How Can You Store Cilantro

You can store cilantro in several ways, depending on how long you want it to last.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store cilantro so it stays fresh and flavorful, you’re in the right place.
 
Cilantro is a delicate herb, and it can wilt fast if you don’t treat it right.
 
But with a few simple methods, you can store cilantro for weeks without losing that bright, citrusy punch.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how to store cilantro in the fridge, how to store cilantro in water, and even how to store cilantro in the freezer.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How Can You Store Cilantro and Keep It Fresh?

The best way to store cilantro is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
 
Cilantro stems absorb water just like flower stems do.
 
So if you want to store cilantro and keep it crisp, give it a drink.
 
Here’s why this method works so well when you store cilantro.
 

1. Trim the Stems Before You Store Cilantro

When you store cilantro, start by trimming the ends.
 
Cut about an inch off the bottom of the stems with a sharp knife.
 
This opens up the stems so they can take in water.
 
If you skip this step, your cilantro won’t hydrate well, and it’ll wilt faster.
 
So always trim before you store cilantro.
 

2. Place Cilantro in a Glass of Water

To store cilantro in water, grab a glass or jar and fill it halfway.
 
Put the cilantro stems in the water, like you would with fresh flowers.
 
Make sure only the stems are submerged, not the leaves.
 
If the leaves sit in water, they’ll get slimy and rot.
 
This water method is one of the best ways to store cilantro in the fridge.
 

3. Cover the Leaves Loosely

Once your cilantro is in water, cover the top loosely with a plastic bag.
 
A reusable produce bag or even a loose plastic grocery bag works fine.
 
This creates a little humidity tent that helps store cilantro without drying it out.
 
Don’t seal it tight, though.
 
Cilantro needs a bit of airflow, or it’ll mold when you store cilantro this way.
 

4. Change the Water Every Couple of Days

If you want to store cilantro for up to two weeks, change the water every two days.
 
Fresh water keeps bacteria from building up in the glass.
 
And it keeps your cilantro stems hydrated so the leaves stay perky.
 
This small habit makes a big difference when you store cilantro long-term in the fridge.
 

Other Ways to Store Cilantro Without Water

Not everyone wants a glass of cilantro taking up fridge space.
 
So here are other ways to store cilantro that work just as well.
 

1. Store Cilantro in a Damp Paper Towel

If you want to store cilantro in a bag, start with a paper towel.
 
Dampen the paper towel, wring it out, and wrap your cilantro in it.
 
Then place the wrapped cilantro in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
 
The damp towel gives off moisture, which helps store cilantro without soaking the leaves.
 
This method lets you store cilantro for about a week to ten days.
 

2. Store Cilantro in an Airtight Container

You can also store cilantro in a sealed container with a dry paper towel at the bottom.
 
The towel absorbs extra moisture that would otherwise cause rot.
 
Lay the cilantro on top, seal the lid, and pop it in the fridge crisper drawer.
 
This is a simple, no-fuss way to store cilantro if you don’t have a jar handy.
 
Just check the towel every few days and swap it out if it gets soaked.
 

3. Keep Cilantro Away From Certain Fruits

Here’s a tip most people miss when they store cilantro.
 
Keep it away from bananas, apples, and other ethylene-producing fruits.
 
Those fruits release a gas that speeds up ripening and decay.
 
If your cilantro sits next to them, it’ll yellow and spoil much faster.
 
So pick a spot in your fridge where you can store cilantro safely away from them.
 

How to Store Cilantro in the Freezer

If you bought way too much cilantro, freezing is a great option.
 
You can store cilantro in the freezer for up to six months.
 
Here’s how to store cilantro so it’s ready to toss into soups, sauces, and stews.
 

1. Chop and Freeze Cilantro in Ice Cube Trays

Chop your cilantro finely, then pack it into ice cube trays.
 
Fill each slot with water or olive oil, then freeze.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store cilantro cubes in a freezer bag.
 
When you need some, just drop a cube into whatever you’re cooking.
 
This is the easiest way to store cilantro for cooked dishes.
 

2. Flash-Freeze Cilantro Leaves Whole

You can also store cilantro leaves whole by flash-freezing them.
 
Spread clean, dry leaves on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour.
 
Then transfer them to a freezer bag and seal it tight.
 
This way, you can store cilantro without it clumping into one big block.
 
Just know that frozen cilantro won’t work as a fresh garnish.
 
It’ll be limp once thawed, so save it for cooking instead.
 

3. Freeze Cilantro as a Paste

Another option is to blend cilantro with a little oil or water.
 
Pour the paste into small containers or bags, then freeze.
 
This lets you store cilantro in pre-measured portions.
 
It’s perfect for curries, marinades, and dressings.
 
So if you want to store cilantro for months, this paste method is a winner.
 

So, How Can You Store Cilantro?

You can store cilantro in water like fresh flowers, in a damp paper towel, or in the freezer for long-term use.
 
The key is to keep the stems hydrated and the leaves dry when you store cilantro in the fridge.
 
And if you have more than you can use, freezing is the best way to store cilantro without waste.
 
Now you know exactly how to store cilantro so it stays fresh, flavorful, and ready whenever you need it.