Q: Whenever I buy cilantro, I end up throwing most of it away because it turns black. How should I store it to make it last longer?

A: Exposure to air and moisture can cause cilantro to deteriorate. Proper storage will extend its life. Remove any rubber bands or twist ties, unwrap the bundle and discard any stems that look wilted. Trim the bottoms of the remaining stems and place them in a jar of water. Then cover the cilantro and jar with a plastic bag and store upright in the refrigerator. You also can wrap the stems in a slightly damp towel or paper towel, place them in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator; remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Stored these ways, cilantro will last a few days.

Because too much moisture causes the leaves to deteriorate quickly, it’s best to wash cilantro just before you use it.