Cilantro is a divisive herb, but if you’re lucky enough to taste its full flavor profile instead of just soap, you probably want to get the most out of this herb. Alongside learning how to properly store cilantro to keep it fresh, home chefs should learn to use the entire herb, not just its delicate leaves.

Throwing out cilantro stems is not only wasteful but a major flavor mistake, as the stems are versatile enough to enhance almost any dish. One easy use for cilantro stems is to chop them up and add them to a salad for an extra bit of crunchy texture or add some to dips like hummus or salsa for extra flavor.

Cilantro stems will make a great addition to any dish you’d add cilantro to, but be careful when using thick stems as they can overpower for some recipes. Best of all, you can start chopping cilantro as is rather than taking the time to pull off its leaves, saving you time and adding extra flavor.