Cilantro is such a fantastic herb that can add a burst of flavor to so many dishes! The only downside is that it doesn’t stay fresh for very long unless you know how to store it properly.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! With just two simple methods, you can keep your cilantro fresh for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge!
So, let’s get started and keep that delicious cilantro fresh for all your future culinary creations!
How to Store Cilantro in Fridge?
We’ve got two simple and effective methods that will keep your cilantro fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
The first method involves placing the cilantro in a glass of water, while the second method involves wrapping it in a paper towel.
It’s important to avoid the most common causes of cilantro decay, such as excess water on the leaves which can cause spoilage and slimy leaves, or dry air which can cause the leaves to go limp and shrivel up.
But with these storage methods, you can prevent these issues from occurring prematurely and extend the life of this delicate herb.
Storing Cilantro in a Glass of Water
Try this easy and effective technique that will keep your cilantro fresh for up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
To get started, trim your cilantro stems down to about 2 inches from the base of the stems. Then, grab a glass jar and fill it up to about 3/4 of the way with water.
Carefully insert your cilantro into the jar, making sure the stems are submerged in the water.
Next, cover the top of the cilantro with a plastic baggie and secure it to the jar with a rubber band. Pop the jar into the refrigerator and replace the water as needed (usually every few days).
Whenever you need some fresh cilantro, just take it out of the jar and use it as needed. Once you’re finished, pop it back into the refrigerator and your cilantro will stay fresh for up to a couple of weeks!
Enjoy the fresh flavor and vibrant green color of your cilantro in all your culinary creations.
Storing Cilantro in an Air-Tight Container or Ziplock Bag
First, grab 1-2 layers of paper towel or a lightweight cloth towel like a flour sack and place it on your kitchen counter. Then, add your unwashed cilantro on top of the towel in a single layer.
Roll up the cilantro in the paper towel, making sure it’s wrapped tightly. Place the rolled-up cilantro in an airtight container or Ziplock bag and store it in the fridge.
If you have a large bunch of cilantro, it may be helpful to separate it into two portions and use multiple paper towels.
By using this method, your cilantro will keep for about 2 weeks! Just be sure to change the paper towel if it becomes too wet.
Now you can have fresh cilantro whenever you need it, without worrying about it going bad too quickly.
How to Store Cilantro for Months?
Freezing cilantro is a great way to preserve its fresh flavor and extend its shelf life. Here’s how to do it!
First, wash your cilantro sprigs by placing them in a colander and holding it under running water. Be sure to shake the colander so the water reaches all the cilantro.
Once done, turn off the water and let the cilantro drip dry for a few minutes.
Next, use a paper towel to gently pat the cilantro dry and pick up any excess water. Avoid rubbing too hard as this could tear the leaves.
An easy trick for drying all the cilantro is wrapping the entire contents in a paper towel and gently rolling it, which catches all the excess water.
Then, spread the cilantro out on a baking sheet lined with freezer paper (or wax or parchment paper if you don’t have freezer paper).
Lay the cilantro out in a single layer, making sure the leaves don’t touch each other or they’ll stick together.
After freezing the cilantro on a baking tray, transfer it to plastic freezer bags. Wait for about 30 minutes, then remove the baking tray from the freezer and immediately transfer the cilantro into the bags.
Be sure not to let the cilantro start defrosting, or it will all stick together when it freezes again.
Once the cilantro is in the bags, store them in the freezer for 1-2 months. Place the bags in a safe place in the freezer, and your cilantro could last up to 2 months stored this way.
However, if you keep it in the freezer for too long, it will dry out and lose its flavor.
When you’re ready to use the frozen cilantro, don’t thaw it out before using it. This will make it soggy and less flavorful. Instead, simply take the amount you need directly from the freezer bag and add it to your dish. Enjoy the fresh taste of cilantro in your favorite recipes, even when it’s not in season!