How to Cut a Cilantro Plant – The best way to keep your cilantro fresh is to cut it yourself. Learn how to properly cut a cilantro plant so that you can enjoy its freshness all year long!
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Introduction
Cilantro is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most traditionally used in cooking. coriander leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The fresh leaves have a strong, pleasantly pungent smell.
Cilantro is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and northern Africa to western Asia. It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the center of the umbel longer (5–6 mm or 0.20–0.24 in) than those pointing toward it (only 1–3 mm or 0.039–0.118 in long).
The fruit is a globular, dry schizocarp 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) in diameter.
What You’ll Need
-A sharp knife
-A cutting board
-A bowl or other container
1. Start by trimming off the bottom of the cilantro plant, about 1-2 inches above the soil line. This will help encourage new growth.
2. Next, cut the plant into individual stems, each about 4-6 inches long.
3. Finally, cut the leaves off of the stems and add them to your bowl or container. Cilantro leaves are delicate so be careful not to bruise or tear them.
And that’s it! You now know how to properly cut a cilantro plant. Enjoy your fresh cilantro in salads, soups, salsa, guacamole, or any other dish you can think of!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to cut a cilantro plant, so you can enjoy its fresh flavor all season long!
1. First, choose a healthy cilantro plant that has plenty of fresh leaves. If the leaves are wilted or discolored, it’s best to choose another plant.
2. Cut the cilantro plant at the base, using a sharp knife or gardening shears.
3. Cut off any dead or yellowed leaves, as well as any flowers or seed heads.
4. Cut the stem into 1-inch pieces, and then place the cilantro in a glass of water.
5. Change the water every few days, and trim the ends of the stems as needed.
6. Enjoy your fresh cilantro!
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your cilantro plant:
-Cut the plant back to about 6 inches above the soil line. This will encourage new growth.
-Harvest cilantro leaves as needed. Pull or snip off individual leaves as opposed to cutting the entire plant down at once.
-Cilantro is best used fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period of time. Place it in a plastic bag or container with some moist paper towels to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Cilantro is a fast-growing, cool-season annual herb that is used fresh in many culinary dishes. It is easy to grow from seed, and once established, a cilantro plant will continue to produce leaves (also called cilantro) for several weeks. Cilantro does not tolerate heat well, so it is best to sow the seeds in late spring or early summer for a fall harvest. Cilantro also grows well as a winter crop in mild climates.
How do I cut a cilantro plant?
To harvest cilantro, cut the stems about 1 inch above the soil line using sharp scissors or gardening shears. New growth will quickly emerge from the cut stems, so you can harvest cilantro again and again from the same plant. Be sure to leave some stems and leaves on the plant so it can continue to produce new growth.
Can I dry or freeze cilantro?
Cilantro leaves can be dried or frozen for later use. To dry cilantro, cut the stems and place them in a single layer on a drying rack or screen. It is important to have good air circulation around the leaves so they don’t mold as they dry. Once the leaves are dry, crumble them and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Cilantro leaves can also be frozen by washing and drying them thoroughly, then chopping them into small pieces before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
