Coriander is a staple for adding bright, fresh flavour to all sorts of dishes—from rice and tacos to noodles and beyond. One of the most-used herbs worldwide, it is an essential ingredient for many, but most recipes do not require you to use a lot of coriander at once.
Unfortunately, when buying Coriander fresh, you get a lot of it. If you find that your coriander spoils exceptionally quickly, you are not alone. Keep reading for tips on picking the best coriander and storing it properly to maximise its freshness so you can use this bountiful green herb again and again.
When shopping for fresh coriander, keep a few things in mind before you buy the herb. coriander leaves should be vibrant, green, and moist but not wet. The bunch should also be perky and light and not wilted or weighed down by clumps of leaves. As for the stalks, look for bright, sturdy, crisp stems that are green at the bottom.
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If the bottoms of the stalks are too dry or off-colour but the rest of the coriander looks good, you can cut them off at home. Coriander tender leaves and stems have a high water content, which can cause them to rot rapidly. If both parts of the herb are brown, mushy, or turning yellow, keep searching for something fresher.
How To Store Coriander?
There are a few different ways to store coriander, depending on the type. Here are the steps you can take.
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Whole
For whole coriander, hold off on washing the coriander until right before you use it because excess moisture causes it to rot more quickly.
- Trim off the very ends of the coriander stems, then place the bunch, stem side down, into a can or mason jar with an inch or so of water.
- Open a clean plastic bag and place it over the coriander to loosely cover the leaves. Keep the coriander in the refrigerator, as the tender leaves prefer cooler temperatures.
- Change the water if/when you notice it starting to discolour.
Note: Wrapping a damp paper towel around Coriander (Cilantro) stems can help keep the herb hydrated and last longer.
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Chopped Coriander
For this method, it is recommended to wash the coriander and air dry it completely before chopping and storing it since chopped coriander is harder to wash. Line an airtight food storage container with a paper towel, add the chopped coriander, close the container, and place it in the fridge.
With this approach, you will have clean coriander whenever you need it. It helps to remove any discoloured leaves as you find them. Also, replace the paper towel if it gets too water-logged.
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Dried Coriander
If you have extra coriander and would rather store it dried than fresh or frozen, you can dehydrate it yourself. Here is how:
- Wash and pat dry your coriander leaves.
- Lay the leaves out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- When the coriander is dry, crumble the pieces with your fingers and store them in an airtight container for up to two years.
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Can You Freeze Coriander?
Coriander is a delicate herb, so it is not the best candidate for freezing. However, if you are set on freezing your coriander, it is suggested doing so by blending it and freezing it in an ice cube tray. To do this:
- Using a food processor or blender, combine clean coriander with just enough water or olive oil to create a smooth mixture.
- Pour it into an ice cube tray.
- Once the coriander cubes have frozen completely, transfer them to a plastic bag.
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The coriander will no longer be a leafy garnish, but it is great for adding fresh herbiness to soups, curries, and dips.