Re: Drying Cilantro

[Guest guest]

Pick fresh leaves any time after the plants are about 6" tall but before they bolt (the leaves may develop a disagreeable flavor at this stage). Removing the older, outside leaves will encourage the plant to produce new leaves, but the younger leaves have more intense flavor. Whole plants can be cut off as a bunch at an inch above the ground, and then allow the plant to regrow for a second cutting. Cilantro leaves are best used fresh, but can be frozen or dried (although the dried leaves lose much of their flavor). Cut leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Or place a "bouquet" of leaves in water to maintain freshness in the refrigerator.

Harvest the seeds when they turn a light brown and the entire plant is dried, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering. Cut the stems before much shattering has occurred, and hang the plants in a a warm, airy place to dry. Because many of the seeds will fall out, place the cut stems over a cloth to catch any that fall, or put the stalks inside a paper bag. Make sure the fruit is thoroughly dried, which develops the flavor of the seeds. To save seed for your next crop, just store the whole pods in a cool, dry location. For culinary use, rub the pods to release the seed from the seed coat. The dried seeds can be stored for months in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Suzi

List Owner

health/

http://360./suziesgoats

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.---

[Guest guest]

Pick fresh leaves any time after the plants are about 6" tall but before they bolt (the leaves may develop a disagreeable flavor at this stage). Removing the older, outside leaves will encourage the plant to produce new leaves, but the younger leaves have more intense flavor. Whole plants can be cut off as a bunch at an inch above the ground, and then allow the plant to regrow for a second cutting. Cilantro leaves are best used fresh, but can be frozen or dried (although the dried leaves lose much of their flavor). Cut leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Or place a "bouquet" of leaves in water to maintain freshness in the refrigerator.

Harvest the seeds when they turn a light brown and the entire plant is dried, usually 2-3 weeks after flowering. Cut the stems before much shattering has occurred, and hang the plants in a a warm, airy place to dry. Because many of the seeds will fall out, place the cut stems over a cloth to catch any that fall, or put the stalks inside a paper bag. Make sure the fruit is thoroughly dried, which develops the flavor of the seeds. To save seed for your next crop, just store the whole pods in a cool, dry location. For culinary use, rub the pods to release the seed from the seed coat. The dried seeds can be stored for months in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Suzi

List Owner

Thank'ee, ma'am! That's a keeper!Ev