How to keep cilantro?

I bought a big bunch of cilantro today, but I can't begin to use it all fresh before it goes bad. How do I keep it? Can I freeze it? I have it in a glass of water in the fridge now, as I didn't know what else to do with it.

You can freeze it. My personal method (with freezing most herbs) is to chop it up small. Evenly distribute the chopped herb in an ice cube tray and top up with water. Place in freezer for herby icecubes. Just pop the icecube into the cooking water or defrost when you need it.

You might want to look into dehydrating Cilantro too but I don't know how to do that.

You don't need a dehydrator to dry herbs. Pat them dry. Bundle together and tie the stems with string, leaving some excess. Then take a large paper bag, like you get at the grocery. Punch a hole in the bottom, pass the string through it, and pull the herbs up into the bag. Then hand the whole thing in a warm place, out of direct sunlight.

The bag provides two things: darkness, because light isn't good on dried and drying herbs, and it serves as a dust jacket.

Thanks. I'm going to divide the excess up and do it both ways to see which works best for me. Both methods sound easy enough.

joan - be warned, i've tried bought dried cilantro and it tastes like grass clippings, freezing is the best method imo.

lil