What To Do With Cilantro Roots

Cilantro roots are edible, packed with flavor, and useful in the kitchen, so don’t toss them when you can put them to work.
 
If you’ve been asking what to do with cilantro roots after pulling a bunch from the garden or market, you’re in the right place.
 
They’re not just scraps, and treating cilantro roots like trash means missing out on one of the most aromatic parts of the plant.
 
Cilantro roots carry a deep, earthy, citrusy punch that’s even stronger than the leaves in many dishes.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do with cilantro roots, how to clean and store them, and a few simple ways to cook with cilantro roots so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s dig in, literally.
 

Why Cilantro Roots Are Worth Using

Cilantro roots are worth using because they deliver serious flavor and have a long history in global cooking.
 
Here’s why you should stop tossing cilantro roots and start keeping them around.
 

1. Cilantro Roots Are Fully Edible

The roots of the cilantro plant are completely edible and safe to eat.
 
Many people assume cilantro roots are bitter or tough, but when washed well, cilantro roots are tender and intensely aromatic.
 
This means cilantro roots can go straight into your cooking just like the stems and leaves.
 

2. They Pack More Flavor Than the Leaves

Cilantro roots have a concentrated, earthy flavor that’s deeper than the leaves.
 
That’s why cooks in Thai, Mexican, Indian, and Vietnamese kitchens treat cilantro roots as a prized ingredient.
 
When you use cilantro roots, a little goes a long way and the flavor holds up beautifully in cooked dishes.
 

3. Using Cilantro Roots Reduces Waste

Using cilantro roots is a simple way to reduce kitchen waste.
 
Instead of composting or throwing away the roots, you can turn cilantro roots into pastes, marinades, and broths.
 
Getting the most out of every part of the plant is both practical and satisfying, and cilantro roots make that easy.
 

How to Clean and Store Cilantro Roots

Before you do anything with cilantro roots, you need to clean them properly.
 
Good prep makes cilantro roots ready for any recipe you have in mind.
 

1. Wash Cilantro Roots Thoroughly

Cilantro roots come out of the ground covered in dirt, so rinse cilantro roots under cool running water.
 
Use your fingers or a small brush to scrub away grit and soil from the roots.
 
Clean cilantro roots should look pale and smell fresh and citrusy.
 

2. Trim the Roots

Once washed, trim away any brown or mushy bits from the cilantro roots.
 
You can keep the fine root hairs, but cut off the tough upper stem if it’s woody.
 
Trimmed cilantro roots are ready to use whole, chopped, or blended.
 

3. Store Cilantro Roots for Later

If you’re not using cilantro roots right away, pat them dry and wrap them in a paper towel.
 
Place the cilantro roots in a sealed bag or container and keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
 
For longer storage, freeze cilantro roots in a zip-top bag or chop and freeze them in oil.
 

What to Do with Cilantro Roots in the Kitchen

So what can you actually do with cilantro roots?
 
Plenty, and here are the most popular and practical ways to use cilantro roots.
 

1. Pound Them into Curry Pastes

Thai and Indian cooks often pound cilantro roots into curry pastes.
 
The roots add a base note that leaves alone can’t match.
 
Toss cilantro roots into a mortar with garlic, chilies, and lemongrass, and you’ve got the start of something amazing.
 

2. Blend Cilantro Roots into Marinades

Cilantro roots blend beautifully into marinades for chicken, pork, and beef.
 
Whiz cilantro roots with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and oil for a quick marinade.
 
Let the meat sit for a few hours, and the cilantro roots will infuse every bite.
 

3. Add Cilantro Roots to Soups and Broths

Drop whole cilantro roots into simmering soups and broths.
 
They release flavor slowly, similar to how you’d use ginger or lemongrass.
 
Fish them out before serving, or leave them in if you don’t mind the texture of the cilantro roots.
 

4. Chop Cilantro Roots into Salsas and Dips

Finely chopped cilantro roots add depth to salsas, guacamole, and chutneys.
 
Start with a small amount because cilantro roots are potent.
 
A little minced cilantro root goes a long way in brightening up a fresh dip.
 

5. Infuse Oil or Vinegar with Cilantro Roots

You can also steep cilantro roots in warm oil or vinegar.
 
This pulls out the aroma and creates a flavored base for dressings and drizzles.
 
Just strain out the cilantro roots after a few days and store the infused liquid in the fridge.
 

So, What to Do with Cilantro Roots?

Cilantro roots are edible, flavorful, and useful, so the best thing to do with cilantro roots is cook with them.
 
Whether you pound cilantro roots into curry paste, blend them into a marinade, or simmer them in broth, cilantro roots earn their place in your kitchen.
 
Clean them well, store them right, and use cilantro roots wherever you want a deep, citrusy boost.
 
Next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, don’t toss the roots, because now you know exactly what to do with cilantro roots.