Saving cilantro seeds, also called coriander, is super easy! Here’s how to save and grow this delicious herb for yourself as well as beneficial insects.
Coriander seeds are one of the most versatile and aromatic spices used in cuisines around the world Their warm, citrusy and slightly sweet flavor can elevate the taste of countless dishes. However, like any dried spice, coriander seeds need to be stored properly to retain their potency and flavor
Improper storage causes the volatile oils in coriander seeds to dissipate, leading to faded aroma and taste. By following optimal storage practices, you can keep coriander seeds fresh for up to 4 years This allows you to enjoy their full flavor profile in your cooking for the long-term
Why Proper Storage Is Critical
Exposure to air, light, fluctuations in temperature or moisture causes coriander seeds to degrade quicker. Whole seeds fare better than pre-ground powder But even whole seeds stale rapidly when not stored correctly.
Within a few months, improperly stored coriander can lose its vivid color, aroma and flavor. The spice no longer imparts that wonderfully warm, citrusy zing to dishes.
Optimal storage removes these threats and dramatically extends shelf life. So whether you grow and dry your own coriander seeds, or purchase them, putting a proper storage system in place makes all the difference.
Best Practices for Storing Coriander Seeds
Follow these tips to retain the maximum potency and shelf life out of stored coriander seeds:
Keep Seeds in Airtight Containers
Exposure to oxygen is one of the biggest enemies of stored coriander seeds. It causes the volatile aromatic compounds in the seeds to dissipate and go stale quickly.
Keeping seeds in airtight containers blocks outside air from getting in and preserves freshness. Opt for storage containers like glass jars or plastic bins with tight-sealing lids. For an added precaution, you can place a small desiccant pack in the container to absorb any traces of humidity.
Store in Cool, Dry Place
The ideal storage temperature for coriander seeds is around 60°F to 70°F. Low humidity is also a must.
A kitchen cupboard works fine for short term storage. For long-term storage keeping seeds in a refrigerator is recommended. The cold environment helps slow the loss of flavorful oils.
Just avoid warm spots like near appliances which speed up deterioration.
Keep Out of Direct Light
Light exposure degrades coriander seeds over time. Use opaque, light-blocking storage containers. Or wrap clear jars in aluminum foil or paper.
Storing seeds in a dark pantry, cupboard or refrigerator gives the best protection. Limit light exposure by taking out only what you plan to use immediately.
Buy Whole Seeds in Smaller Batches
Whole coriander seeds retain aroma and flavor far longer than pre-ground powder. Buy seeds whole and only grind as needed.
Purchase seeds in smaller amounts if you don’t use them frequently. This avoids having old seeds sitting around losing potency for long periods.
Use Oldest Seeds First
When restocking, make sure to use up older seeds first before newly purchased batches. First-in, first-out rotation helps ensure no seeds linger past their prime.
Check Manufacture & Expiry Dates
Check expiration and manufactured dates when buying. Avoid very old stock or batches close to expiring. Fresher seeds have higher oil content and potency when stored.
Maximize Shelf Life of Ground Coriander
Pre-ground coriander powder has a much shorter shelf life compared to whole seeds. To maximize freshness:
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Only grind small batches as needed instead of storing large amounts.
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Immediately place ground powder in airtight containers in a cool, dark spot after grinding.
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Consider keeping whole seeds on hand and grinding just before use.
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Well-sealed, freezer storage works best for long-term storage of ground coriander.
Follow these steps and ground coriander can retain optimal aroma and flavor for about 6 months. Signs it may be past its prime include faded color and loss of the vibrant citrusy scent.
How To Tell If Coriander Seeds Have Gone Bad
With optimal storage coriander seeds stay fresh for years. However, there are signs to watch for that indicate seeds have gone stale or bad:
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Fading of the typical tan-brown color to a dull, pale appearance
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Loss of the warm, citrusy, slightly sweet aroma
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Visible mold, white spots or “dusty” texture
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Very dull or “off” flavor when ground
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Unpleasant bitter, or soapy taste instead of the expected flavor profile
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Shriveled, broken or lightweight appearance
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High percentage of seeds floating during water flotation viability test
Storing Coriander Seeds for Replanting
For gardeners looking to save some coriander seeds for future planting, the focus shifts to maintaining seed viability and germination rates. Here are some tips:
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Harvest seeds on a dry, low humidity day when seed heads are fully mature and dry on the plant.
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Further dry the seed heads for 1-2 weeks out of direct sun after picking.
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Before storage make sure no visible moisture or condensation remains on seeds.
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The ideal storage temperature for viability is around 40°F. The refrigerator works well.
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Use extremely airtight containers and add desiccant packs to control humidity.
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Glass jars allow easy visual monitoring of seed health over time.
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Most seeds stay viable for 2-3 years when stored properly. Discard old seeds for best germination rates.
Enjoy the Unique Flavor of Coriander
Proper storage methods allow you to enjoy the full flavor, aroma and freshness of coriander seeds for several years. By keeping them in cool, dark, and dry conditions, you can retain their maximum potency. Follow these best practices, and coriander seeds will deliver their uniquely warm, citrusy essence to your cooking for the long haul.
Need a Place to Store Your Seeds?
Keep seeds organized and ready for sowing with this handy seed organizer tin. The galvanized finish lends timeless style, and calendar dividers ensure seeds are in hand at the perfect time for planting.
Step Five: Store the coriander seeds
If you’re going to plant the seeds, they need some time to rest first. These are seeds for next year, so use seeds from a seed packet for this month if youre planting a fresh round. I’ll use seeds I saved last summer when I plant more cilantro in the fall once the temps have dropped a bit.
You can probably harvest at least 500 seeds from three cilantro plants, so… Hope you love coriander seeds on everything!
When & How to Harvest Coriander (Cilantro Seed) + Drying/Storing Tips
FAQ
How to preserve coriander seeds?
To preserve them you can put the green seeds in a jar in the freezer, which is probably the best way to keep their fresh flavor, but they can also be …Jul 24, 2021
How long do coriander seeds last?
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Serious Eatshttps://www.seriouseats.comWhat is Coriander? – Serious EatsDec 6, 2023 — Storage: In a tightly sealed, non-porous jar, whole coriander seeds will last about one year. Ground coriander will last about six months in a cool,
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Mimeahttps://www.mimea.co.ukAll you need to know about coriander seeds – Mimea MauzoNov 13, 2023 — Coriander seeds can last several months, and even years if stored correctly. Store yours in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them …
Do coriander seeds need to be dried?
Those flowers will produce green pods that contain coriander seeds in the making. You could eat these seeds when they’re still green (fresh coriander has a nice little spicy zing), or you can dry them if your goal is to save seeds for next season.
How do you store coriander seeds?
To ensure that your coriander seeds retain their aromatic oils and remain flavorful for an extended period, store them in a dark, dry place. A glass jar with an airtight seal is ideal and can be placed in your pantry or a cupboard away from the stove or any sources of heat.
Do coriander seeds need to be refrigerated?
Let Your Coriander Seeds Rest In A Cool Place. Being cool obviously implies being at comfort. So, it would be best if you kept your perfectly sealed coriander seed container in a cool place. When we say cool, you don’t need to have it pop up inside the refrigerator. That is a different topic, and we will come back to that later in this article.
How do you keep coriander fresh?
To keep coriander fresh in the refrigerator, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag or use airtight containers. Ensuring minimal moisture will prevent wilting and maintain freshness for a longer period.
What is a cool place for coriander seeds?
A cool place means a place that is not getting interrupted by the heat of your stove, gas, dishwasher, or whatever device that emits heat. In addition, avoid keeping coriander seeds that get direct sunlight. Even though your container is air-tight, the heat of the sunlight could still penetrate the packaging.
Can coriander be stored in the freezer?
As a result, it is strongly recommended that you do not store coriander for regular use in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Removing the container from the cold environment and opening it can result in condensation forming on the interior of the spice container, which means that your spices will be exposed to moisture.