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Fresh herbs like cilantro are a great way to level up your cooking. However, keeping cilantro fresh can be challenging, and no one likes to open the fridge to see wilted herbs. By learning how to preserve fresh cilantro, you can extend the shelf life of this flavor powerhouse.
In this article, we’ll offer some proven methods to preserve cilantro while maintaining its vibrant flavor and color so you can enjoy this versatile herb all year round. Whether you need to keep cilantro fresh in the short term or for a longer period, these tips can help.
Why Cilantro Is Such a Popular Ingredient
Cilantro is a staple in various global cuisines due to its bright, citrusy flavor profile and versatility. It is commonly used in Mexican salsas, Asian Thai curries, and Indian chutneys, to name a few.
In addition to its great flavor, cilantro also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A and K. Not only that, it also potentially has heavy metal detoxification properties! Cilantro is both flavorful and healthy, making it a key ingredient in modern cooking.
Tips To Keep Cilantro Fresh for Longer
Properly storing your cilantro can significantly increase its shelf-life, taking it from just a few days to up to two weeks or longer. These practical storage methods will help maintain the herb’s freshness by preventing wilting, yellow, and decay while also preserving cilantro’s distinct flavor and nutritional profile.
Keep Roots In Water
Storing cilantro with the stems in a glass of water, loosely covered with a plastic bag, can help prevent wilting by creating a humid environment.
Trim Stems Before Storing
Before placing the stems in water, cut around an inch off the bottom. This will help them absorb water better and keep the plant fresh.
Use Paper Towel Method
Another way to maintain optimal moisture when storing cilantro is to wrap it in a slightly damp paper towel and then store it in a plastic bag.
Store In a Cool Place
Cilantro should be stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer at around 40°F to keep it fresh for longer.
5 Proven Methods for Safely Preserving Cilantro
If you want to extend your cilantro’s shelf life beyond the typical length of time it will last in the fridge; you can opt to preserve it. The following methods of longer-term preservation can help you enjoy cilantro year-round, preventing waste and maintaining the delicious flavor and nutritional benefits.
Freeze In Herb Rolls
Chop up the cilantro, then roll it into a log with some olive oil before storing it in the freezer. This creates a log of cilantro and oil that preserves the herb’s flavor and lets you easily slice off portions to use in cooking as needed.
Create a Herbal Salt Mix
Sea salt is a natural preservative. It can be combined with fresh cilantro to make a shelf-stable seasoning. The cilantro salt mixture will capture the essence of cilantro but with a longer shelf life.
Blend Into Herb Paste
Another way to freeze cilantro is to puree it along with some olive oil, creating a paste that can be frozen. In this form, cilantro will maintain its flavor for months.
Dehydrate Until Crispy
Dehydrating cilantro in a dehydrator or low-temperature oven removes the moisture, giving you a crispy cilantro that can be crushed into powder. This version will last longer while still offering that cilantro flavor.
Infuse Into Cooking Vinegar
Steeping cilantro in white vinegar for a few weeks is another great way to extend its shelf-life. The resulting cilantro infusion will last for months, maintaining the bright taste of the herb.
How to Recognize That Cilantro Has Spoiled
Being aware of signs that cilantro has gone bad is essential for food safety and preventing foodborne illness. Learning to spot visual, tactile, and olfactory changes that indicate cilantro has gone bad will help you avoid consuming spoiled cilantro.
It’s important to check for all of these signs of potential spoilage before cooking with or eating cilantro.
Leaves Turn a Dark Color
When fresh, cilantro has vibrant green leaves. One sign of spoilage is when the leaves begin to darken in color or become yellowish or black. These color changes could indicate your cilantro is past its prime and should not be used.
Stems Become Extremely Soft
Cilantro stems should be crisp. If they start becoming limp, mushy, or slimy, the cilantro has likely started to deteriorate.
Unpleasant Smell
Fresh cilantro has a distinct, citrus-like smell. If it begins to smell musty or rotten, that’s a good sign of spoiled cilantro, which should be discarded.
Moldy Spots
Cilantro with grey, white, or black spots likely has begun to mold and should be disposed of immediately.
What Containers Work Best for Cilantro?
Storing cilantro in the right container is key to keeping it fresh. This container should provide an optimal balance of humidity and airflow. A few different container options can be an effective, practical way to keep cilantro fresh.
Glass Mason Storage Jars
A glass mason jar with an airtight lid can be the perfect environment for storing cilantro stems in water to keep them from wilting.
Plastic Produce Containers
A ventilated plastic produce container is a great way to protect cilantro leaves from damage while preventing moisture buildup.
Herb Storage Boxes
Storing cilantro in a specialized herb container can help extend its shelf life. These containers are often designed with the ability to adjust airflow and a water reservoir, perfect for storing cilantro in ideal conditions.
Ventilated Zipper Bags
A perforated plastic bag can be a budget-friendly alternative storage method. It allows proper airflow and prevents excess moisture, helping to keep cilantro fresh for longer.
Can You Freeze Fresh Cilantro?
Cilantro can be frozen to preserve its flavor for up to six months. However, freezing cilantro will alter its texture, so this method is best for cilantro that will be used in a cooked dish, not as a garnish.
When freezing cilantro, use the proper preparation techniques, including drying the leaves thoroughly and storing them in an airtight container. You can also opt for the preservation methods listed earlier, like pureeing cilantro with oil or rolling it into an herb log.
Bottom Line
For those hoping to keep cilantro fresh for longer, multiple methods can help extend the shelf-life of this delicious herb. Every technique offers a different storage duration and use case, from proper refrigeration in the correct containers to freezing, drying, or creating herb infusions.
When using the right storage techniques and containers, cilantro’s usability can be increased by days or even months. That way, you can enjoy this versatile herb whenever you want to use it in a dish.
