How To Pick And Store Cilantro

To pick and store cilantro, choose bunches with bright green, crisp leaves and no signs of yellowing or wilting.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love or hate, but if you’re in the love camp, knowing how to pick and store cilantro properly is a game changer.
 
The good news is that picking and storing cilantro isn’t complicated once you know what to look for.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to pick and store cilantro so it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Pick Cilantro

Picking the best cilantro at the store or farmers market comes down to a few simple visual and sensory checks.
 
Here’s what to look for when you pick cilantro.
 

1. Look for Bright Green Leaves

The first thing to check when you pick cilantro is the color of the leaves.
 
Fresh cilantro should have vibrant, bright green leaves from top to bottom.
 
If you see yellowing, browning, or black spots, that bunch is past its prime.
 
Yellow leaves mean the cilantro is already breaking down, and it won’t last long once you get it home.
 

2. Check the Stems

Stems tell you a lot about how fresh cilantro really is.
 
When you pick cilantro, the stems should be firm and upright, not limp or mushy.
 
Avoid bunches with slimy or dark stems because that’s a clear sign of rot.
 
If the stems are strong and green, you’ve found a good bunch.
 

3. Give It a Sniff

A quick smell test can help you pick cilantro that’s actually worth buying.
 
Fresh cilantro has a strong, distinct citrusy, peppery aroma.
 
If the bunch smells weak, musty, or just like grass, it’s probably older than you’d like.
 
The stronger the smell, the more flavorful your cilantro will be.
 

4. Avoid Wilted or Flowering Bunches

When you pick cilantro, skip any bunch that looks wilted or has started to flower.
 
Once cilantro bolts and produces flowers, the leaves turn bitter and tough.
 
You want tight, compact bunches with plenty of leaves and no buds.
 

How to Store Cilantro

Once you’ve picked a great bunch of cilantro, the next step is storing it correctly so it stays fresh.
 
Here’s how to store cilantro the right way.
 

1. The Jar and Bag Method

One of the best ways to store cilantro is the jar and bag method.
 
Trim the ends of the stems and place the bunch in a jar with an inch or two of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store the jar in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro can last up to two weeks.
 

2. Wrap in Damp Paper Towels

If you don’t have room for a jar, you can store cilantro in damp paper towels.
 
Lay the cilantro on a damp paper towel, roll it up gently, and place it in a zip-top bag.
 
Push out as much air as possible before sealing.
 
This method keeps the leaves hydrated and can help cilantro last about a week.
 

3. Freeze Cilantro for Long-Term Storage

If you have more cilantro than you can use, freezing is a great option.
 
Chop the cilantro, place it in ice cube trays, and cover with water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag.
 
You can store cilantro this way for up to six months and toss cubes straight into soups, stews, or sauces.
 

4. Avoid These Storage Mistakes

When you store cilantro, don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it.
 
Extra moisture encourages mold and speeds up spoilage.
 
Also, never store cilantro near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas or apples.
 
These fruits release gas that can make your cilantro turn yellow faster.
 

So, How Do You Pick and Store Cilantro?

To pick and store cilantro, choose bright green, crisp bunches and keep them cool, hydrated, and dry until you’re ready to use them.
 
Picking cilantro is all about color, firm stems, and that fresh, citrusy smell.
 
Storing cilantro properly means using water, damp paper towels, or the freezer depending on how soon you’ll use it.
 
Follow these tips, and you’ll get the most out of every bunch you bring home.