coriander-mint Image Credit source: AI Generated
Coriander and mint are an important part of almost every Indian kitchen. They are used to enhance the taste and aroma of vegetables, chutneys, salads and many other dishes. However, within a few days of purchasing them, they start withering or getting spoiled. In such a situation, many people have to buy them again and again from the market, which leads to wastage of both time and money.
coriander and peppermint Since they contain high water content, they can spoil quickly if exposed to moisture, improper storage and air. Many times, despite keeping them in the refrigerator, the leaves start turning black, withering or rotting. If stored properly, their freshness can be maintained for a long time. Let us know what are the easy ways to keep coriander and mint fresh for many days, what mistakes should be avoided while storing them and how to recognize that they have started spoiling.
Follow these easy tricks to keep coriander and mint fresh for a long time
Before storing coriander and mint, separate the spoiled or yellow leaves. If you wash them, dry them thoroughly first, because excess moisture can spoil them quickly. Wrap the leaves lightly in a paper towel and store in an airtight container or zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. If you want, you can keep the stalks in a glass filled with some water and cover it with a loose plastic bag.
Keep changing the paper towels from time to time, so that excess moisture does not accumulate. Remove leaves only when needed and avoid taking out the rest again and again. Coriander and mint can remain fresh for many days if stored properly.
What mistakes should be avoided while storing coriander and mint?
Avoid wetting coriander and mint and keeping them directly in the refrigerator. If they are kept in a closed box without drying, the moisture increases, due to which the leaves can rot quickly. Keeping them completely sealed in a plastic bag or taking them out repeatedly and then keeping them in the fridge can also reduce their freshness.
Do not store damaged or rotten leaves with the rest of the leaves, as this can cause the entire bunch to spoil quickly. Also avoid keeping them very close to fruits, because some fruits release ethylene gas, which can cause the leaves to wither quickly.
How to recognize that coriander or mint has started spoiling?
If coriander or mint leaves start turning yellow, black or brown, become very soft or sticky, then understand that they have started spoiling.
Apart from this, if they start giving rotten or strong smell, then they should not be used. Fresh coriander and mint are always green, crunchy and aromatic. Separate the bad leaves immediately, so that the remaining leaves can remain safe for a longer time.
