How Do You Dry Fresh Cilantro

You can dry fresh cilantro in several ways depending on how much time and flavor you want to preserve.
 
The good news is that drying fresh cilantro is pretty straightforward once you know the right methods.
 
Whether you want to dry fresh cilantro in the oven, the microwave, or just by hanging it up, each technique works well when done correctly.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to dry fresh cilantro step by step, plus share tips on storing it so it lasts for months.
 

How Do You Dry Fresh Cilantro?

Learning how to dry fresh cilantro starts with picking the best leaves and prepping them properly.
 
Here’s what you need to do before you dry fresh cilantro at home.
 

1. Choose the Freshest Cilantro

The best cilantro to dry is fresh, vibrant, and free of yellow or wilted leaves.
 
If you’re going to dry fresh cilantro, pick bunches with sturdy stems and bright green leaves.
 
Wilted cilantro won’t dry well, so if you want good results, start with the freshest herbs you can find.
 

2. Wash and Dry the Leaves Thoroughly

Rinse your cilantro under cool water to remove dirt and grit.
 
Then pat it dry with paper towels or spin it in a salad spinner.
 
Getting rid of excess moisture helps speed up the process when you dry fresh cilantro, and it also prevents mold.
 

3. Remove Stems and Damaged Leaves

You can dry fresh cilantro with or without stems, but most people prefer just the leaves.
 
Stems take longer to dry and can taste a bit woody.
 
So pull off the leaves, discard any brown or damaged pieces, and you’re ready to start drying.
 

Methods for Drying Fresh Cilantro

How you dry fresh cilantro depends on how much time you have and what tools you’ve got in your kitchen.
 
Here are four reliable methods for drying fresh cilantro.
 

1. Air Drying in a Warm, Dry Room

Air drying is the simplest way to dry fresh cilantro.
 
Tie small bunches together with string and hang them upside down in a warm, dry spot with good airflow.
 
Leave them for one to two weeks, and you’ll have perfectly dried cilantro ready to crumble.
 

2. Oven Drying on Low Heat

If you want to dry fresh cilantro faster, the oven works great.
 
Set your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 100°F to 120°F, and spread the leaves on a baking sheet.
 
Keep the oven door slightly open to let moisture escape, and check every 15 to 20 minutes.
 
It usually takes one to two hours to dry fresh cilantro this way.
 

3. Microwave Drying for Speed

The microwave is the fastest way to dry fresh cilantro.
 
Place leaves between two paper towels and microwave in 30-second bursts.
 
Keep checking until the cilantro feels dry and crumbly, and don’t overdo it or the leaves will burn.
 
This method is perfect when you need to dry fresh cilantro in a hurry.
 

4. Using a Dehydrator

A food dehydrator gives you the most consistent results when you dry fresh cilantro.
 
Spread the leaves in a single layer on the trays and set the temperature to about 95°F to 105°F.
 
It usually takes two to four hours to dry fresh cilantro in a dehydrator, depending on humidity.
 

Storing Your Dried Cilantro

Once you dry fresh cilantro, storing it correctly keeps the flavor locked in.
 
Crumble the dried leaves and place them in an airtight jar or container.
 
Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
 
Properly stored dried cilantro stays flavorful for six to twelve months.
 
You can also freeze dried cilantro, but keep in mind it loses some aroma over time.
 

Tips to Keep Cilantro Flavor When You Dry It

Here are a few extra tips so you dry fresh cilantro without losing its signature taste.
 

1. Dry at Low Temperatures

High heat destroys the delicate oils that give cilantro its flavor.
 
Always dry fresh cilantro at low heat, whether in the oven or a dehydrator.
 

2. Don’t Overdry

When you dry fresh cilantro, stop as soon as the leaves crumble easily.
 
Overdrying makes the herbs taste flat and dusty.
 

3. Store Away From Light

Light breaks down flavor compounds in dried cilantro.
 
Once you dry fresh cilantro, keep it in an opaque jar or a cabinet where the sun won’t reach it.
 

So, How Do You Dry Fresh Cilantro?

You can dry fresh cilantro by air drying, oven drying, microwaving, or using a dehydrator.
 
Each method works well, so pick the one that fits your schedule and kitchen setup.
 
The key is to start with fresh leaves, remove excess moisture, and dry at low heat.
 
Once you dry fresh cilantro properly, you’ll have a handy supply of home-dried herbs ready whenever a recipe calls for them.
 
Now you know exactly how to dry fresh cilantro, so grab a bunch and get started.