Should You Wash Cilantro

Yes, you should wash cilantro before using it.
 
Fresh cilantro often carries dirt, sand, and tiny insects that cling to the leaves and stems.
 
It can also hold onto pesticide residue and bacteria from the soil and handling.
 
If you have been asking whether you should wash cilantro, the simple answer is yes, and it takes only a few minutes.
 
In this post, we will look at why you should wash cilantro, how to wash cilantro properly, and how to store it so it stays fresh.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why You Should Wash Cilantro

You should wash cilantro because it grows close to the ground and gets handled a lot before it reaches your kitchen.
 
That means a lot of unwanted stuff can end up on those leaves.
 

1. Dirt, Sand, and Grit

Cilantro grows low to the soil, so dirt and sand easily splash onto the leaves and stems.
 
If you don’t wash cilantro, that grit ends up in your salsa, soup, or salad.
 
A quick rinse gets rid of most of it, but a proper wash removes it all.
 

2. Bugs and Tiny Insects

Cilantro is a favorite hiding spot for aphids, spider mites, and other tiny bugs.
 
They tuck themselves into the curly leaves and tight stems where you can’t see them.
 
When you wash cilantro, you rinse those critters away before they hit your plate.
 

3. Pesticides and Chemicals

Cilantro is often grown with pesticides to keep pests away.
 
Those chemicals can linger on the leaves even after harvest.
 
If you should wash cilantro, you help reduce the amount of pesticide residue you and your family swallow.
 
This matters more if you eat cilantro raw, like in salsa or guacamole.
 

4. Bacteria and Germs

Cilantro can pick up bacteria from soil, water, and the hands of everyone who touches it.
 
Washing cilantro with clean water lowers the chance of foodborne illness.
 
It won’t kill every germ, but it removes a lot of the surface bacteria.
 

How to Wash Cilantro the Right Way

Washing cilantro is easy, but doing it right makes a big difference.
 

1. Start by Trimming the Stems

Cut off the very bottom of the stems where the most dirt collects.
 
You can also pick out any wilted or slimy leaves before you wash cilantro.
 

2. Fill a Bowl with Cold Water

Put the cilantro in a large bowl of cold water and swish it around gently.
 
The leaves will float, and the dirt and sand will sink to the bottom.
 
Let it sit for a minute so the grit has time to settle.
 

3. Lift the Cilantro Out

Don’t pour the whole bowl into a colander.
 
Lift the cilantro out with your hands, leaving the dirty water behind.
 
This keeps the sediment from splashing back onto the clean leaves.
 

4. Rinse Again Under Running Water

Hold the cilantro under cool running water to rinse off anything that’s left.
 
Spread the leaves apart so the water reaches every part.
 
If the cilantro is very sandy, repeat the bowl soak one more time.
 

5. Dry It Thoroughly

Shake off the excess water and pat the cilantro dry with paper towels.
 
A salad spinner works great here too.
 
Dry cilantro lasts longer and won’t make your salsa watery.
 

Should You Wash Cilantro Before or After Storing?

Wash cilantro right before you use it if you plan to store it for a while.
 
Extra moisture speeds up spoilage, so damp leaves turn slimy fast.
 
If you must wash cilantro ahead of time, dry it completely first.
 

1. Storing Unwashed Cilantro

Wrap unwashed cilantro in a slightly damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
 
Store the bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
 
This keeps cilantro fresh for up to a week.
 

2. Storing Washed Cilantro

Dry the cilantro well and wrap it in dry paper towels.
 
Place it in a sealed bag or container and refrigerate.
 
Use washed cilantro within a few days since it spoils faster than dry cilantro.
 

3. Freezing Cilantro

If you have more cilantro than you can use, chop it and freeze it in ice cube trays with water or oil.
 
You can freeze cilantro without washing it, but it’s better to wash cilantro first.
 
Then you can drop a cube straight into soups and sauces whenever you need it.
 

So, Should You Wash Cilantro?

Yes, you should wash cilantro before you eat or cook with it.
 
Washing cilantro removes dirt, bugs, pesticides, and bacteria that you don’t want on your food.
 
A quick soak in cold water and a good rinse under running water is all it takes.
 
So the next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, take a minute to wash it.
 
Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you.