Few ingredients bring the fresh, zesty punch and leafy elegance that cilantro does. This versatile herb can elevate everything from a simple salad to a complex curry. In this guide, you'll learn how to identify the freshest cilantro, prepare it properly, and store it in ways that maintain its bright flavor and delicate texture for as long as possible.
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How to Spot Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro, also referred to as coriander leaves in many parts of the world, features delicate, flat leaves on long stems. While often mistaken for parsley due to its appearance, the scent is unmistakably unique. Both the leaves and stems are edible and add flavor to many cuisines.
If you don't have space to grow herbs at home, shop for bunches with a vibrant green hue, crisp leaves, and a clean, citrusy aroma. Skip any bundles with yellowing, wilted, or slimy leaves, as these are signs the herb is past its prime.
Though available year-round, cilantro is at its most flavorful and plentiful in late spring and early summer.
What does cilantro taste like?
Cilantro's flavor is bold, bright, and citrus-forward, with subtle peppery notes. However, due to naturally occurring aldehydes in its leaves, some people with a specific gene variation experience a soapy taste instead.
"I love fresh cilantro on my scrambled eggs, chili, tacos, and in mango salad, although the rest of the family says it tastes like soap! I grow it in pots on my balcony through the summer and store it wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge when needed."
- Sarita Harbour, An Off Grid Life
How to Prep Cilantro for Storage
Before placing cilantro in the fridge, there are a few simple steps to take to keep it fresh longer. Remove any bands or packaging, then examine the bunch for damaged or discolored parts. Discard any leaves that look limp or brown.
Rinse the cilantro gently under cool running water, rotating it to remove dirt and grit. For drying, either shake off excess water, let it air dry, or use a salad spinner to get it completely dry.
Once your cilantro is clean and dry, it's ready to store.
Best Ways to Store Cilantro
Cilantro can spoil quickly if not stored correctly, but these tried-and-true techniques can help extend its life.
The first option is to store cilantro with dry paper towels.
"I always have a bunch of cilantro in the fridge to add to salads, rice and Mexican dishes. Store it in an airtight container with a layer of dry paper towel on the bottom and top, and the cilantro will stay fresh for weeks."
- Jere' Cassidy, One Hot Oven
The second option is to wrap cilantro with damp paper towels. This method helps maintain moisture without soaking the leaves. Dampen a paper towel slightly, wrap it loosely around the bunch, and place it inside a sealed bag or reusable silicone pouch. Store it in your fridge's crisper drawer for best results.
Dehydrating cilantro for long-term use is a third option. Cilantro can also be dried for later. Use a food dehydrator or oven on low heat until the leaves are completely crisp. Store the dried herb in an airtight jar away from heat and light.
Finally, you can freeze cilantro in water or oil. Freezing chopped cilantro in ice cube trays. Add a small amount of chopped cilantro to each compartment, then fill with water or oil and freeze. Once solid, transfer cubes to a freezer bag for easy use.
Frozen cilantro won't match the flavor intensity of fresh, but it's still great for soups, stews, or curries.
Cooking with cilantro
Because of its soft leaves, cilantro is best used as a finishing herb. Its flavor fades when overcooked, so add it to your dish just before serving.
"When I was a child, I used to hate cilantro, but now I can't get enough of it! When I cook a curry, I love to add it just at the last moment. It lifts the whole dish and balances the hotter spices."
- Mandy Applegate, Splash of Taste
Cilantro is incredibly flexible in the kitchen. It's a staple in Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Caribbean cuisines. Sprinkle it on tacos, stir it into rice, or toss it into a citrusy salsa.
Whether you chop the leaves finely or leave them whole for garnish is entirely up to you. And don't discard the stems-they pack a surprising amount of flavor, especially in soups or marinades.
Final thoughts
Cilantro may be polarizing to some, but for those who love it, it's a kitchen essential. Choosing fresh, healthy bunches is the first step in getting the most from this herb. Properly stored, cilantro can last well beyond a few days-and even months if frozen or dried.
Add it to your dish just before serving to preserve its flavor and aroma. Try using cilantro in new cuisines or reinvent your favorite dishes with this bold herb. With just a bit of care, cilantro can bring a vibrant, fresh finish to your meals any time of year.
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