Want to keep that bunch of fresh cilantro you bought for longer than a few days? I’m sharing all my secrets for how to store cilantro so it lasts longer. Also, discover new recipes and ideas for how to use up this fresh herb so it doesn’t go to waste.
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Cilantro is only sold by the bunch but most recipes only need a few tablespoons or so, leaving you left with more of this delicate herb to use than you know what to do with.
There are more ways you can use it, plus if you store it correctly and give it a little love and attention once you bring it home, it can last for several weeks.
These days it is easy to find fresh cilantro in most grocery stores. It’s available fresh year-round and you will usually find it in the produce section of the grocery store next to the parsley.
It’s easy to confuse this fresh herb with Italian or curly parsley as they are also sold in bunches, are bright green in color, and have similarly shaped leaves.
Its unique flavor is often found in salsas, curry dishes, Mexican food and so much more!! Not only does it make foods taste good, but the leaves also make a nice garnish either chopped or left whole.
For more kitchen hacks, check out my tips on how to blanch broccoli, cook fresh beets, or how to cut perfect red onion feathers for beautiful salads! [feast_advanced_jump_to]
How to Chop Cilantro
For most recipes, you will use chopped cilantro though sometimes the whole leaves may be added for garnish on top.
The best way to chop cilantro is to use a sharp knife and cutting board.
Tip: For cutting a lot of cilantro for a recipe at one time, you may find a great way to chop it in bulk is using a chop it in a food processor.
- Wash and dry the cilantro.
- Cut off as much of the stems as you can, leaving the leafy tops.
- Pick the leaves off the remaining stems. It’s ok if there are some of the smaller, thinner stems left but you mostly want the leaves.
- Pile up the cilantro leaves in the center of a cutting board and use a sharp knife to begin cutting the cilantro. The best way to do this is to place your non-dominant hand on the blade to hold it in place as you move the hand on the handle up and down, creating a rocking motion.
- Keep scooping the leaves into a pile and chop until it is chopped as fine as you want them.
#1 – Store In a Plastic Bag
This is the easiest way. Simply store it straight from the store in a plastic bag. I find in most cases cilantro will last for 3-6 days when stored this way depending on its freshness when purchased and what else is stored in the fridge with it.
- Store it loosely tied and in the produce drawer. Try to keep it away from cold spots in the fridge where it may freeze.
- Wrap a damp paper towel around the stems which may help keep the herb hydrated and extend the shelf life.
- Check on it occasionally and remove any brown, yellow leaves or stems as they start to turn to extend the storage.
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh for a Month – Episode 215
Where can I buy cilantro?
You can buy cilantro at various locations, depending on your preferences and local availability. Here are some common places where you can find cilantro: Grocery Stores: Most grocery stores, supermarkets, and local markets carry fresh cilantro. It is typically found in the produce section, often bundled with other fresh herbs.
Does cilantro Wilt?
Like other leafy herbs, cilantro can quickly wilt and decay once you bring it home from the grocery store. If you’re waiting to use your fresh cilantro while your avocados to ripen to make our Easy Healthy Guacamole or Roasted Corn and Goat Cheese Guacamole, your cilantro may pass its prime and head straight to the compost pile. Good news!
How do you store cilantro?
To keep your cilantro at peak flavor, store it as if you were caring for a bouquet of flowers. All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. In the gargantuan family of herbs, cilantro seems to be everyone’s favorite kid. Just look at where this tender herb has sailed.
Where did cilantro come from?
Originally discovered in Israeli caves around 6,000 BC, cilantro has become one of the world’s most widely used herbs. Also known by its scientific name Coriandrum sativum, this plant is composed of the leaves and stems—known as cilantro—and the seeds used as the spice coriander.