Here’s how to store cilantro in a Mason jar: Put the whole bunch of cilantro in the jar with about an inch or two of cold water. Close it up with a plastic bag and put it in the fridge. With this method, cilantro stays fresh for up to a week.
Cilantro is a versatile herb that infuses a burst of freshness into a variety of meals thanks to its vivid green leaves and unique taste. Keeping fresh cilantro on hand may improve the flavors of your food creations, whether you’re incorporating it into salsa, guacamole, curry, or topping your favorite tacos. But cilantro has a tendency to wilt and get slimy rapidly, so many people are curious about ways to prolong its freshness. A handy cooking tip that holds the key to the solution is to keep cilantro in a mason jar. This post will walk you through the exact steps of preserving cilantro in a mason jar so that it lasts longer and tastes great.
Why Use a Mason Jar to Store Cilantro?
When stored incorrectly, cilantro, like many other green herbs, loses its freshness quickly. Let’s explore the science of cilantro preservation to see why using a mason jar is revolutionary. Cilantro is still very much alive whether you buy it from the shop or pick it from your garden. Once detached from the plant’s root system, cilantro stems absorb water continuously, just as cut flowers do.
If you put cilantro in a mason jar, you’re almost giving it the perfect habitat to last a long time. The cilantro stays crisp and green because of the water in the jar, which permits it to keep absorbing moisture. The sealing qualities of the jar keep out excess moisture loss and preserve a regulated humidity level. This approach is a great way to increase the shelf life of cilantro and is similar to keeping fresh herbs like a bouquet of flowers.
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Table of Contents
Also Read :
Different Types of Cilantro, Benefits, Growing and Caring Guide
How Much Cilantro Should You Eat for Health Benefits?
The Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Cilantro in a Mason Jar
Now that you understand the science behind using a mason jar let’s walk through the step-by-step process of storing cilantro to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for an extended period:
- Gather Your Supplies Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. You’ll need a bunch of fresh cilantro, a mason jar, a plastic bag, and access to cold water.
- Trim the Cilantro Stems Start by trimming the very ends of the cilantro stems. This step helps the cilantro absorb water more efficiently.
- Place Cilantro in the Mason Jar Place the whole cilantro bunch into the mason jar, ensuring that only the stems are submerged in water.
- Loosely Cover with a Plastic Bag To retain moisture, loosely cover the cilantro leaves with a plastic bag. This makeshift greenhouse effect will keep the cilantro fresh and hydrated.
- Store in the Fridge Finally, store the mason jar in the refrigerator. Make sure the jar is positioned upright to prevent any potential water leakage.
Here are 2 Videos where you can see how to Store and Preserve cilantro for weeks and months, Sharing this because I like these methods as well :
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Tips for Maintaining Freshness
While storing cilantro in a mason jar is a fantastic way to extend its freshness, there are a few additional tips that can further enhance the herb’s longevity:
- Change the Water Frequently: Replace the water in the mason jar every few days to keep it fresh and stop bacterial development.
- Cilantro stored in a mason jar may keep for up to a week if used within that time frame. To get the finest taste, try using it within this time window.
- Take Out Wilted Stems: Do not allow any wilted or discolored stems to spread to the remaining cilantro. Instead, remove them right away.
- Try Some Different Approaches: Some individuals find that wrapping the cilantro with a reusable silicone bag works better than using plastic. Try a variety of things to see what suits you the best.
- Label the Jar: To keep track of the freshness of the mason jar and to prevent confusion, consider marking the jar with the date of storage.
Does cilantro last longer in a jar?
I wanted to highlight how my wife stores cilantro, green onions, and other herbs. Instead of storing them in the fridge, she puts them in a mason jar with water, just like a bouquet of flowers. She changes out the water every day, and the herbs stay fresh all week, rather than getting limp in the vegetable drawer.
Here’s how it works:
- Pick a Mason Jar: To begin, choose a dry, clean mason jar. The size need to be suitable for storing the herbs you want to keep.
- Get the Herbs Ready: Rinse and pat dry any herbs you want to keep, such as cilantro and green onions. Should it be required, trim the stems to ensure a snug fit inside the jar.
- Add Water: Pour just enough water into the mason jar to cover the herb stems without spilling over. It just has to be an inch or two of water.
- Put the Herbs in the Jar: Carefully put the herbs in the jar, making sure that the water covers the chopped ends. Stems and leaves should not come into touch with water at all, since this will lead to their rotting.
- It’s important to replace the water in your herbs on a regular basis if you want to keep them fresh. This keeps the herbs moist and prevents germs from growing.
- Store in a Cool Place: Put the herbs in a mason jar and place them somewhere cool and well-ventilated. Keep the herbs out of direct sunshine as this might make them wilt.
You’ll be astounded at how long your herbs keep fresh if you use this strategy. It’s easy for them to keep their tastes and brilliant colors for a week or more.
How to Store Cilantro in a Mason Jar – FAQs
1. Can I store cilantro in a Mason jar on the countertop?
- Answer: Yes, you can, but it’s not the most effective method for long-term freshness. Storing cilantro in a Mason jar with water in the fridge is a better option.
2. How do I prepare cilantro before placing it in a Mason jar?
- Answer: Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and trim any yellow or wilted leaves from the stems.
3. What type of jar should I use for storing cilantro?
- Answer: It’s best to use a clean Mason jar or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
4. How much water should I put in the Mason jar?
- Answer: Fill the Mason jar with about 1-2 inches of cold water, ensuring that the stems are partially submerged.
5. Should I cover the cilantro in the Mason jar?
- Answer: Yes, loosely cover the cilantro with a plastic bag to help retain moisture and freshness.
6. How long can cilantro be stored in a Mason jar in the fridge?
- Answer: When stored properly, cilantro can last for up to one week in a Mason jar in the fridge.
7. Should I change the water in the Mason jar regularly?
- Answer: It’s a good practice to change the water every few days to maintain cilantro’s freshness.
8. Can I store other fresh herbs in a similar way?
- Answer: Yes, you can use this method to store various fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and mint.
9. Can I store cilantro in a Mason jar for an extended period?
- Answer: While this method can keep cilantro fresh for up to a week, it may not be suitable for long-term storage. For longer storage, consider freezing or drying cilantro.
10. Are there any alternatives to using a Mason jar for cilantro storage?
- Answer: Some alternatives include using herb savers or specialized containers designed for prolonging the freshness of herbs. Mason jars are a readily available and cost-effective option.
Wrapping It Up
Storing cilantro in a mason jar is a simple yet efficient method of preserving the herb’s taste and freshness for a long time. You may extend the bright flavor of cilantro in your food by using water, humidity control, and a little amount of plastic wrap. Thus, the next time you pick or purchase cilantro, make sure it doesn’t deteriorate in the fridge. Instead, take a mason jar, adhere to these simple instructions, and enjoy the transformation in your food preparations. Your palate will appreciate it!