Discover 4 easy and effective methods to preserve coriander for longer.
Do you like cilantro? This herb is extremely aromatic, tasty and full of health benefits .
Widely used in various cuisines around the world — especially in Asian and Latin American — it is a strong presence in soups, salads, broths and even teas.
Most people love the taste of cilantro, although some people don’t like it as much. So, is cilantro expensive where you live?
The biggest problem, however, is that it spoils very quickly. Because it is delicate, it wilts and rots easily.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll show you simple and effective ways to preserve it for longer, keeping it fresh, as if you had just bought it. Let’s learn!
Proper hygiene
After purchasing cilantro, carefully remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. This prevents them from contaminating the other leaves and speeding up the process of rotting.
To clean properly, fill a basin with water, add a tablespoon of salt and a tablespoon of baking soda.
Mix well and soak the cilantro for about 10 minutes. Rinse carefully 2 to 3 times under running water.
Drain well and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. The drier it is, the better it will be preserved.
Replanting cilantro in water (hydroponic method)
You can reuse the roots of cilantro and grow it again.
Cut the stems and separate the roots, take a plastic bottle and cut it in half.
Place the roots in the upper part (with the neck facing down) and fit this part into the other half of the bottle.
Add water until it just covers the roots (never the stems). Place the bottle in a bright place, such as a balcony, and change the water every 2 to 3 days.
In about 1 to 2 weeks, new leaves will begin to sprout. This is a great way to keep fresh cilantro in your home!
Store in water (like flowers)
Take a glass or a cut plastic bottle and put about two fingers of water in it.
Insert the coriander stalks (with or without roots), cover with a plastic bag (ziploc type), without squeezing.
Store in the refrigerator (or outside if the cilantro is rooted and the weather is cool).
This technique keeps cilantro fresh for up to 2 to 4 weeks.
Wrap in paper towel
After washing and drying the cilantro well, wrap it in dry paper towels.
Store in a ziploc bag or container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
The paper towel helps absorb moisture and prevents rot. Cilantro can last up to 4 weeks this way.
Freezing
Cut the cilantro, once it is clean and dry. Store it in freezer-safe jars or ziploc bags and place in the freezer.
Frozen coriander preserves its flavor and can be used directly in soups, stews and broths.
Do not defrost before use, as it will lose its texture. For salads or finishing dishes, prefer refrigeration methods.
These were the simple ways to preserve coriander for longer, without losing flavor or quality.
Choose the one that best suits your routine and say goodbye to waste!