How to Keep Cilantro Fresh for a Week: Tips and Tricks
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb widely used in various cuisines around the world. While it is delicious in numerous dishes, ensuring that this herb remains fresh can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some effective methods to keep your cilantro fresh for at least a week.
Tips for Storing Fresh Cilantro
1. Trim and Water Storage: Upon bringing cilantro home, trim about an inch off the bottom of the stems. Place the bunch in a glass with about two inches of water. Cover the glass and cilantro with a plastic vegetable bag from your purchase for added freshness. Place this in the refrigerator, where it can last two to three weeks. This method is reliable and simple to execute. Signs of decay include brown spots appearing on the leaves. If you notice these, it is time to dispose of the herb.
2. Damp Towel Method: Another effective storage method involves wrapping the stems in a damp towel and placing the bundle in a zipper-lock bag in your crisper drawer. This method can keep cilantro fresh for a week or more, making it ideal for use in multiple recipes. The key here is to ensure the towel stays slightly damp to prevent the cilantro from drying out.
3. Vase Method: For a more aesthetical presentation, place the cilantro stems in a jar or mug with water. Treat it like a bouquet of flowers. Sort and discard any weepy strands and trim the root ends. Place this in a vase-like object half-filled with water. This method is visually appealing and ensures the cilantro stays fresh for a week or longer. Some recommend covering the whole setup with a plastic bag to refrigerate it, but I prefer leaving it out to remind me to use it. This method is particularly popular among those who appreciate the visual presentation of their herbs.
Other Effective Storage Methods
4. Airtight Box with Paper Towel: For a simple storage solution, place the cilantro in an airtight box with a paper towel over the tops. The purpose of the paper towel is to absorb moisture, preventing the cilantro from getting soggy. This method is effective in maintaining the freshness of cilantro for extended periods. I have found this method to be particularly useful when I need to store cilantro for a week or more.
5. Newspaper or Paper Toweling: Wrapping herbs and vegetables in newspaper or paper towels before placing them in a bag in the refrigerator can significantly extend the life of produce. The paper helps to absorb excess moisture, which can prolong the freshness of your cilantro. While tin foil is a more expensive alternative, it can also be used effectively for this purpose. However, the paper towels or newspaper method is often more cost-effective and just as effective.
Preservation Tips for Cilantro
While keeping cilantro fresh is a priority, there are also ways to preserve this herb if you need it to last longer. One option is to dry the cilantro, but this can alter its flavor, making it less suitable for certain recipes. Freezing cilantro is another option, but it may also change the texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can choose to keep a cilantro plant alive until you need some. A living plant will last much longer as long as you can maintain it in a suitable environment.
Additional Cilantro-Best Practices
In the garden, it is best to keep seed stalks from flowering. Instead, cut them and practice succession planting. This method ensures a continuous supply of fresh cilantro, which is especially beneficial if you are a frequent user of this herb.
Implementing these storage and preservation methods can significantly enhance the longevity of your cilantro, ensuring that you always have this flavorful herb on hand for your culinary creations.