Herbs
Dried Cilantro (Coriander)Drying Time, Storage and How to Use It
Cilantro, also called coriander or pakchi, is an herb with a distinctive aroma that people either love or hate. It’s used widely across Asia, in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan and beyond.
Fresh cilantro doesn’t keep and wilts quickly. If you have some left over, dry it. Its strong aroma becomes gentler when dried, so even people who don’t like it may find it easier to use.
| Drying time | Storage | |
|---|---|---|
| Dry | 3–4 days | 6 months at room temperature |
Drying times assume drying during the day in sunny weather and bringing them in at night.
How to dry cilantro
- Wash: Soil tends to stay at the base, so swish it well in a bowl of water.
- Pat dry: Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Dry on the stems: Lay it on a basket on its stems, without cutting and without overlapping. Cutting or tearing cilantro lets the aroma escape, so wait until it’s dry to crumble it.
- Where to dry: To keep the color and aroma, avoid strong direct sun and dry it in a breezy spot in shade or part shade. Bring it in by evening.
Where and when to dry is covered in How to Dry Vegetables, and tools in Tools for Drying Vegetables.
When it’s done
Dry (3–4 days)
It’s done when the leaves have curled and crumble when you rub them between your fingers. The base of the stems dries last, so snap one to check.
Day by day
Before drying
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Storage
- Room temperature: Put completely crisp cilantro in a jar or bag with a desiccant, and keep somewhere cool and out of direct sun for about 6 months. Crumble it by hand when you use it.
The aroma fades over time, so for the best flavor, use it within about 3 months. More in How to Store Dried Vegetables.
How to use it
- In soups: A pinch to finish pho, tom yum, Chinese soups or glass noodle soup.
- In Southeast Asian dishes: Pad krapow, green curry, nasi goreng, tacos.
- In salads and dressings: Crumble it into a fish sauce and lime dressing.
Dried cilantro doesn’t have the fresh aroma of fresh cilantro; it’s best in cooked dishes and soups.
