If you put cilantro in the refrigerator immediately after buying it, it will spoil quickly. To keep cilantro fresh for a longer time, follow the method below.

Cilantro is a familiar herb used to enhance the aroma of many dishes. It can be eaten raw, used as a garnish for salads, soups, stews, or used as filling and decoration for various foods.

Many people want to buy cilantro, store it in the refrigerator, and use it gradually so they don’t have to go out to buy more. However, cilantro tends to spoil quickly even when kept in the fridge.

To keep cilantro fresh longer, you can apply the following tips:

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Prepare cilantro before storing

When you bring cilantro home, remove old or damaged leaves and keep the roots intact. Cutting off the roots will make the cilantro wilt and turn yellow more quickly. Plus, cilantro roots have a strong aroma and can be used as seasoning in many dishes.

Rinse the cilantro thoroughly to remove dirt.

Mix 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of baking soda into water, stir until dissolved, then soak the cilantro in this mixture for about 10 minutes. This helps remove insect eggs and remaining impurities. Note: Do not soak for too long as it can soften and damage the cilantro.

After soaking, rinse the cilantro under clean water and let it dry completely. You can use paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

Once the cilantro is fully dry, it’s ready to be stored.

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How to store cilantro

1. Store in a plastic bag

Put the cleaned and dried cilantro into a clean plastic bag, push out all the air, tie it tightly, and place it in the fridge’s vegetable compartment. It can be used within a week.
If you want to store it longer, place it in the freezer.

2. Use plastic wrap

Spread plastic wrap on a flat surface, place the cilantro on top, and roll it up gently. Do not wrap too tightly to avoid crushing the leaves. Store the wrapped cilantro in the fridge.

For longer storage, wrap the cilantro in a sheet of paper towel first, then wrap it in plastic wrap. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, preventing the cilantro from becoming slimy.

3. Store in an airtight container

You can chop the cilantro, put it into an airtight container, and store it in the freezer. When needed, simply take out the desired amount and add it to your dish.

4. Hydroponic-style storage

Prepare a cup of clean water and mix in a little sugar. Place the cilantro roots into the cup. The sugar water helps keep the cilantro fresh longer. Change the water occasionally to prevent the roots from rotting.