Coriander (cilantro) is a distinctive herb widely used in cooking. It has a light, pleasant aroma, and when added to dishes, it enhances both flavor and visual appeal. In addition, the roots of coriander can be used to make broth or dipping sauces. Coriander is commonly used in soups and stews, salads, fried dishes, or simply as a garnish. Just a small amount of coriander is enough to make a dish more attractive and flavorful.

However, coriander is quite difficult to store. Buying just a few sprigs can be inconvenient, but buying a larger amount often causes the herb to turn yellow and wilt quickly, losing its fragrance and freshness. If you are not using it for fresh eating or wrapping spring rolls, you can buy a slightly larger quantity and store it for later use.

Coriander has thin, delicate green leaves and can easily become contaminated or damaged if not stored properly. As a result, it spoils quickly, loses its aroma, and becomes unattractive and unsuitable for further use. Therefore, it is important to pay attention from the very first preparation steps to help the herb stay fresh for a longer time.

When you bring coriander home, remove any wilted or bruised leaves; do not cut off the roots. Coriander roots can be used to make broth or as a seasoning ingredient. Moreover, cutting off the roots can cause the herb to spoil faster.

Wash the coriander 2–3 times with clean water to remove dirt. Then prepare a basin of diluted salt water mixed with baking soda. Soak the coriander in this solution for about 10 minutes. This step helps remove insect eggs and other impurities clinging to the herb. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as this may cause the leaves to become soft and damaged.

After soaking, rinse the coriander again with clean water and drain well. You may use a clean towel to gently pat it completely dry. Make sure the coriander is thoroughly dry before storing it.

Once the herb is dry, you can choose one of the following storage methods.

Before storing coriander, proper preparation helps remove dirt and prevents the growth of bacteria.

Ways to store coriander

Using a plastic bag
Place the washed and dried coriander into a plastic bag, press out as much air as possible, and tie it tightly. Store the bag in the freezer. With this method, coriander can retain its fresh green color and aroma for up to 3 months.

Using plastic wrap
Divide the coriander into portions suitable for one-time use, then gently wrap each portion with plastic wrap. Do not wrap too tightly to avoid crushing the leaves. Place the wrapped coriander into a container, seal it, and store it in the freezer. This method can keep the herb fresh for up to 6 months.

Using a food storage container
You can cut the coriander into short lengths or chop it, then place it into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container in the freezer. This method helps the coriander maintain its bright green color without turning yellow.

Hydroponic-style storage
With this method, you do not need to wash the coriander. Simply prepare a cup or jar of water, add a small amount of sugar, and stir well. Place the coriander roots into the water like arranging flowers. Sugar provides nutrients that help maintain freshness. Remember to change the water regularly so the coriander stays fresh longer.