Can You Put Cilantro In Water

You can put cilantro in water, and it’s actually one of the easiest ways to keep this fresh herb alive for longer.
 
If you’ve ever wondered “can you put cilantro in water” to store it or even grow it, the answer is a resounding yes.
 
Whether you’re trying to revive wilted cilantro, store it for a week or two, or root a fresh bunch for your garden, a simple glass of water can work wonders.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why you can put cilantro in water, how to do it properly, and some common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Can Put Cilantro in Water

You can put cilantro in water because the stems are fully capable of drawing up moisture.
 
Here’s why this simple trick works so well.
 

1. Cilantro Stems Absorb Water

Just like fresh flowers, cilantro stems are designed to transport water from the base up to the leaves.
 
When you place the cut ends in a glass of water, the stems keep pulling in moisture.
 
This keeps the leaves hydrated and prevents that sad, limp look.
 

2. It Slows Down Wilting

Cilantro starts to wilt quickly once it’s cut because the leaves lose water through a process called transpiration.
 
Putting cilantro in water replaces that lost moisture and dramatically slows down the wilting process.
 
So instead of lasting a couple of days in the fridge, you can put cilantro in water and get a week or more of freshness.
 

3. You Can Root Cilantro in Water

Here’s a fun bonus: you can actually root cilantro in water.
 
If you take a stem with a healthy node and place it in a glass of water, it will eventually grow new roots.
 
This means you can put cilantro in water, wait a couple of weeks, and then plant it in soil for a fresh new plant.
 
It’s a cheap and easy way to keep a steady supply of this herb on hand.
 

How to Put Cilantro in Water the Right Way

Knowing that you can put cilantro in water is one thing, but doing it correctly makes all the difference.
 
Follow these steps to get the best results.
 

1. Trim the Stems First

Before you put cilantro in water, trim about an inch off the bottom of the stems.
 
Use a sharp knife and cut at a slight angle.
 
This opens up the stems so they can absorb water more efficiently.
 

2. Remove Any Lower Leaves

Strip off any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
 
If you leave them, they’ll rot and turn the water cloudy, which defeats the purpose of putting cilantro in water in the first place.
 

3. Use a Clean Glass or Jar

Place the cilantro stems in a clean glass or jar filled with about two inches of fresh water.
 
You don’t need to fill it to the top; just enough to cover the cut ends works fine.
 

4. Change the Water Every Couple of Days

To keep cilantro in water fresh, swap out the water every two days.
 
This prevents bacteria from building up and keeps the stems healthy.
 
If the water starts looking murky, change it right away.
 

5. Cover Loosely and Refrigerate

You can put cilantro in water on your counter, but it lasts longer in the fridge.
 
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and place the glass in the refrigerator.
 
This combo of water and cold air keeps cilantro perky for up to two weeks.
 

Common Mistakes When You Put Cilantro in Water

Even though you can put cilantro in water easily, a few missteps can ruin your efforts.
 
Here’s what to avoid.
 

1. Leaving Leaves Submerged

If leaves sit in the water, they’ll get slimy fast.
 
Always keep the waterline below the lowest leaves when you put cilantro in water.
 

2. Skipping the Trim

If you don’t trim the stems before you put cilantro in water, the dried-out ends can’t absorb anything.
 
A fresh cut is essential for hydration.
 

3. Using Dirty Water

Stale or cloudy water invites bacteria, which makes the cilantro rot instead of stay fresh.
 
So if you want to put cilantro in water and have it last, keep that water clean.
 

4. Expecting It to Last Forever

You can put cilantro in water, but it won’t stay fresh indefinitely.
 
After about two weeks, the leaves will start to yellow and lose flavor.
 
At that point, it’s time for a fresh bunch.
 

So, Can You Put Cilantro in Water?

You can put cilantro in water, and it’s one of the simplest ways to keep this herb fresh for longer.
 
Whether you’re storing a bunch in the fridge or rooting stems for a new plant, a glass of water does the trick.
 
Just trim the stems, keep the leaves dry, change the water often, and you’ll get the most out of your cilantro.
 
So the next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, don’t toss it in the crisper and hope for the best.
 
Put cilantro in water instead and enjoy fresh flavor for days.