. Replace the water if it becomes hazy every few days. Using this procedure, cilantro stays fresh for roughly two-three weeks. Before eating, make sure you wash your cilantro thoroughly.
Can You Freeze Cilantro?
While this tender herb is best consumed fresh. It's not recommended to freeze as it affects the texture and color of the leaves. However, it is possible to freeze it if you happen to have an abundance and don't want your cilantro to go to waste. Chop the cilantro and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Because cilantro is so delicate and soft, it could start to wilt after some time in the refrigerator. Immersing them in ice-cold water is a simple way to revive them. They'll get crisp again!
How to Use Cilantro in Recipes
All set to start cooking? Cilantro is simple to add to your regular recipes and has a tart, citrus flavor. From Thai to Indian, Mexican, Italian, and more, you can literally use cilantro in a myriad of ways. Here are some recipe suggestions for using cilantro.
- Green Chutney
- Cilantro Coconut Chutney
- Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
- Avocado Cilantro Dressing
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Salsa
- Lemon Coriander Soup
Tips on How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
- Leaves of coriander should be well-washed and trimmed at the ends.
- Using paper towels, dry the clean leaves.
- Fill a solid glass jar with chilly water up to the quarter mark at this point. Ensure all the stem ends are soaked before arranging the coriander leaves within the glass. Leaves must stay above the water's surface. Make sure to discard some of the leaves if they are in contact with the water's surface.
- Put a zip-lock bag on top of the glass jar. Keep the jar and lid in the refrigerator while leaving the opening of the bag open.
- After a few days, you will need to replace the water.
- Coriander may stay fresh for up to two weeks when prepared in this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cilantro stems are soft, delicious, and above all, edible.
Cover the leaves loosely with an upside-down plastic bag and place them in the fridge. This method of storage can keep cilantro fresh for up to a month; just remember to replace the water in the jar periodically. For other leafy herbs like parsley and mint, follow the same technique.
Yes, you should wash cilantro before storing it, as it can have dirt or debris on the leaves.
Cilantro can be easily found in most supermarkets and grocery stores in the USA.
More Cooking 101 Recipes
- How to Make Ghee
- How to Store Green Chilies
- How to Store Curry Leaves
- How to Store Garlic
- How to Make Garlic Paste
- How to Make Ginger Paste
- How to Sprout Beans
- How to Make Curd
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How to Store Cilantro?
Ingredients
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
How to clean cilantro
- Remove the rubber band or twist tie from the coriander bunch and place them in a big bowl of cold water. Swirl the cilantro with your hands in the water to remove the dirt or debris. The soil will land at the bowl's base. You should repeat this procedure a few times to get all the grit out.
- Shake off any excess water using a colander or your hand, and spread it on a clean towel or paper towel to dry before storing it.
How to Cut Cilantro?
- Trim off the StemsCut the stems from your cilantro and remove the leaves from the stalks before preparing them. Use a knife to cut the thick stems near the bottom.The tender stems can be added to soups, chutney's and used to prepare vegetable broth. If not used right away, just make sure to store them in the fridge in an airtight container or ziplock that has been lined with paper towels.
- Chop CilantroHold the leaves tightly with one hand and use a sharp knife, to chop the cilantro leaves in a rocking motion. You can roughly chop or finely chop as per your preference before storing them.
Store In Refrigerator - Without Washing
- If you don't have time to wash your herbs right away after buying them, you can store them for later usage.
- Place your unwashed cilantro bunch on a paper towel. Roll the bunch from one end to the other, covering it completely. Store them in an airtight glass container or plastic storage bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before usage, make sure to wash.
Store Whole Cilantro in the Fridge (My preferred method)
- This is the way I like to keep cilantro leaves in the refrigerator. Almost every recipe I make during the week includes cilantro.
- Spread the washed and air-dried cilantro onto a layer or two of paper towels. Gently fold it twice to wrap the cilantro. Keep the wrapped cilantro in an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator. This method will ensure cilantro stays as fresh as possible for up to 3 weeks.For best results, Ensure to change the paper towel after one week and remove any brown or yellow leaves as well.
Store Chopped Cilantro in the Fridge
- Place the roughly chopped cilantro leaves loosely in a layer or two in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Be sure to remove any brown or yellow leaves that you see on a weekly basis.
- This method of storage will ensure that your cilantro stays as fresh as possible for up to 2 weeks.
Store In Refrigerator - In A Glass Jar Filled With Water
- This approach is frequently used to keep cilantro fresher for longer. Add a few inches of water to a glass or mason jar. The cilantro bunch should be added with the stems submerged.Please Note: It's not necessary for the stems to be totally submerged in water.
- Wrap the leaves in a plastic bag and seal them with a knot. Replace the water if it becomes hazy every few days. Using this procedure, cilantro stays fresh for roughly two weeks. Before eating, make sure you wash your cilantro thoroughly.
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