How To Keep Coriander

Coriander (cilantro)

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

Family : Apiaceae/ Umbelliferae

Coriander has an important place among spice crops. It is also known as cilantro. The word coriander is derived from the Greek word Koris, which means bug. Only its leaves and seeds are used for eating. Sugar, protein and vitamin A are found in the leaves. Its green branches and leaves are used as a perfume for dishes. It is also used as a medicine. For example, coriander water is used for indigestion and other stomach diseases. It is also used to perfume oil, wine, chocolate and sweets. Coriander seeds are exported to Sri Lanka, Malaya and East Africa, which earns foreign currency.

Origin and Distribution - Coriander is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean region. In India it is grown everywhere for its green aromatic leaves, but for commercial spice crop it is grown in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Recently its area is also increasing in Andhra Pradesh.

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Nutritive value - Nutrients obtained from coriander are given in the table

(Nutrition Value of Spinach per 100 gm)

Protein : 14.1 g

Fat : 16.1 g

Fiber : 32.6 g

Carbohydrates : 21.6 g

Thiamine : 0.22 mg

Riboflavin : 0.35 mg

Nicotinic acid : 1.10 mg

Vitamin A : 1570.0 IU

We will learn in detail how to keep coriander fresh for a longer time and how to use it for a longer period of time. We will also learn about the different ways to store coriander—so that you can keep it for a few days, a few weeks or even months without it spoiling. We will also learn about the little tricks that can be used to use coriander for a long time, which will prevent a lot of coriander from getting wasted.

Reasons why coriander spoils quickly -

Coriander is delicate and full of moisture. Here are some of the main reasons for its short shelf life:

1. Thin, tender leaves - they lose water quickly, causing them to wilt.

2. Excess moisture - excess water from washing or condensation causes it to become slimy.

3. Temperature sensitivity - coriander does not like extreme cold or heat, so improper storage causes it to spoil quickly.

4. Ethylene sensitivity - coriander reacts to ethylene gas (released by fruits like apples and bananas), causing rapid yellowing.

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Understanding all of these kinds of information helps us store coriander properly—keep it hydrated but not wet, keep it cool but not frozen, and keep it away from gas-producing fruits.

Method 1- Refrigerating coriander (short-term use)

If you are planning to use coriander within a week, then the refrigerator is the best option for it. Coriander cannot be preserved by just keeping it in the vegetable drawer, it will wilt in two days. Here are some methods to try to preserve it:

1 - Jar method (like a fresh bouquet)

In this method, coriander is used like cut flowers, and the stems are kept in water.

1. Cut the coriander about 1-2 cm from the bottom of the stems.

2. Place the bunch upright in a jar filled with a little water (about 1-2 inches).

3. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag to prevent moisture.

4. Place the jar in the refrigerator.

5. Change the water every 2-3 days.

This way we can keep coriander fresh for up to 2 weeks.

2 - Damp paper towel method

If there is no space to keep a jar in the fridge, then this method is great.

1. Wash the coriander thoroughly and dry it well with a salad spinner or kitchen towel.

2. Wrap the coriander leaves in a slightly damp (not wet) paper towel.

3. Place the wrapped coriander in a perforated plastic bag or airtight container.

4. Keep it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

This way we can keep coriander fresh for 7-10 days.

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3 - Airtight container method

If you want to work without any hassle, then this method is also effective.

1. After washing the coriander, dry it well.

2. Place the leaves in an airtight container and spread a paper towel on it.

3. Close the lid and keep it in the fridge.

With this we can keep coriander fresh and safe for 10 days, provided excess moisture does not accumulate inside.

Method 2 - Freezing coriander (for long term storage)

If you want to keep coriander safe and fresh for months, freezing is the best way to go. The only drawback is that frozen coriander loses its freshness a bit, so it's better to use it in cooking rather than garnishing.

1 - Freezing whole leaves

1. Wash and dry the coriander thoroughly.

2. Spread the leaves on a tray and freeze for a few hours.

3. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Coriander frozen this way will keep fresh and safe for up to 6 months.

2 - Making coriander paste

1. Make a paste by mixing coriander leaves with a little water or oil.

2. Store the paste in an airtight container or freeze in small portions.

The paste, which is prepared for cooking, will last up to 6 months.

Method 3 - Drying coriander leaves (for seasoning)

If you want coriander that will last almost forever, drying is another option. Although dried coriander won’t have as much flavour as fresh coriander, it is still useful in soups, stews and marinades.

1. Wash and dry the coriander.

2. Spread the leaves on a paper-lined tray.

3. Dry in a cool, airy place for 4-5 days or use a dehydrator/oven on low heat (40-50°C).

4. Store the dried leaves in an airtight jar.

Coriander stored this way will last up to a year.

Method 4 - Storing Coriander Roots and Stems

Most people throw away the roots and stems, but they are full of flavor and are used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

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How to Store

Wrap the stems and roots in a damp paper towel and store in the refrigerator (1-2 weeks will be easy to use).

Freeze the chopped stems and roots in small bags for later use (up to 6 months).

Method 5 - Preserving Coriander with Oil, Salt or Pickles

Here are some creative ways to preserve coriander:

1. Coriander in Oil – Toss the coriander in olive oil and store in the refrigerator (lasts up to 2 weeks) or freeze for longer.

2. Coriander with Salt – Store the chopped coriander in a jar with salt. This preserves the flavor and lasts up to a month in the refrigerator.

Common mistakes to avoid when storing coriander

Don’t store wet leaves – this makes them sticky quickly from moisture. Always dry the leaves thoroughly.

Don’t store coriander near fruits – ethylene gas makes coriander more likely to spoil.

Bonus - Grow your own coriander at home

One of the best ways to always have fresh coriander is to grow it yourself. Even if you don’t have a garden, coriander grows beautifully in pots on the balcony or windowsill.