How to Store Fresh Cilantro: Tips for Buying Fresh Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an herb with a thin, green stem that branches out into a cluster of round leaves at the top with small, brown seeds at the bottom. While cilantro leaves have a fresh citrusy flavor that resembles lemon or lime, coriander seeds have a nutty taste. Native to parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, cilantro’s distinct smell and taste make it a staple ingredient in cuisines worldwide.

It’s almost impossible to imagine Mexican cuisine without cilantro, which finds its way into salsa and guacamole and makes the perfect garnish for tacos. In Indian cuisine, you’ll find cilantro in green chutney or sprinkled on top of stews and gravies. The bright green color and fresh earthy aroma of chopped cilantro create a vibrant garnish for soups, fish, and meat.

You can find fresh cilantro at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. When choosing a bunch of cilantro, focus on three characteristics:

• Color: Fresh cilantro leaves should be bright green. Check your bunch of cilantro for any yellow or brown leaves, as this is a sign of spoilage.
• Smell: Cilantro has a distinct aroma. Fresh cilantro should smell earthy with citrus undertones. Avoid buying cilantro that smells dank.
• Texture: After checking the color and smell of your cilantro bunch, look at the texture of the leaves and stems. They should be sturdy enough to stand straight while holding them in your hands; they shouldn’t be limp and mushy.
  

You should not wash cilantro before storing it, as excess water and moisture can cause the fresh leaves to turn brown early. However, you should wash your cilantro before serving or cooking it to remove any sand or dirt.

Storing your cilantro in a plastic bag is a simple and low-maintenance way of preserving fresh cilantro in the refrigerator.

• Remove excess moisture. Before storing cilantro in a plastic bag or airtight container, remove the rubber band holding the cilantro stems together and gently pat the leaves dry with a paper towel. You can also use a salad spinner to dry your cilantro or air-dry it by laying the fresh herbs in a single layer on a paper towel or cutting board for about ten minutes.
• Wrap the leaves in a paper towel. Once your cilantro leaves are dry, wrap them in a dry paper towel before storing them in a plastic bag or plastic container. Storing your cilantro leaves dry reduces the chance of mold growth and extends their shelf life.
• Remove excess air. While a dry environment prevents mold growth, you don’t want your cilantro to get too dry. (Unless, of course, you want to make dried cilantro.) The circulation of dry air in the fridge can cause cilantro to wither, so seal your plastic bag or reusable container tightly to keep the herb fresh and preserve the texture of the leaves. If you’re using a plastic bag to store your cilantro, fill the bag and lay it flat. Starting from the bottom of the bag, gently slide your hands upward to remove the excess air before tightly sealing the bag shut.

You can store your cilantro in a container filled with cold water to keep the leaves crisp and fresh. Keep a jar of cilantro on the kitchen counter, or if your kitchen is hot, store it in the fridge with a plastic bag loosely covering the leaves.

• Trim the stems. Just as you would trim the stems of fresh flowers to make a bouquet last, trim the cilantro stems with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, then immediately plunge them into a glass jar or other vessel filled with cold water. Placing the stems in water within a few seconds of trimming prevents the cut from drying out and allows the cilantro to absorb more water.
• Keep the water level low. Submerging the leaves in water can cause them to wilt, which attracts bacteria that can then contaminate the water. Ensure the water level stays below the leaves, and consider storing shorter sprigs in a plastic bag.
• Change the water daily. Change the water as needed, at least once a day.

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