How To Wash And Dry Cilantro

How to wash and dry cilantro is a simple process that keeps this fresh herb crisp, clean, and ready to use in all your favorite dishes.
 
The key is to treat the leaves gently so they don’t bruise, and to dry them thoroughly so they don’t turn slimy in the fridge.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to wash and dry cilantro the right way, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to wash and dry cilantro step by step, plus a few tips to help it last longer once it’s clean.
 

How to Wash and Dry Cilantro

Learning how to wash and dry cilantro comes down to a few easy steps that anyone can follow.
 
Here’s how to wash and dry cilantro so it stays fresh and full of flavor.
 

1. Pick Out the Best Leaves First

Before you learn how to wash and dry cilantro, start by sorting through the bunch.
 
Toss any yellowed, wilted, or slimy leaves, since they won’t recover once they’re wet.
 
If you’re going to wash and dry cilantro, it helps to work with healthy sprigs from the start.
 

2. Fill a Bowl with Cold Water

The easiest way to wash and dry cilantro is to fill a large bowl with cold water.
 
Cold water keeps the leaves firm while you wash and dry cilantro gently.
 
Avoid running water directly over the leaves, as the pressure can bruise them.
 

3. Swish the Cilantro Gently

Submerge the cilantro and swish it around with your hands for a few seconds.
 
This loosens dirt and grit so that when you wash and dry cilantro, the debris falls to the bottom.
 
Don’t scrub the leaves, since cilantro is delicate and bruises easily.
 

4. Lift the Cilantro Out, Don’t Pour

When you wash and dry cilantro, lift the sprigs out of the bowl instead of dumping the water.
 
That way, the dirt that settled at the bottom stays there.
 
If the water looks really muddy after you wash and dry cilantro, repeat with a fresh bowl.
 

5. Give It a Second Rinse if Needed

For gritty bunches, wash and dry cilantro through two rounds of cold water.
 
The second rinse ensures no hidden sand remains when you wash and dry cilantro for salads or salsas.
 
Once the water stays clear, you’re ready to dry.
 

How to Dry Cilantro After Washing

Once you know how to wash and dry cilantro, drying becomes the part that decides how long it lasts.
 
Here’s how to dry cilantro so it doesn’t wilt or rot.
 

1. Use a Salad Spinner

A salad spinner is the fastest way to wash and dry cilantro at home.
 
Spin the leaves for a few seconds, then dump the water from the bottom.
 
It’s the gentlest method to wash and dry cilantro without crushing the leaves.
 

2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels

If you don’t have a spinner, lay the cilantro on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
 
Pat the leaves dry gently so you wash and dry cilantro without bruising them.
 
Don’t press hard, or the leaves will tear and lose their shape.
 

3. Air Dry on a Clean Towel

Spread the sprigs in a single layer and let them air dry for 15 to 30 minutes.
 
This works well when you wash and dry cilantro on a busy day and don’t want to rush.
 
Flip them once so both sides dry evenly.
 

4. Dry the Stems Too

The stems hold a lot of moisture, so dry them along with the leaves.
 
If you only wash and dry cilantro leaves, the wet stems can still cause spoilage.
 
A quick pat on the stems goes a long way.
 

5. Never Skip the Drying Step

Excess water is the number one reason cilantro turns slimy in the fridge.
 
Whenever you wash and dry cilantro, take the extra minute to get it fully dry.
 
It’s the difference between a few days and a couple of weeks of freshness.
 

Storing Cilantro After You Wash and Dry It

After you wash and dry cilantro, store it so it stays crisp and fragrant.
 
Here’s how to keep it fresh once you wash and dry cilantro.
 

1. Wrap in Slightly Damp Paper Towels

Wrap the dried cilantro loosely in a barely damp paper towel.
 
Then place the bundle in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
 
This keeps the leaves hydrated after you wash and dry cilantro without making them soggy.
 

2. Store in the Fridge

Keep cilantro in the crisper drawer, where the humidity is a bit higher.
 
This helps cilantro stay fresh for up to two weeks after you wash and dry cilantro.
 
Just check it every few days and remove any leaves that start to turn.
 

3. Or Stand It in a Glass of Water

You can also treat cilantro like fresh flowers and stand the stems in a glass of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and change the water every couple of days.
 
This works best if you wash and dry cilantro leaves for same-day use and keep the stems for storage.
 

4. Freeze It for Longer Storage

If you can’t use it all, chop the dried cilantro and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
 
That way, you wash and dry cilantro in bulk and have it ready for sauces anytime.
 
Frozen cilantro won’t be crisp, but it keeps its flavor for months.
 

So, How to Wash and Dry Cilantro?

How to wash and dry cilantro is really just a few easy steps, but they make a huge difference.
 
Pick out the good leaves, rinse in cold water, lift instead of pouring, and dry thoroughly with a spinner or towels.
 
Once you know how to wash and dry cilantro properly, the herb stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to sprinkle on tacos, guacamole, soups, and more.
 
Give it a try the next time you wash and dry cilantro, and you’ll taste the difference.