Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a vibrant and flavorful herb used in cuisines around the world. From Mexican salsa and Indian curries to Southeast Asian soups and salads, its bright, citrusy notes add a delightful zest to countless dishes. However, coriander is notoriously delicate and prone to wilting, yellowing, and rotting quickly. Properly storing it in the refrigerator is crucial to prolonging its freshness and maximizing its culinary potential. This comprehensive guide provides you with several tried-and-true methods for keeping your coriander vibrant and usable for days, even weeks, longer.
Understanding Why Coriander Wilts
Before diving into storage techniques, it’s helpful to understand why coriander is so perishable. Coriander leaves are thin and tender, making them susceptible to moisture loss. Like other leafy greens, they continue to respire after being harvested, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide and water. This process, combined with the natural enzymatic activity that degrades the plant’s cellular structure, leads to wilting, discoloration, and ultimately, spoilage.
Temperature fluctuations and exposure to ethylene gas (a natural ripening hormone produced by many fruits and vegetables) also contribute to the rapid deterioration of coriander. Proper storage aims to minimize these factors, creating an environment that slows down respiration, reduces moisture loss, and protects the herb from harmful gases.
The Water Glass Method: A Popular Choice
One of the most common and effective methods for storing coriander involves treating it like a bouquet of flowers. This technique focuses on maintaining the herb’s hydration and providing a protective barrier against dehydration.
Preparation is Key
Begin by selecting the freshest-looking coriander you can find. Look for bunches with vibrant green leaves that are free from blemishes, bruises, or signs of wilting. Before storing, inspect the bunch and remove any yellowed, wilted, or damaged leaves. These leaves will only accelerate the spoilage of the remaining fresh ones.
Gently trim the bottom of the stems, about an inch or two, with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This helps the herb absorb water more efficiently. Cutting the stems also removes any damaged or dried-out ends that may hinder water uptake.
Setting Up the Water Bath
Choose a clean glass, jar, or container that is tall enough to support the coriander stems. Fill it with a few inches of fresh, cold water. The water should be deep enough to cover the cut ends of the stems but not so deep that it submerges the leaves. Submerging the leaves can promote rot.
Place the trimmed coriander bunch in the water-filled container, ensuring that the stems are submerged. The leaves should be upright and airy.
Protecting the Foliage
To prevent excessive moisture loss and protect the leaves from ethylene gas, loosely cover the coriander with a plastic bag. You can use a produce bag from the grocery store, a resealable plastic bag, or even a reusable silicone bag.
The key is to create a mini-greenhouse effect while still allowing for some air circulation. If using a plastic bag, make a few small holes in it to prevent condensation buildup. You can also loosely drape the bag over the top of the coriander without sealing it completely.
Refrigeration and Maintenance
Place the prepared coriander in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing fresh herbs is between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4°C). This temperature range slows down respiration and enzymatic activity, extending the herb’s shelf life.
Change the water in the container every one to two days. This will keep the water fresh and prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. Each time you change the water, inspect the coriander and remove any additional wilted or yellowed leaves. This proactive approach helps maintain the freshness of the entire bunch.
The Damp Paper Towel Method: Wrapping for Freshness
Another popular method for storing coriander involves wrapping it in a damp paper towel. This technique focuses on maintaining a humid environment around the herb, preventing it from drying out.
Initial Preparation
As with the water glass method, start by selecting a fresh bunch of coriander and removing any damaged or wilted leaves. There is no need to trim the stems for this method unless they appear excessively long or dried out.
Wrapping the Coriander
Lightly dampen a few sheets of paper towel with cold water. Wring out any excess water so that the paper towel is damp but not dripping wet. Too much water can promote rot.
Lay the dampened paper towels flat and place the coriander bunch on top. Gently roll the paper towels around the coriander, encasing it completely. Make sure the paper towel covers all the leaves and stems.
Bagging for Protection
Place the wrapped coriander in a resealable plastic bag or a reusable silicone bag. This will help to maintain the humidity around the herb and protect it from ethylene gas.
Squeeze out any excess air from the bag before sealing it. This will minimize oxidation and further extend the coriander’s shelf life.
Refrigeration and Monitoring
Store the bagged coriander in the refrigerator. Check the paper towel every couple of days and re-dampen it if it feels dry. Also, inspect the coriander for any signs of spoilage and remove any affected leaves.
The Herb Saver Container: A Specialized Solution
For those who frequently use fresh herbs, an herb saver container can be a worthwhile investment. These specialized containers are designed to create the optimal environment for storing herbs, keeping them fresh for extended periods.
How Herb Savers Work
Herb saver containers typically consist of a rigid container with a removable basket or tray. The basket holds the herbs upright, while the container holds water. The herbs are kept hydrated by the water, while the container’s design promotes air circulation and prevents condensation buildup.
Some herb saver containers also have ventilation controls that allow you to adjust the humidity level inside the container. This can be particularly useful for storing different types of herbs, as some herbs prefer a drier environment than others.
Using an Herb Saver
To use an herb saver container, first fill the base of the container with fresh, cold water. Then, place the coriander bunch in the basket or tray, ensuring that the stems are submerged in the water.
Place the basket inside the container and close the lid. Adjust the ventilation controls as needed. Store the herb saver container in the refrigerator.
Change the water in the container every one to two days and inspect the coriander for any signs of spoilage.
Extending Freshness: General Tips and Tricks
Regardless of the storage method you choose, there are several general tips and tricks that can help extend the freshness of your coriander:
- Buy Fresh: Start with the freshest coriander possible. Look for bunches with vibrant green leaves that are free from blemishes.
- Avoid Bruising: Handle coriander gently to avoid bruising the leaves. Bruised leaves are more prone to spoilage.
- Store Away from Ethylene-Producing Fruits: Keep coriander away from fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes. Ethylene gas can accelerate the ripening process and cause the coriander to spoil more quickly.
- Don’t Wash Before Storing: Avoid washing the coriander before storing it, as excess moisture can promote rot. Wash it only when you are ready to use it.
- Use a Crisper Drawer: Store coriander in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Crisper drawers are designed to maintain a consistent humidity level, which can help to keep herbs fresh.
- Consider Freezing: If you have a large amount of coriander that you won’t be able to use before it spoils, consider freezing it. Coriander can be frozen whole, chopped, or pureed.
Dealing with Slightly Wilted Coriander
Even with proper storage, coriander may sometimes start to wilt. Before discarding it, try reviving it with a simple water bath.
Submerge the wilted coriander in a bowl of ice water for 15-30 minutes. The cold water will help to rehydrate the leaves and restore their crispness. After soaking, gently pat the coriander dry and use it as usual. While this won’t restore it to its peak freshness, it can salvage slightly wilted coriander for immediate use.
Final Thoughts: Fresh Coriander at Your Fingertips
Mastering the art of storing coriander in the fridge ensures that you always have fresh, flavorful herbs on hand to elevate your culinary creations. By understanding the factors that contribute to spoilage and implementing the appropriate storage techniques, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your coriander and minimize waste. Whether you opt for the water glass method, the damp paper towel method, or an herb saver container, remember to start with fresh coriander, maintain a humid environment, and protect it from ethylene gas. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the vibrant flavor of fresh coriander in your meals for days, even weeks, longer.
What is the best way to wash coriander before storing it in the fridge?
The best way to wash coriander before storing it is to submerge it in a bowl of cold water. Gently swish the coriander around to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid running it directly under a strong stream of water, as this can bruise the delicate leaves and shorten its lifespan. Once you’ve removed the visible dirt, lift the coriander out of the water (instead of pouring the water out) to leave any sediment behind.
After washing, thoroughly dry the coriander. Excess moisture is a major cause of spoilage. You can use a salad spinner to remove the majority of the water, followed by gently patting the leaves dry with paper towels. The drier the coriander is before storage, the longer it will stay fresh in your refrigerator.
How should I store coriander in a jar of water?
Storing coriander in a jar of water is a highly effective method for keeping it fresh. First, trim the bottom of the coriander stems, just as you would with cut flowers. This allows the coriander to absorb water more easily, keeping it hydrated and preventing wilting. Place the coriander stems down in a jar filled with about an inch or two of fresh, clean water. Ensure the leaves are above the waterline to prevent them from rotting.
Next, loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, securing it around the top of the jar with a rubber band. This creates a humid environment that helps to retain moisture. Change the water in the jar every day or two to prevent bacterial growth and keep the coriander fresh for up to two weeks. Store the jar in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze coriander to extend its shelf life?
Yes, freezing coriander is a good option for long-term storage, although the texture will change slightly. Freezing is best for coriander that will be used in cooked dishes, as it becomes softer after thawing. To freeze coriander, first wash and thoroughly dry the leaves. Chop the coriander coarsely or finely, depending on your intended use.
Then, place the chopped coriander in ice cube trays, filling each cube about halfway. Add water or olive oil to each cube to help preserve the flavor and prevent freezer burn. Once frozen solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag or airtight container. You can then easily grab a cube or two whenever you need coriander for cooking.
What type of container is best for storing coriander in the fridge?
The best type of container for storing coriander in the fridge depends on the storage method you choose. If you are storing it in a jar of water, a simple glass jar or any clean container that can hold water and the coriander stems upright will work. If you are storing it dry, an airtight container is ideal.
For dry storage, a reusable container with a tight-fitting lid will help to prevent the coriander from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. You can also use a zip-top plastic bag, but ensure that you remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Lining the container or bag with a slightly damp paper towel can also help to maintain humidity and keep the coriander fresh.
How do I know if my coriander has gone bad?
There are several telltale signs that indicate coriander has gone bad. One of the first things you’ll notice is a change in appearance. Look for wilting, yellowing, or browning of the leaves. These are clear indicators that the coriander is past its prime and beginning to decompose. Also, check for any signs of mold or sliminess on the leaves or stems.
Another important indicator is the smell. Fresh coriander has a distinct, citrusy aroma. If your coriander smells musty, sour, or otherwise unpleasant, it’s likely spoiled and should be discarded. Avoid consuming coriander that shows any of these signs, as it may not only taste bad but could also pose a health risk.
Should I store coriander in the crisper drawer of my fridge?
Yes, storing coriander in the crisper drawer of your fridge is generally a good idea. The crisper drawer is designed to maintain a higher humidity level than the rest of the refrigerator, which can help keep produce, including coriander, from drying out too quickly. However, it’s still important to properly prepare and package the coriander before placing it in the crisper drawer.
Regardless of whether you are storing the coriander in a jar of water or in an airtight container with a damp paper towel, the crisper drawer provides a more stable and humid environment. Be sure to clean the crisper drawer periodically to prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria, which can shorten the shelf life of your produce.
Can I revive wilted coriander?
Yes, you can often revive wilted coriander, depending on the severity of the wilting. If the coriander is only slightly wilted, simply placing it in a bowl of ice water for about 15-30 minutes can help to rehydrate the leaves and restore some of its crispness. Be sure to dry the coriander thoroughly after soaking it.
For more severely wilted coriander, you can try trimming the stems and placing it in a jar of water, as described in the storage method above. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. While you might not be able to completely restore it to its original freshness, this method can often revive it enough for use in cooking or as a garnish.