Description
Learn how to properly clean, chop, and store fresh cilantro to maximize its flavor and freshness for your recipes. This simple guide ensures your cilantro is perfectly prepared for cooking or garnishing.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro
Instructions
- Clean Cilantro: Add cilantro to a colander in the sink and rinse with water for 1-2 minutes while moving the leaves to release any bits of dirt that might be stuck. Dry between paper towels or use a salad spinner. The drier it is, the easier it is to cut!
- Measure and Store: Remove the amount of cilantro you would like to cut from the bunch. Place the remainder in a glass mason jar filled halfway with water. Cover with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Chop Cilantro: Place the cilantro on a cutting board and cut where it starts to turn from a bush into only thick stems. Discard the stems. Bunch the cilantro up together and starting from one end, begin to cut using an up-and-down motion along the length of the cilantro. Once it is all cut, turn your knife 90-degrees and cut again in an up-and-down motion until it is either roughly chopped or finely chopped to your liking.
- Use or Store: Use the chopped cilantro immediately or store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensuring cilantro is dry before chopping makes the process easier and prevents bruising.
- Storing uncut cilantro in water with a plastic bag cover helps prolong freshness for up to two weeks.
- Discard tough stems as they can be bitter and tough to chew.
- Use airtight containers and paper towels to keep chopped cilantro fresh longer.
