Cilantro is a very popular herb used for adding flavor to many dishes. If you’re new to cutting fresh cilantro you may not be sure how to properly chop it for adding it to your dishes. We will show you how in this short guide.
What You Will Need:
- Cilantro
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Kitchen Knife
- Paper Towels
How To Cut Cilantro
- Rinse your cilantro under cold water. This is to get all the dirt out from the cilantro leaves. Another option is to soak the cilantro in a bowl of cold water for several minutes.
- Wrap the cilantro in a paper towel and press to absorb the water.
- Place the cilantro on the cutting board
- Take your knife and chop off the stems and discard them. Alternatively, you may twist them off with your hands if you prefer. The stems are edible so it’s fine if you want to keep some for flavor and texture. Some people cut about halfway up on the cilantro because they don’t want any stems, some choose to leave a bit of stem on, it’s really up to personal preference
- Take the cilantro leaves and fold them in half on the cutting board
- Take your sharp knife and use it in a rocking motion with light pressure to chop the cilantro. Depending on how finely you want your cilantro cut, you may repeat this step as many times as necessary.
Storing Cilantro
If you have leftover cilantro that you would like to store, you can place a small amount of water in a glass and put the cilantro stem down into the glass. Cover the cilantro loosely with a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Cilantro can last up to 2 weeks this way. For more info on storing you can read this helpful guide.
How Long Does Cilantro Last?
If stored properly, fresh cilantro can last about 7-14 days in the refrigerator. You may also freeze cilantro to make it last longer.
How To Tell If Cilantro is Bad
Cilantro that is spoiled or bad is typically soft and discolored. It may also have an odd smell. Throw away any cilantro that is like this.
Conclusion:
Cutting fresh cilantro is a really simple process when you get the hang of it. If you’re making salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, or any other dish that needs a boost in taste, adding fresh cilantro can be a great flavor booster. Follow these simple steps for your chopping needs.