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You can dry cilantro from your garden by harvesting it at the right time, washing it thoroughly, and choosing a drying method that preserves its flavor.
Drying cilantro is one of the easiest ways to make your homegrown herb stash last through the colder months.
Whether you have a bumper crop or just more cilantro than you can use fresh, learning how to dry cilantro properly means you’ll always have it ready for soups, salsas, and stews.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to dry cilantro from your garden, step by step, including the best methods and storage tips.
Let’s get started.
How to Dry Cilantro From Your Garden: The Basics
When you dry cilantro from your garden, the goal is to remove moisture while keeping as much of that fresh, citrusy flavor as possible.
Cilantro is a delicate herb, so how you dry cilantro matters a lot more than it does with tougher herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Here’s what you need to know before you start.
1. Harvest Cilantro at the Right Time
Learning how to dry cilantro starts with harvesting at the right moment.
The best time to cut cilantro is in the early morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
This is when the leaves hold the most oils and flavor.
Pick cilantro before the plant bolts and sends up flowers, because once it bolts, the leaves turn bitter.
You can dry cilantro leaves from younger, tender stems, but skip the thick woody stalks.
2. Wash and Dry the Cilantro Thoroughly
Before you dry cilantro, give it a good rinse under cool water to remove dirt, dust, and any tiny garden visitors.
Then gently shake off the excess water and spread the cilantro on a clean towel.
Pat the leaves dry with another towel or let them air-dry for an hour.
If you try to dry cilantro while it’s still wet, the moisture can cause mold during the drying process.
So take your time here if you want to dry cilantro successfully.
3. Remove Bad Leaves and Stems
Go through your harvest and toss any yellowed, wilted, or spotted leaves.
When you dry cilantro, only healthy green leaves and tender stems should make it to the next step.
This small step keeps your dried cilantro tasting fresh and prevents off-flavors.
The Best Methods to Dry Cilantro From Your Garden
There are a few solid ways to dry cilantro, and each one works depending on your time, space, and patience.
1. Air Drying Cilantro
Air drying is the traditional way to dry cilantro from your garden.
Simply tie small bundles of cilantro together with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated room.
Keep them out of direct sunlight so the leaves don’t fade.
It usually takes one to two weeks to dry cilantro this way, depending on humidity.
The downside is that cilantro leaves are delicate and can collect dust while hanging, so give them a gentle rinse-free shake before storing.
2. Oven Drying Cilantro
If you want to dry cilantro faster, your oven can help.
Set your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 100°F to 120°F, and spread the cilantro leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Leave the oven door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
It should take one to three hours to dry cilantro in the oven, but check every 30 minutes.
You want the leaves crispy, not browned, because browned cilantro tastes burnt.
3. Dehydrator Method to Dry Cilantro
A food dehydrator is arguably the most reliable way to dry cilantro from your garden.
Arrange the leaves in a single layer on the trays and set the temperature to around 95°F to 105°F.
Depending on your machine, it takes two to four hours to dry cilantro completely.
The low, steady heat preserves that bright cilantro flavor better than almost any other method.
4. Microwave Drying Cilantro
In a hurry, you can dry cilantro in the microwave.
Place leaves between two paper towels and microwave in 30-second bursts.
It only takes a couple of minutes to dry cilantro this way, but watch closely because it can scorch fast.
How to Store Dried Cilantro From Your Garden
Once you dry cilantro, the next step is storing it so it keeps its flavor for months.
Let the dried leaves cool completely, then crumble them gently with your fingers.
Store your dried cilantro in an airtight glass jar away from heat and light.
Label the jar with the date so you know how long it’s been sitting.
Properly dried and stored cilantro keeps well for up to a year.
You can also freeze dried cilantro if you want it to last even longer.
1. Watch for Signs of Moisture
If you notice condensation inside the jar after a few days, your cilantro wasn’t fully dry.
In that case, spread it out and dry cilantro again before resealing.
Moisture is the enemy when you dry cilantro at home.
2. Keep It Away From Strong Smells
Dried herbs absorb odors easily, so store your dried cilantro away from onions, garlic, and spices with heavy aromas.
That way, when you dry cilantro from your garden, it stays tasting like cilantro.
So, How to Dry Cilantro From Your Garden?
You dry cilantro from your garden by harvesting in the morning, washing and drying the leaves, and then air drying, oven drying, or using a dehydrator until the leaves are crisp.
Cilantro is delicate, so low heat and patience are your best friends throughout the process.
Once you dry cilantro properly and store it in an airtight jar, you’ll have homegrown flavor ready whenever a recipe calls for it.
Give it a try this season and enjoy your garden’s cilantro all year long.