How To Harvest Cilantro

Have you ever bought a bunch of cilantro only to have it wilt and go bad before you can use it all? Harvesting cilantro from your own garden or from the grocery store is a great way to ensure you always have fresh herbs on hand. In this article, we'll show you how to harvest cilantro so that it stays fresh for longer.

What You'll Need

The first step in harvesting cilantro is to gather the necessary tools. Here's what you'll need:

• Gardening gloves (optional)
• A pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears
• A container to hold the harvested cilantro (a vase or mason jar works well)

When to Harvest Cilantro

The best time to harvest cilantro is when the plant is about six inches tall. This is usually about three to four weeks after planting the seeds. If you wait too long to harvest, the cilantro will start to bolt (produce flowers) and become bitter.

If you're growing cilantro in a pot or container, you can start harvesting as soon as the plant has grown to the desired height. However, if you're growing cilantro in the ground, it's best to wait until the plant is at least six inches tall before harvesting.

How to Harvest Cilantro

Harvesting cilantro is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Put on your gardening gloves (if using).
2. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut off the outer leaves of the cilantro plant.
3. Leave the inner leaves and stems intact so that the plant can continue to grow.
4. Place the harvested cilantro in a container filled with water to keep it fresh and hydrated.

It's important not to harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time. This allows the plant to continue to grow and produce new leaves for future harvests.

Storing Harvested Cilantro

To store harvested cilantro, follow these steps:

1. Remove any damaged or wilted leaves from the harvested cilantro.
2. Wrap the cilantro in a damp paper towel or kitchen towel.
3. Place the wrapped cilantro in a plastic bag or an airtight container.
4. Store the cilantro in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Alternatively, you can freeze cilantro for later use. To freeze cilantro, follow these steps:

1. Wash and dry the cilantro.
2. Chop the cilantro into small pieces.
3. Place the chopped cilantro in a labeled freezer bag.
4. Store the cilantro in the freezer for up to six months.

Harvesting cilantro is easy and rewarding. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh cilantro whenever you need it. Remember to harvest only one-third of the plant at a time and to store your harvested cilantro properly to keep it fresh for longer.

Cilantro plantations in Mexico

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