How to store cilantro to keep it fresh longer
Though I don’t cook often, cilantro is one of those ingredients that I try to keep on hand all the time (fresh) to add to recipes and to salads. Unfortunately, when I do buy a batch I usually have to use it up the same week or it wilts and goes bad. I’ve tried freezing the cilantro. I’ve tried drying it out before storing it. Nothing helps.
So I was thrilled to find this tip about storing cilantro (and other herbs) in the refrigerator, upright, in a plastic cup with water at the bottom.
Store tender herbs by snipping off the bases of the stems and removing any discolored or wilted leaves. Transfer them to a large mason jar with an inch of water in the bottom. Seal the jar with the lid (if it fits), or cover the top of the jar with an overturned plastic bag sealed with a rubber band. Store in the refrigerator.
I’ve seen basil and parsley sold like this at the supermarket, but not cilantro. I’m going to have to build my own and test it out. If I actually do it, I’ll report back on it’s effectiveness. If any of you test it out, please let me know how it worked out.
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NOTES
- Source: Store Cilantro Upright in the Fridge With Water to Make It Last Months | Lifehacker
- Source: The Best Way to Store Fresh Herbs | Serious Eats
Sandra Fernandez is a professional communicator, tech enthusiast, book lover, and blogger. You can find her main blog at SandraSays.com and more of her writing at HispanicHouston.com.