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Codiandra leaves are called cilantro. This spice is widely used not only in cooking, but also in pharmacology and cosmetology. Greens picked from the garden will quickly deteriorate in a warm room. There are several secrets on how to store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator so that it remains green for a long time and does not lose its beneficial properties.
Features of storing fresh cilantro
The branches of cilantro, which contain a large amount of beneficial vitamins, are negatively affected by direct sunlight. Therefore, even on the way from the market or summer cottage, contact should be minimized. Essential oils disappear from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. There is a chance to bring home a bunch of useless hay.
When exposed to oxygen, the branches of cut cilantro curl and darken.
Storage requirements
You can preserve green cilantro at home at low temperatures but high humidity. The spice will not last long in a warm, dry room. This grass has very delicate foliage, which, at temperatures above +16ᵒC, intensively loses moisture, and with it microelements and vitamins.
In a refrigerator
Most housewives prefer to store cilantro in the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment.
Rules for preparing herbs:
- The branches are inspected and yellowed leaves are removed.
- The stems are trimmed before storage so that there is no soil on them.
- Cilantro is collected in bunches and wrapped in a damp cloth.
It is not recommended to keep coriander for longer; over time, it loses its beneficial components.
At room temperature
High temperatures have a negative effect on cilantro. At room temperature, spicy herbs can only be stored for a few hours, after which the vitamins and microelements will evaporate.
To keep cilantro leaves fresh for several days, wrap the herb in a napkin or parchment, then in a damp towel, and store it in a cool, dark place in the room.
How to properly store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator
To preserve the green cilantro longer, it is recommended to dry it well before putting it in the refrigerator. Excess moisture will cause the grass to rot and deteriorate faster.
Wet paper towels
When storing cilantro in the refrigerator, the product remains fresh and usable for five days
Preservation algorithm using paper towels:
- Using kitchen scissors, cut off dry and damaged ends of the stems and limp leaves. To keep the legs fresh and the cilantro less damaged, it is recommended to carry out the procedure under running water.
- Place the spice in a bowl, add cold water, and leave for 10-15 minutes. This operation is necessary so that all the dirt is removed from the coriander, the leaves and stems are saturated.
- Remove bunches of cilantro from the water and place them on a napkin.Moisture is blotted from above. Some housewives place the herb in a salad dryer and allow the liquid to drain.
- Place the cilantro on a slightly damp paper towel and wrap it.
After this, the product is transferred to a plastic container and closed. If grass packed in a damp towel is packed into a bag, all air is first removed from it.
Dry paper towels
When stored in a dry paper towel, greens stay fresh for 2-3 weeks
How to store cilantro in the refrigerator:
- The hard stems are cut off from a bunch of spices closer to the leaves. If you leave them, they will draw all the moisture onto themselves, which will negatively affect the quality of storage.
- Place the cilantro in a bowl, add water, and leave for a few minutes to remove the dirt. The water is changed several times until it becomes clear.
- The main condition for storing cilantro in the refrigerator on a dry napkin is to dry the herb well. The coriander is laid out in a thin layer on a kitchen towel and covered with another one on top.
- Place a dry paper towel at the bottom of an airtight plastic container.
- A layer of seasoning is placed on top of it. Then cover with a dry paper towel. This procedure can be repeated several times, but experts advise storing cilantro in one layer. This allows you to use fresher greens.
- It doesn’t matter how many layers there are in the container, the main thing is that a napkin is placed on top. The container is hermetically sealed with a lid.
During storage, the grass is periodically inspected. If condensation appears, dry the tray and remove yellowed leaves from the coriander.
Container with water
In a container of water stored in the refrigerator, cilantro stays fresh for two weeks.
How to properly prepare greens:
- A bunch of cilantro is inspected and damaged, yellow leaves are removed. The ends of the stems are trimmed. If the pruning procedure is carried out under running water, the spice will be less damaged.
- The grass is laid out on dry paper towels and dried. If moisture remains on the leaves, the coriander will quickly spoil.
- A small container (glass or jar) is filled a quarter with water. When placing cilantro in a container, make sure that all the stems are immersed in water and the leaves do not touch the liquid.
- Cover the top of the storage container with a plastic bag, but do not close it completely.
Every few days, as soon as the water begins to discolor, the liquid in the jar is changed. At the same time, remove wilted dry leaves.
How long can you store cilantro at home?
The length of time you can store cilantro at home depends on the method chosen.
Fresh spice leaves can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The shelf life of frozen coriander is from 3 to 12 months. Dried herbs can be used for food for up to two years, provided that all rules are followed.
Conclusion
There are a variety of ways to store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator. If all preparatory work is carried out correctly, the product will retain its taste, aroma and beneficial microelements for up to 2-3 weeks.
