How To Prep and Store Fresh Cilantro for Weeks
Fresh Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs of all time but one bad thing about it is that it doesn’t last very long in the fridge. They normally last 3-4 days before becoming wimpy and turning black, eventually turning into mush!
If you want to know how to preserve fresh coriander/cilantro/dhaniya even after 3-4 weeks, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done some research and tried a few different methods, and we’d like to share the best way to keep fresh cilantro for longer and save money.
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh for longer in Fridge
This post will show you three simple strategies for keeping cilantro fresh in the fridge for longer using paper towels and cold water. It also works with other fresh herbs.
Option 1 – Roll it in Paper Towel and Keep it in a Ziploc bag
Should you wash Cilantro before storing it…
For this Option-1 method, do not wash the cilantro before storing them. However, you must first wash them before using them because they may contain soil. So, only wash them right before you use them.
Get Fresh Cilantro
- Get fresh Cilantro from the store, and remove the elastic band or any twist ties that come with it, no need to wash.
Air Dry Cilantro
The majority of cilantro you buy from the grocery store is “wet” because it was “misted” at the store to keep it appearing fresh. They’ll last longer if you keep them dry.
Spread the cilantro on kitchen towels and leave it out to dry for 30-60 minutes or till all the excess moisture has completely dried off. Pat dry excess moisture with paper towels if needed.
Remove any yellow or brown leaves and discard them.
Roll it in Paper Towel
Grab 2 long pieces of paper towel and a couple of Ziplock bags or clear plastic produce bags.
Make 3-4 smaller bunches out of the cilantro. Place this on top of a dry paper towel, leaving some space between them. Fold the paper towel over gently and loosely, do not squeeze or press on them.
Keep it in Ziplock Bag and Refrigerate
Place the first batch in the Ziploc bag and seal it tightly. Squeeze out all excess air before closing the Ziploc bag. Super easy!!
This method will keep your herb fresh for up to 4 weeks. Whenever you use it, make sure to remove any leaves that might have wilted so it keeps the remaining leaves fresh.
Option 2 – Refrigerated in a glass of water
- Trim the Cilantro stems at the bottom.
- Fill a glass jar with 2 inches of water then place the Cilantro upright in the glass jar.
- Loosely cover the Cilantro with a large clear plastic bag or Ziploc bag. You can fasten them with a rubber band or knot.
- As needed, replace the water. This method will keep your herb fresh for up to two weeks.
Option 3 – Chop and Refrigerate
If you use cilantro often in your cooking, this is an excellent option because chopped cilantro is easy to use and lasts for weeks.
- Clean the cilantro and spread it out on kitchen towels or paper towels. Allow to dry for 1-2 hours, or until all of the water has evaporated.
- Gather up the herbs in your hand and start slicing right through the stems from the top.
- Loosely Place the leaves in a paper towel-lined container and cover it with another paper towel
- Check out every 2-3 days and discard yellow/brown leaves if any.
Option 4 – Freeze it
If you’re going to use cilantro as a garnish, don’t freeze it since it will turn black and soggy, which is the last thing you want as a garnish. This method is ok if you want to use Cilantro for soups, broths, and stir fry recipes.
- Wash and Clean Cilantro very well. Pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Chop all the Cilantro into small pieces. You can freeze just the leaves or both leaves and stems. I usually take both leaves and stems.
- Put it in a Ziploc bag and then freeze it. This method will keep your herb for up to 3 months
- When you want to use it you don’t have to unfreeze it, simply take out the portion that you want to use.
You can use this method to preserve any spice, including curry leaves, parsley leaves, and other herbs. Please share this article with your friends and family so we can help others to reuse cilantro/Dhaniya/coriander and save money.
Common Questions
Can you use the Stems of Fresh Cilantro?
Keep the stems refrigerated in an airtight container lined with paper towels or freeze them for longer shelf life. You can use them in broth, soups, and chutneys.
How To Prepare Cilantro?
Cilantro is one of those herbs that require thorough cleaning. Use a large bowl of water and rinse them very well. Repeat this 2-3 times or until the water is clear. Shake off any excess water and spread them on a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
How To Make the Wilted Herbs Fresh?
If your Cilantro is wilted in the fridge then you can try to put it in ice-cold water for about 5 minutes. Most likely it will look fresh again.
