4 Genius Tricks to Keep Your Cilantro Fresh Longer

Cilantro is a wonderful herb that adds a bright, citrusy flavor to a wide variety of dishes. From Mexican-inspired meals to Asian-inspired stir-fries, this vibrant green herb shows up in many cuisines around the world.

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But it can tend to wilt and spoil quickly, often within just a few days after you’ve bought it. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’ve just bought a big bunch and are hoping to use it over the course of the week.

There are several clever tricks you can use to keep your cilantro fresher for longer. With these tips, you can enjoy the fresh taste of cilantro in your cooking for days or even weeks after bringing it home from the grocery store.

1. Treat Cilantro Like Fresh Flowers

One of the best ways to keep cilantro fresh is to treat it like a bouquet of fresh flowers. This means storing it in water, just like you would with cut flowers.

Start by trimming the ends of the cilantro stems, just as you would with flowers. Then, place the stems in a glass or jar filled with about an inch of water. You can leave it out on the counter this way if you plan on using it over a few days.

Or to keep it for at least two weeks, cover the top of the jar with a plastic bag or damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Store the cilantro in the refrigerator, making sure the leaves aren’t submerged in the water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

This method works well because it mimics the natural growing conditions of cilantro. By keeping the stems hydrated, you can prevent the leaves from wilting and the herb from spoiling too quickly.

2. Wrap Cilantro in a Damp Paper Towel

If you don’t have a spare jar or vase to store your cilantro in, you can also try wrapping the stems in a damp paper towel.

Start by gently patting the cilantro dry with a clean paper towel. Then, wrap the stems in another damp paper towel, making sure the leaves are completely covered.

Place the wrapped cilantro in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The damp paper towel will help keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out.

Be sure to check on the paper towel every few days and re-dampen it if necessary. This simple method can help extend the life of your cilantro by several days.

3. Freeze Cilantro for Long-Term Storage

If you know you won’t be able to use up your cilantro before it starts to go bad, you can easily freeze it for later use. Frozen cilantro is a great option for adding flavor to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.

To freeze cilantro, start by washing and drying the leaves thoroughly. Then, chop or roughly tear the leaves into smaller pieces.

Next, place the chopped cilantro in an ice cube tray and fill each compartment with water or broth. Freeze the tray until the cilantro cubes are solid, then pop them out and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

When you’re ready to use the frozen cilantro, simply drop a cube or two into your dish as it’s cooking. The cilantro will quickly defrost and release its bright, herbaceous flavor.

Frozen cilantro will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been frozen.

4. Make Cilantro Pesto

Another great way to extend the shelf life of your cilantro is to turn it into pesto. Cilantro pesto is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in all sorts of recipes, from pasta dishes to sandwiches.

To make cilantro pesto, simply combine the following ingredients in a food processor or blender:

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (such as pine nuts or almonds)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend or process the ingredients until a smooth, spreadable pesto forms. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

You can also freeze cilantro pesto for longer-term storage. Simply spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cilantro pesto will keep for up to 6 months.

The pesto method is great because it not only preserves the flavor of the cilantro, but it also gives you a delicious condiment that you can use in all sorts of dishes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any cilantro that’s starting to wilt or go bad.