ADVERTISEMENT
Introduction:
Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro can elevate any dish, but they often wilt and lose their flavor too quickly. Fortunately, Grandma always had the best tips for keeping these vibrant greens fresh for much longer. With her simple, time-tested techniques, you can enjoy fresh parsley and cilantro in your kitchen without the worry of them spoiling too soon. Whether you're preparing a zesty salsa, a vibrant salad, or a fresh garnish, these methods will ensure your herbs stay flavorful and full of life for weeks.
Ingredients:
Fresh parsley
Fresh cilantro
Clean, dry kitchen towels
Water
Mason jars or glass containers
Plastic bags (optional)
Paper towels
Instructions:
Trim the Stems: Start by trimming the ends of the parsley or cilantro stems to remove any dry or damaged parts. This promotes better hydration for the herbs.
Place in Water (Jar Method): Fill a mason jar or glass container with water about 1 to 2 inches deep. Place the trimmed herb stems into the water, making sure the stems are submerged while the leaves remain above the waterline. This method acts like a vase and keeps the herbs hydrated.
Cover with a Plastic Bag: Gently place a plastic bag over the jar, covering the leaves. This creates a mini greenhouse effect, helping to maintain moisture while preventing the herbs from wilting too quickly.
Store in the Fridge: Store the jar with herbs in the refrigerator, ideally in a spot that gets some indirect light. The cold will help slow down the wilting process.
Dry Method (Alternative): Alternatively, wrap your herbs loosely in a clean kitchen towel and store them in a plastic bag in the fridge. This helps keep moisture levels balanced without causing the herbs to rot. Make sure the herbs are completely dry before wrapping them, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Fresh: When serving parsley or cilantro, try to keep the leaves whole until just before serving to maintain maximum flavor. You can chop them just before garnishing your dishes.
Use Within Weeks: If you follow these storage methods, your herbs can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge. Keep an eye on them, and if you notice any yellowing or wilting, trim the stems or remove damaged leaves.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer-term storage, both parsley and cilantro freeze well. You can chop the herbs and store them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil for easy portioning when cooking.
Rehydrate Dried Parsley/Cilantro: If you’ve let your herbs dry out and they’ve lost their flavor, you can rehydrate them in a small bowl of water for about 10-15 minutes before using them.
Variants:
ADVERTISEMENT
