Here's how to prep and store cilantro to keep it fresh for an extra week! Cilantro is a delicate, soft herb and can quickly rot in the refrigerator.
Here's how you can easily prep it to maximize freshness!
Are cilantro and coriander the same thing?
Coriander and cilantro are from the same plant. In the US, cilantro refers to the fresh herb, and coriander refers to the dried seeds from the plant.
In Europe, coriander is a fresh herb, and dried coriander is the seed.
This leads to some confusion in recipes, but in general, the fresh herb is used as a topping, in sauces, or stirred into a dish after it has cooked. If you see a recipe calling for coriander to be heated, it likely means to use the seeds.
Can cilantro be frozen?
Cilantro can be frozen, but it needs to be washed and dried before freezing.
Wash the cilantro and then allow it to dry fully before storing it in a zip-top bag. The cilantro can be frozen whole or chopped up.
Can cilantro be dried?
Cilantro can be air dried easily. Wash it and hang it upside down, in a cool dry place, for several days until it has fully dried. Store in an airtight container for up to two years.
Can cilantro be substituted for parsley?
Cilantro has a stronger flavor than parsley but it can be substituted in a pinch. It's a soft herb and will act similarly in a recipe, but will have a different flavor.
Chervil is a flavor that's more similar to parsley.
More Cooking Guides
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
Here's how to keep cilantro fresh for longer in the refrigerator.
Materials
- 1 bunch cilantro
Tools
- glass
- kitchen scissors or knife
- gallon zip-top bag or plastic wrap
Instructions
- Remove any wraps or rubber bands from the cilantro.
- Trim the ends off the cilantro. A quarter to half-inch is enough.
- Place the cilantro in a glass with a few inches of water.
- Cover the cilantro with an upside-down, gallon-size plastic bag, or a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.