Cilantro refers to the leaves and stalks of the plant species Coriandrum sativum. It is a bright green, antioxidant-rich herb that is used globally in cuisines. Aside from the rich flavour and aroma, cilantro is used for its health benefits. If you end up with more cilantro than you can use, here are a few ways you can preserve the herb;
A crucial step to making your cilantro last is by buying the healthiest-looking bunch from the grocery store. Healthy and fresh cilantro should have bright green, perky leaves with no discoloration. Fresh cilantro usually has sand in it so make sure to wash them thoroughly in a large bowl of water and rinse once or twice.
One way of storing them is to wholly place them in a clean jar half-filled with water just as you would a bouquet. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag and place them in the fridge. Occasionally, change the water in the jar. Your cilantro should stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Alternatively, spread the washed and dried cilantro out onto a clean paper towel and gently fold it to wrap the cilantro. Place the cilantro in an airtight container and place the container in the fridge. Make sure to occasionally change the paper towel and check for brown leaves. The cilantro should last up to 3 weeks.
Another method is to thoroughly wash, drain and dry your cilantro, chop them to your desired consistency, spread out the cilantro on two paper towels and place the cilantro in an airtight container then pop it in the fridge. It should last up to 2 weeks.
The easiest way is to wash and dry the cilantro then place them in a zip lock bag and toss them in the freezer. Make sure to expel all the air before sealing the bag.
Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and pack each cell of the ice cube tray until full. Add water or oil on top and place the tray in the freezer. Once frozen, remove the cubes from the tray, store them in a zip lock bag and put them back in the freezer. They will last for more than a month.
Lastly, chop the sprigs to your desired length and place them in a vacuum bag and then remove all the air with the vacuum sealer and seal. Make sure to indicate the freezing date on the bag and place the bags in the freezer. With these methods, your cilantro will last for weeks.
Cilantro lasts longer if stored in cold temperatures. Keeping oxygen away from the cilantro will also prolong the life of the herb.
Inspect the bunch, removing all bruised and wilted leaves. After washing, dry the cilantro thoroughly and store with paper towels as this helps trap moisture and prevents the cilantro from becoming moldy. Remember to change the paper towels occasionally. It is better to store the cilantro whole rather than chopped.
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