My Grandma’s Effective Tips for Keeping Parsley and Cilantro Fresh for Longer

Experiment with different methods and find what works best to keep your parsley and cilantro fresh.

Parsley and coriander are very popular culinary herbs, known for their vibrant aromas and ability to enhance the flavors of dishes.

However, many of us face the challenge of preserving these delicate, leafy herbs, especially when we buy a large bunch at the grocery store.

Here are some effective techniques to keep parsley and cilantro fresh for longer, whether in everyday cooking or in special preparations.

Methods for preserving parsley and coriander

1. 1. Conservation in Water:
      • Place the stems in a glass or jar of water, as if they were flowers in a vase.
      • Store the vase in the refrigerator, changing the water every two days.
      • This method keeps parsley and cilantro fresh and vibrant for up to a week.
   2. Refrigerator Storage:
      • Wrap the parsley and cilantro in damp paper towels and place them in a plastic bag.
      • Store in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
      • This method is ideal for keeping parsley fresh for several days.
   3. Freezing:
      • Freeze chopped parsley and cilantro in ice cube trays with water or olive oil, forming parsley and cilantro cubes.
      • Store frozen cubes in plastic bags in the freezer.
      • Use them as needed in stews or sauces.

1. Conservation in Oil:
   • Chop the parsley and coriander and mix with olive oil, storing in an airtight container.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
   • Use the flavored oil in dishes or for cooking, enriching the flavors.
2. Salting:
   • • Combine chopped parsley and cilantro with coarse salt in a 1:2 ratio and store in an airtight container.
   • Keep in a cool, dry place.
   • Use the salted parsley and coriander directly in dishes, adjusting the amount of salt in the recipe.
3. Drying:
   • Spread the chopped parsley and coriander on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at a low temperature (about 50°C) for several hours.
   • Store dried parsley and cilantro in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
   • Use in soups, stews or as a dry seasoning.

Growing Parsley and Cilantro at Home

For those who want to always have these fresh herbs available, growing your own can be a practical and rewarding solution. Parsley and cilantro are hardy and can be easily grown in pots:

• Planting: Sow the seeds in a deep pot to accommodate root growth. Germination occurs in about two to three weeks.
• Care: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. These herbs like sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
• Harvesting: Start harvesting the leaves as soon as the plant is well developed, which usually takes two to three months after sowing.

Adopting any of these techniques will not only extend the shelf life of your parsley and cilantro, but it will also help reduce food waste and ensure that you always have these aromatic herbs on hand to enhance your dishes.

Experiment with different methods and find what works best for your cooking needs.