Keeping Cilantro Fresh {for weeks!}

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How many of you have ever used an entire bunch of cilantro before it went bad? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? (okay, now I'm dating myself). I can just imagine, probably no hands or very few went up. If you're frustrated with the life of your herbs, this post is for you! Today I'm sharing the secret to Keeping Cilantro Fresh!

Keeping Cilantro Fresh

Guess how old this cilantro is--

Sprigs of cilantro, still fresh after 2 weeks.

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Did you guess? Okay, IT IS 10 DAYS OLD! Can you even believe it? It looks pretty fresh right? Like I just picked it up today.

Cilantro is a staple at our house. I probably use it mostly in guacamole, but I've also added it to salads, salsas, thai dishes, or used it as a garnish. I usually end up throwing at least half of it away because it goes bad before I can use it all. Thankfully, it's not that expensive, but still I just hate throwing food away!

No more waste!

Not anymore! Now I've figured out the secret to keeping it fresh for a couple of weeks! There's nothing like reaching for your cilantro to finish off your dish and finding it mush. Ick! How disappointing.

Let me just say too, I've tried other methods. Such as~

storing it in a plastic bag, washed
placing it in a jar of water with the top covered in plastic
using the same jar and water method with the top uncoverd
tupperware
keeping it on the counter in a glass of water

But this is the one that has worked the best and for the longest for keeping cilantro fresh. I've had it stored this way for over 2 weeks! Pretty amazing.

Step by Step

~Rinse cilantro well under cold water.

~Dry it in a salad spinner (here's the one I use but there are lots out there)

Freshly washed cilantro in a salad spinner.

~Place a damp paper towel in a storage container (these containers control air supply, so they work extra good, but any will do).

Fresh cilantro in a tupperware container covered with a damp paper towel.

~Put the cilantro in the container.

Cover the cilantro with another damp paper towel, then the container's lid.
Pop it in the fridge!

Tips & Tricks

If you don't have a salad spinner, blot the cilantro dry with paper towels, or let them air dry for a little while. Too much moisture is bad.
Don't crowd the cilantro. I usually use 2 containers for 1 bunch of cilantro. This gives it more room to breathe.
This method is also perfect for parsley and other fresh herbs.

There you have it friends! Enjoy your cilantro and other fresh herbs for much longer, it'll be kinder to your budget too!! 🙂