Parsley and cilantro are widely used herbs in the kitchen, known for their vibrant aromas and ability to enhance the flavors of various dishes. However, many of us struggle to keep these delicate herbs fresh, especially after buying a large bunch from the market.
Here are some of my grandma’s tried-and-true techniques for preserving parsley and cilantro for longer, helping you keep them fresh for your everyday cooking or special recipes.
Methods for Preserving Parsley and Cilantro:
1. Storing in Water:
- Place the stems in a glass or jar of water, as you would with flowers in a vase.
- Store the jar in the refrigerator, changing the water every two days.
- This method keeps parsley and cilantro fresh and vibrant for up to a week.
2. Refrigerator Storage:
- Wrap the parsley and cilantro in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
- Store the bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
- This method helps keep parsley fresh for several days.
3. Freezing:
- Chop parsley and cilantro and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or olive oil to make herb cubes.
- Store the frozen cubes in plastic bags in the freezer.
- Use these cubes as needed in stews or sauces.
4. Preserving in Oil:
- Chop parsley or cilantro and mix them with olive oil, storing them in an airtight container.
- Keep the container in the fridge for up to a month.
- Use the flavored oil in dishes or for cooking, enhancing the flavors.
5. Salting:
- Combine chopped parsley and cilantro with coarse salt at a 1:2 ratio and store in an airtight container.
- Keep the container in a cool, dry place.
- Use the salted herbs directly in your dishes, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
6. Drying:
- Spread chopped parsley and cilantro on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven at a low temperature (around 50°C) for several hours.
- Store the dried herbs in an airtight container away from light and moisture.
- Use them in soups, stews, or as a seasoning.
Growing Parsley and Cilantro at Home
For those who want fresh herbs always at hand, growing your own parsley and cilantro can be a practical and rewarding solution. These herbs are hardy and can be easily grown in pots:
- Planting: Sow the seeds in a deep pot to allow for root growth. Germination occurs in about two to three weeks.
- Care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. These herbs like sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Harvesting: Start harvesting the leaves once the plant is well-developed, usually two to three months after sowing.
By adopting any of these techniques, you’ll not only extend the shelf life of your parsley and cilantro but also reduce food waste and ensure you always have these aromatic herbs available to enrich your dishes.
Try different methods and find out which works best for your culinary needs!
