The unretentive resolution is yes — but there are a few reason to void doing so .
Jason Donnelly
Unless you find to fall into the camp of people who thinkcilantrotastes like soap , the leave of the cilantro plant can be a great direction to lend a STD of citrusy , peppery flavor to all kinds of dishes . We love to total cilantro toslow cooker pork barrel , salads , andbutter crybaby , meld it intoranch dressingorenchilada sauce , and , of course , apply it as a garnish to add a popping of flavor and vividness to everything fromtacostonoodle bowlstosmashed cucumber salad .
Credit:Jason Donnelly
But if you cook with cilantro frequently , you ’ve likely spot a few wilted leaves from time to time . Ever wondered whether or not they ’re safe to eat on ? We tapped three experts to expose the reply .
Is It Safe to Eat Wilted Cilantro Leaves?
If you spot a few wiltedcilantro leavesin your bag , do n’t feel the need to toss the bunch . All of our experts fit in that wilt cilantro leaves are generally safe to eat . That said , the herb might drop off some of its key signature bright , citrusy flavor and crisp texture .
“ limp cilantro leaf are generally safe to eat , though they may not be as sapid or visually appealing as fresh farewell , ” says Kristen Lorenz , RD , registered dietitian and possessor of KLL Nutrition in Grand Rapids , Michigan . “ droop cilantro leave do n’t necessarily mean spoilage , as cilantro leaves are particularly tender — it ’s often just a star sign of wet loss . ”A few wilted leaves wo n’t cosset the rest of the cluster , but you ’ll still want to remove them to keep the rest of your cilantro fresh and vibrant for as long as potential . If your cilantro starts to show signs of spoiling , such as a slimed texture or nasty odour , it ’s ripe to throw it away .
“ If it ’s just wilt and not slimy or color , you ’re good to go , ” says Cassandra Padula Burke , RDN , CPT , registered dietitian dietitian , triathlon coach and owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg , Maryland . “ Just trim off any brown or scandalmongering farewell before using it . plunder coriander will get slimy , maudlin , or yellow , and it might start to sense sour or funky . If it looks moldy or too wilted , it ’s time to thresh it . ”
How to Store Cilantro
you’re able to avoid wilt coriander leave by followingproper storage guidelines for the herb . While you may sure as shooting store cilantro in the refrigerator in a zip - top bag , all three of our expert recommend the “ overbold - excision flowers ” method , which not only earn for aneye - catching icebox displaybut also extends the ledge life story of impudent cilantro by keeping it hydrated . “Treat cilantro like bracing heyday , ” Burke say . “ Trim the stem , place the coriander plant in a jar with a little water , and cover the folio with a plastic bag . Pop it in the electric refrigerator to keep it freshly longer . ”
Make certain the leaves do n’t come into contact with the body of water and utilize a caoutchouc band to slackly procure the travelling bag in seat . Every couple of days , refresh the water and discard any wilted stems or leave of absence . “ Changing the water every few twenty-four hours can help extend its shelf lifespan , ” Lorenz says . “ Trust me , it make a huge difference in extending its novelty ! ”
How to Buy and Prep Cilantro
Avoiding wilt cilantro leaf starts with buying the fresh cilantro possible . At the grocery stock , look for cilantro with fresh , green leaves ; avoid any bunches with yellowed or wilted leave . “ tonic coriander should smack bright and herbal , with nippy green foliage , ” says Kaitlyn Comeau , RD , registered dietitian , fitness teacher , slumber and recovery coach and owner of KC Gaining Wellness in Nova Scotia , Canada . Just likeother types of green groceries , you should always wash Chinese parsley thoroughly before using to off any dirt or pesticide residual . “ For food base hit , since cilantro can easily harbor dirt and bacteria , rinse cilantro well under cold piss before using it , ” Lorenz says . “ For longer storage , dab the leaves dry after rinsing , as excess wet can accelerate spoilage . ”
If you hump you wo n’t employ all of your tonic coriander , Comeau recommendsfreezing it . Simply chop the spare cilantro , then transfer it into Methedrine cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil to easy incorporate into cooking in the future tense . you could also freeze the sweet leaf or turn them into apesto ; just make certain to apply frozen cilantro within 6 months .
