This ancient Indian method will help keep your fresh cilantro stay crisp and green until your next produce run, trust. Read below to see how to store cilantro and other leafy green herbs to keep them fresh for weeks at a time! In this post, I introduce my “roll” technique and then advise refrigerating the tasty herb. You won’t be disappointed.
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
Because of the world pandemic, I went back to an old technique and what I discovered was mind-blowing!
How to keep cilantro fresh longer?
Dry the herb completely before storing it away. I recommend laying them on a towel and then rolling the towel like a pinwheel. The extra layer of moisture-capturing cotton will help keep the cilantro fresh for a lot longer.
Keeping cilantro fresh has never been easier with the use of these cotton towels and my rolling technique. Read my Step by Step instructions on my fail-proof method of keeping cilantro fresh for weeks at a time.
How this method came about
I decided to pull out my cotton kitchen towels and stored cilantro wrapped in them for about 10 days. During these days, I checked on my cilantro and removed a few yellow/brown pieces that might be the bad “leaf” in the bunch. Honestly, there were a few to none. Regardless, I wouldn’t want those suckers ruining the others. Afterward I rolled it back into a nice burrito, placed it in a plastic bag, sealed it shut, and placed the herb back in the fridge.
THEN… I forgot about it for a week. Literally , I forgot about that entire bag of cilantro. After a week went by, I opened the bag and unfolded the towel. The result was shocking! This is why I am here sharing the results with you.
My previous trial and errors have been:
- wrapping in newspaper or paper towels
- using special cilantro containers (I have no space in my fridge)
- finely cutting the cilantro and placing it in a container with a paper towel on the bottom and top (works well for a week)
- pre-washing and then drying overnight
- leaving it as is from the grocery store (guilty AF)
Not going to lie, I didn’t make it a priority to learn how to keep my cilantro fresh for longer than a week, until this pandemic hit! I am very thankful for companies like Farm Fresh To You which are able to deliver fresh groceries. Even then, keeping cilantro fresh became a priority.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- After purchasing and coming home, unwrap the cilantro from the bundle and shake off any excess water that you may have brought home (in a sink or outside).
- Cut the ends off of the cilantro and take out any yellow or brown ends/leaves.
- DO NOT WASH THE CILANTRO!
- Lay the cilantro on a hand towel and let it air dry for no more than an hour or two (until the water is completely dry)
- Grab this towel or something similar and lay it flat on a counter space .
- Lay the cilantro evenly on top of the towel with stems all on one side and tips on the other.
- Begin lightly rolling the cilantro from one end to the other tucking in the ends as you go (like a burrito).
- Place the towel inside a plastic bag (Ziploc) and seal it shut with very little air inside the bag.
- Refrigerate the whole bag.
- Check the bag once a week to remove the bad leaves and stems.
- Wash the cilantro before using it.
What’s my big tip to keep cilantro fresh?
Don’t wash it! Not. Joking. I think over the years we became accustomed to washing all of our herbs and veggies as soon as we get them, but this one tip is saving my herbs!
To give me more of a peace of mind- I thought about what I do to onions, potatoes, garlic, etc after purchasing and bringing them home. I don’t wash it until I use it… That gave me a better sense of calm to adjust to this new habit and quite frankly I am happy to say that my produce is lasting longer.
What towel do I recommend?
These thin cotton towels are a big savior when it comes to wrapping the herb. They are very useful for everyday tasks and kitchen hacks. Plus, they wash well and store in a compact space. Your mind will be blown, hands down! Click below to purchase or see if you have something similar hanging out in your home already :).
Other ways to use these cotton towels
- everyday dusting and cleaning
- reusable paper towels!
- keep herbs such as parsley and dill fresh
- dish towel
- cheese cloth for paneer, seekan, labneh, etc
- rags
Recipes that use cilantro
Jeera Chicken
Cilantro Sauce
Cilantro Chicken Wings
Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Paneer Makhani)
Desi Gravy Chicken Recipe - Tapelu Chicken
Easy Indo Chinese Chicken Curry with Onions
One Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
Hope you found this information helpful! Let me know if this trick worked for you. I really enjoy hearing from you.
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Ragu spaghetti sauce made with ground meat
This ground meat sauce is a delicious hearty ragu pasta spaghetti sauce that is comforting and delicious! The key to making a delicious minced meat sauce recipe is low and slow cooking according to my Italian neighbor.
SO YUM! A comforting meat sauce with al dente spaghetti is something I have always loved.
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Top Tips
- Whats the Key?
- Variations
- More Pasta Recipes…
- Let’s Talk Cheese!
- 📖 Recipe
- FAQ
- 💬 Community
Contrary to what I grew up knowing, an authentic Italian meat sauce is the true meaning of Ragu and not just the pasta sauce company. I am definitely thankful for some amazing neighbors who knew real Italian food and shared their ways with me growing up, because this is a go-to in our home.
Ingredients
- ground meat (beef, turkey, or alternative)
- arrabiata pasta sauce (or your favorite)
- Cento Brand crushed tomatoes (substitute with San Marzano Brand)
- fresh grated garlic
- parmigiano reggiano (fresh grated)
- spaghetti
- water, oil, salt, black pepper
- dried oregano
- baking soda
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
See the recipe card for directions
Top Tips
- Cook on low heat for about 1-2 hours to get the best results
- Add extra red chili flakes for more spice
- Cheese is a must have for this recipe!
Whats the Key?
A very slow simmer! Who would have thought slow-cooking ground meat would change the flavor of a sauce? If you are in a hurry to have dinner, then this is definitely not a go-to meal. If you want to hang out and have some drinks, call some friends, or have a dance party with your kids pre-dinner, then this needs to be on the menu pronto!
Variations
- Kid Friendly - Use pasta sauce that is kid-friendly and no chili flakes.
- Vegetarian- Use soy grounds instead of meat (I do not recommend using a vegetable based ground. In my experience soy has worked best)
Kid Friendly Recipes…
- Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (copycat)
- Air Fried Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- Pasta with Broccoli and Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- The Best Spaghetti and Meatball Marinara Recipe
More Pasta Recipes…
- Creamy Tahini Pasta
- Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- Homemade Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe-Restaurant Style
Let’s Talk Cheese!
The debate will be never-ending when it comes to Parmigiano Reggiano vs pecorino romano. One is a bit tangier than the other and for that reason, I would go with Parmigiano Reggiano for this dish. It has a milder flavor which I think pairs well with the slow-cooked meat.
More Non-Veg Recipes…
- Mint Chicken with Thai Basil and Minced Meat
- Kheema Pizza - an Indian Pizza with Chicken
- Indian Chicken Kheema Recipe
📖 Recipe
Ragu Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or alternative)
- ▢ 12 oz arrabiata pasta sauce (or your favorite)
- ▢ 1 12oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- ▢ 3 cloves fresh grated garlic
- ▢ ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano
- ▢ 12 oz package of uncooked spaghetti
- ▢ 8 oz water
- ▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ▢ pinch baking soda
- ▢ oil
- ▢ salt
- ▢ black pepper
- ▢ water for boiling
- ▢ red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat some oil in a sauce pan and add the ground meat. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda and add the water.
- Continue to break up the meat.
- Season with salt, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
- Add the pasta sauce.
- Let it come to a boil but continue to break the meat if necessary.
- Turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let it cook for about 2 hours while continuing to stir every once in a while.
- At this point you can make the spaghetti.
- Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Once it reaches a boil, add the spaghetti and cook to your texture liking. Strain and set it aside.
- Once the sauce has simmered you can mix the pasta and sauce together or have a “make your own bowl” dinner.
- Don’t forget to top the spaghetti with some parmigiano reggiano and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Make it a low carb friendly meal by using zucchini noodles or almond pasta.
I recommend using semolina-based spaghetti for a more authentic taste that is cooked al-dente.
For this recipe, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
You do not, but for optimal results I recommend it.
I would recommend a white wine with this dish since it is spicy.
