Don’t let fresh cilantro go to waste due to improper storage. Here’s how to save it.
When you’ve got a serious salsa craving, there’s nothing worse than reaching into the fridge for the cilantro and finding a brown, gummy mass of something that once bore the name of that wonderful culinary herb. Cilantro, an ingredient that adds wonderful freshness and zip to both Mexican and Asian cuisine, can wilt pretty quickly.
However, you can save your cilantro!
Place the bundle of herbs in a glass of water as soon as you bring it home, just like a bouquet of flowers. Tent the plastic produce bag over the top of it and place it in the refrigerator. Your herbs will stay fresh for at least a week, maybe even two. This is a great way to have fresh cilantro whenever you want, without having to buy it too frequently.
What’s YOUR favorite fresh herb to use in cooking?
This post was originally posted on August 14, 2009.
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Great tip! Cilantro is one of those fresh ingredients that I need every once in awhile and after I use it for one meal, I either have to figure out something else to use it on otherwise it just goes bad…another reason to start my own herb garden. 🙂
Is it okay to wash the cilantro initially? Or should one wait and wash it right before it is used?
Sure. It’s often sprayed at the store anyway.
Mine goes really fast if I wash it first. (We have to do a vinegar or other cleansing soak, so maybe it’s different?) I always wait until I’m using it!
This is such a helpful tip. It works so well. I love cilantro! I use it in my bean salads, Mexican dishes, salads, and dressings. YUM! Thanks, again, for the tip. Pinning it now.
I do this also, but if i cannot use it all.. i put into an ice cube tray …a little water and freeze them individualy.. so i can just add the ingredient to my meals later!
Sounds great. Great time to stock up that way!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I lose so much cilantro to it getting slimy. And this is such a “duh, why didn’t I think of that” concept.