4 Ways to Store Coriander

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

If you have a lot of cilantro and don't want it to spoil, you can put it away for either a few weeks or a few months. Cilantro can be stored in the refrigerator, freezer, or cupboard. Read on to find out about each method.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Method One: Store it in the refrigerator

Step 1. Cut the stems

Use a pair of scissors to remove about 2.5 cm of stem from each sprig of cilantro.

• By cutting the end you expose the fresh part of the grass still capable of absorbing water. Once the stem is in the air for an hour, it will die making the absorption capacity limited.
• If you don't have kitchen scissors, you can use a knife.

Step 2. Keep the leaves dry

Do not rinse the cilantro. The leaves must not get wet.

If there is any dirt or debris, you should wait before using it. Rinse it before using it and not beforehand

Step 3. Fill a jar with water

Get to a quarter, maximum half.

• There should be enough water to cover the stems. Don't let it get to the leaves.

  

• Basically, you will treat the cut part as if it were a flower. The cilantro will absorb the water through the stem. The result will be that the leaves will remain fresh and turgid for a long time.

  

Step 4. Cover the grass with a plastic bag

Place a small plastic bag on the jar, covering the leaves and the mouth of the jar.

• If you want, you can secure the plastic with a rubber band or a round of scotch tape. It is not essential though and there are some doubts about its effectiveness.

  

• By placing a bag on the cilantro you limit the amount of air.

  

Step 5. Keep the jar in the refrigerator

The leaves will begin to wilt or discolor.

The cilantro will stay fresh for about two weeks

Step 6. Change the water periodically

Once the water starts to discolor, you should throw it out and change it.

You will probably have to do this every two or three days at the most

Method 2 of 4: Method Two: Storage in Frost Bags

Step 1. Wash and dry the twigs

Rinse the fresh twigs under cold running water. Drain them and pat dry with kitchen paper.

• You can dry the coriander by leaving it in a colander for a few minutes or by placing it on several layers of paper towel spreading it well so that the excess water is absorbed.
• The cilantro should be dry enough if you want to use this method, so blot with kitchen paper. Do not rub the branches to dry them as this will ruin the leaves.

Step 2. Cut the leaves if desired

You can freeze the cilantro sprigs but if you want to make them easy to use, you can use a kitchen knife and peel the leaves off the branches.

• Alternatively, you can also browse them with scissors.

  

• The advantage of leaf removal is that you can measure portions of frozen cilantro more easily when you need it.

  

Step 3. Spread the cilantro on a baking sheet

Make a single layer of it making sure that twigs or leaves don't touch and overlap.

If the cilantro overlaps in multiple layers, they may stick together, making it difficult to separate them when you need to use them

Step 4. Freeze for 30 minutes

Place the pan in the freezer until the leaves are very cold.

This way, you can freeze each sprig individually. If you were to put them all together in the freezer, it would stick together to form a solid mass

Step 5. Transfer the frozen cilantro to plastic bags

Put about 60ml or a similar amount in each bag.

Mark each bag with its name, freezing date and weight

Step 6. Put in the freezer

It can be kept for many months in this way.

When you are ready to use it, take it and keep it at room temperature until it is thawed

Method 3 of 4: Method Three: Store Coriander in Ice Trays

Step 1. Wash and dry the twigs

Rinse the fresh twigs under cold running water. Drain them and pat them with kitchen paper.

• You can dry the coriander by leaving it in a colander for a few minutes or by placing it on several layers of paper towels.

  

• With this method you will end up storing it in water so it doesn't need to be completely dry.

  

Step 2. Cut it into small pieces

Use a sharp knife to separate the leaves from the stems and cut them into small pieces.

• You can also do this by cutting them with scissors but since they must be removed and chopped, a knife would be the most suitable tool.
• Coriander should be chopped into small pieces suitable for cooking.

Step 3. Place some cilantro in each compartment of the bowl

Measure about a tablespoon of chopped cilantro and place it in an ice cube tray. Continue by pouring a spoonful into each compartment.

That way, you can use the right amount or know how much to use when cooking

Step 4. Cover the cilantro with water

Pour a tablespoon of the water over the cilantro until it is covered.

• Do not put the bowl under running water because you would make it come out dispersing the coriander as well.

  

• Covering the cilantro with water will keep it fresh longer.

  

Step 5. Freeze until solid

Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours until the water turns to ice.

• Coriander can be stored like this for many months and will usually last at least one or longer than that stored without ice.

  

• When you need it, take it and let it thaw. Drain the leaves and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Alternatively, I add frozen cubes directly to the stew, sauce or where it is needed.

  

Step 6. Transfer the cubes to a frost bag if you prefer

If you want to make room in the freezer, you can remove the cilantro from the tray and transfer it to a frost bag.

Label the bag with the name of the herb and the date you stored it

Method 4 of 4: Method Four: Dry and Store at Room Temperature

Step 1. Cut the end of the stems and dry the leaves

Using kitchen scissors, cut off no more than 2.5cm from the bottom of each sprig. Also cut any leaves that are yellowed or dry.

• You can also use a kitchen knife instead of a pair of scissors.

  

• It is not essential for drying herbs. Since they will dry out anyway, there is no need to expose the cut parts first. Doing so, however, will preserve all the aroma possible. The stem and leaves that are already dry have less flavor and therefore it is not worth putting them together with those that are properly dried.

  

Step 2. Tie bunches for the stems

Gather enough twigs in a bunch and wrap a long piece of string around it. Tie to hold steady.

• You should put together about 4-6 twigs at a time.

  

• Wrap the twine around the stems several times and tie tightly. The twine should be about 2.5cm from the end of the stems.

  

Step 3. Hang the twigs upside down

Tie the free part of the string to a hook and leave the coriander to dry.

• Keep it in a warm, draft-free place.

  

• Also keep them out of direct sunlight. The leaves will discolor otherwise.

  

• If necessary, place a paper bag over the cilantro to protect it from light and drafts. Make holes in the paper to improve airflow and prevent mold growth.

  

• The cilantro should dry completely in two weeks. Check the bunches every couple of days to make sure they haven't come loose.

  

Step 4. Put in a dry, cool and cold place

Once the cilantro is dried, you can put it away for at least six months.

• For best results, keep the herbs in an airtight container or resealable bags.

  

• Label each container with its name and date.