Cilantro, which also goes by the name coriander (shocking, I know), is an herb that can be purchased and stored either dried or fresh. It has a very strong, bright flavor that goes well with hearty dishes like tacos or in a sauce like chimichurri. After scrolling through dozens of recipes that call for fresh cilantro, I excitingly purchased a bundle of it, only to have it wilt into a brown mush in a matter of days (this has happened to me more times than I'd like to admit). In an effort to save future bunches of cilantro, and my money, from being tossed in the trash, I now store cilantro in a specific way to maximize its shelf life. Once you learn how to store fresh cilantro properly, you'll be able to make it last up to two weeks in the fridge.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro
You'll need:
Medium-sized jar or cup
Knife (or kitchen shears)
Step 1:
Fill the jar or cup half-way with water or until approximately 3 inches of the stem will be submerged in water.
#SpoonTip: If desired, you can change the water every four days to make your cilantro last even longer.
Step 2:
After washing your cilantro with cold water, cut off the end of the stems.
#SpoonTip: If you have kitchen shears, cut the stems off under cold water. This method is preferred because, like fresh flowers, it ensures that no air pockets form, making your cilantro last much longer
Step 3:
Immediately submerge cilantro in jar and store in the fridge.
#SpoonTip: If you're feeling extra ~fancy,~ you can use this as a centerpiece for a get-together and let people to garnish their own food.
Step 4:
Use fresh cilantro as needed and enjoy!
Now that you know how to store fresh cilantro, you can find unique ways to incorporate it into your food, like adding it to your ramen noodles or mixing it into your salads. My favorite ways to enjoy cilantro are these cauliflower tacos and this fresh watermelon salsa. It can also be infused with water along with other flavorings like fresh lemon juice.