Cilantro has many uses, from being an ingredient in salsa and guacamole, to being added as a garnish to meals. However, the most important part is picking a good bunch of cilantro at the store, and storing it properly so that it is green and in condition when using it! This post is all about how to select and store cilantro, in order to be able to fully enjoy it.
(This post is an excerpt from The Produce Nerd’s Grocery Guide, with input provided by Gold Coast Packing. You can learn more about the Grocery Guide, which covers this information for 55 different produce items, with input from 26 crop-specific companies HERE.)
What to look for when picking the best quality cilantro?
- You want to look for green crisp leaves and be able to smell its fragrant aroma.
Common issues to avoid when selecting cilantro?
- Yellowing or browning leaves.
Are there any common issues that are specifically caused by bad grocery store handling?
- Also avoid limp leaves, which means that it was not handled properly and the product got too hot or too cold and is starting to wilt and decay.
What is the best way to store cilantro at home?
- When you get your cilantro home, if it is a washed and ready-to-eat item, you can simply place it in your veggie drawer in the refrigerator.
- If your cilantro is a bulk item, rinse the cilantro to remove any dirt or excess water from the wet rack. Wrap the rinsed cilantro in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag and store it in your veggie drawer in your refrigerator.
Are there any common things that consumers should look for not mentioned above?
- The most fragrant and flavorful part of cilantro is its stem. So, make sure you chop both the leaves and the stem when using cilantro.
What is your favorite way to eat and prepare cilantro?
- Cilantro is best fresh and mixed into your favorite salsa, sauce, or guacamole. It also adds a great flavor and aroma to soups and stews when cooked in.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like: