Use scissors. Pinching with your fingers can crush the tender stems and invite rot. A clean, sharp pair of kitchen shears gives you a precise cut just above a leaf node, encouraging bushier regrowth.
Don’t be shy about volume. Cilantro is one of those herbs that wilts in your hand after picking. A single plant can easily yield a cupful every week if you’re consistent. So grab a handful—your salsa verde will thank you.
How to Grow Cilantro and Prevent It from Bolting - Growing In The Garden
The Storage Hack You’ll Actually Use
Freshly picked cilantro loses its mojo fast. Here’s a trick that magazine editors swear by: treat it like a bouquet. Trim the stems, place them in a jar with a half-inch of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. It stays crisp for up to ten days—no sad, slimy leaves.
Alternatively, chop and freeze it in ice cube trays with a little olive oil. Fresh flavor on demand, perfect for throwing into soups or stir-fries when you’re craving that cilantro kick but the plant is on hiatus.