Cilantro, known for its bright, distinctive taste, is a popular herb in many cuisines. While mature cilantro offers a robust flavor, its younger counterpart, baby cilantro, provides a more delicate and tender experience. It’s favored for fresh culinary uses and a quick, rewarding harvest for home gardeners.
What is Baby Cilantro
Baby cilantro refers to cilantro plants harvested at an early stage, when leaves are small and tender. This early harvest yields a milder, less pungent flavor than mature cilantro, which some find “soapy” due to genetic factors. Its leaves are also more delicate, ideal for dishes needing a tender herb. Chefs and home cooks prefer its subtle, fresh herbaceous notes that enhance dishes without overpowering.
Growing Baby Cilantro
Site and Soil
Baby cilantro thrives in full sun to partial shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon shade prevents premature bolting. It performs best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, like compost. An ideal soil pH is 6.2 to 6.8, which is slightly acidic. Container gardening is an option, provided pots have adequate drainage and a quality potting mix.
Planting
Directly sowing baby cilantro seeds is recommended due to its sensitive taproot, which makes transplanting difficult. Before planting, gently crush coriander seeds to improve germination rates, as each “seed” contains two. Sow prepared seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart for denser growth suitable for baby leaf harvesting. Keep soil consistently moist during the 7 to 10 day germination period for successful sprouting.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important for baby cilantro, especially early on. Aim for about one inch of water per week, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. While cilantro doesn’t require heavy fertilization, compost or a light organic fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks supports robust leaf development.
Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Regularly harvest or pinch off growing tips to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting (sending up a flower stalk). Adequate spacing also promotes good air circulation, deterring issues like aphids or whiteflies.
Harvesting and Using Baby Cilantro
When to Harvest
Baby cilantro is ready for harvest within 4 to 6 weeks of planting, when leaves reach 2 to 4 inches. Harvest before the plant bolts, which causes leaves to become bitter and lacy. The “cut and come again” method allows multiple harvests; snip outer leaves or cut the entire plant one inch above the soil line for regrowth. Regular harvesting, every 1-2 weeks, prolongs leaf production and delays bolting.
Culinary Applications
Its tender texture and milder flavor make baby cilantro versatile for fresh culinary uses. It’s frequently used as a garnish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish. Delicate leaves are an excellent addition to fresh salads, providing a subtle peppery and citrusy note. It also complements sandwiches, tacos, and can be stirred into soups or salsas just before serving to preserve its fresh taste. Its tender nature shines in applications not subjected to extensive cooking, which can diminish its flavor.
Storage
To maintain freshness, place harvested stems in a glass with about an inch of water, like a bouquet. Loosely cover leaves with a plastic bag and refrigerate. This can keep the herb fresh for two to three weeks if water is changed regularly. Alternatively, wrap harvested cilantro in a damp paper towel and place in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. This preserves freshness for up to two weeks.