Friday 8 January 2010

Chopping and storing fresh Coriander and Parsley

Here's a quick guide to storing and handling fresh herbs, such as parsley and coriander.
I usually use one of two ways to store my fresh herbs I've bought at the market. Method one is keeping them in a small jar with water just like you would a bouquet of flowers. Cut the dry end off the stems before putting them in. Method two is wrapping them in moist (not wet) kitchen paper and put them in a plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for quite a long time. Just make sure the leafs are not wet before you put them in or they will start rotting.

For chopping them, wash them carefully, shake the water off and hold them like a bunch of flowers.

Shave upwards towards the top with a sharp knife, leaving only the stems back.

Frow away the stems or tie them up and use them for a soup.

Gently fold the leafs together into a ball.

Cut carefully with out crushing them from one end. Move your fingers down as you go along.

If you want, cut onc or twice lenghtwise, but don't start chopping them. You will just crush the leafs and all the flavourful juices will end up on your cutting board and not in your food. Good luck.

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