How Do You Properly Store Cilantro

You properly store cilantro by treating it like fresh herbs that need moisture and airflow.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store cilantro so it stays fresh, the answer is simpler than you think.
 
The key to storing cilantro properly is keeping the stems hydrated while protecting the leaves from drying out or getting slimy.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to store cilantro, how long it lasts, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Storing Cilantro Properly Matters

Cilantro is one of those herbs that can go from vibrant and fragrant to yellow and slimy in what feels like a day.
 
When you store cilantro the right way, you preserve its fresh flavor for cooking, garnishing, and making salsas or chutneys.
 
Properly storing cilantro also saves you money because you’re not tossing out wilted bunches every week.
 
And let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than reaching for cilantro only to find a soggy mess in the fridge.
 

The Best Ways to Store Cilantro

There are a few reliable methods for storing cilantro, and each one works depending on how soon you plan to use it.
 
How you store cilantro affects how long it stays fresh, so pick the method that fits your timeline.
 

1. The Jar or Glass Method

This is probably the most popular way to store cilantro, and for good reason.
 
Fill a jar or glass with an inch or two of water.
 
Trim the ends of the cilantro stems and place the bunch in the water like flowers in a vase.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store the whole thing in the fridge.
 
When you store cilantro this way, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
 
Change the water every couple of days to keep it clean and prevent bacteria from building up.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you’re storing cilantro for short-term use, this method works great.
 
Lay the cilantro on a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Roll it up gently and place it inside a plastic bag or airtight container.
 
Store cilantro this way in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
 
This method keeps cilantro fresh for about a week to ten days.
 
The damp towel provides just enough moisture without making the leaves wet and slimy.
 

3. Freezing Cilantro for Long-Term Storage

If you have more cilantro than you can use, freezing is a smart option.
 
Wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly, then chop it up.
 
Place the chopped cilantro in ice cube trays and cover with water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a freezer bag.
 
When you store cilantro this way, it lasts for several months.
 
Just know that frozen cilantro won’t work as a fresh garnish, but it’s perfect for cooked dishes.
 

How Long Does Stored Cilantro Last?

How long your cilantro lasts depends entirely on how you store it.
 

1. Room Temperature

Storing cilantro at room temperature isn’t recommended unless you’re using it within a few hours.
 
Cilantro wilts quickly when left out, so get it into the fridge as soon as possible.
 

2. Refrigerator Storage

When you store cilantro in the fridge using the jar method or damp towel method, expect it to last one to two weeks.
 
Properly storing cilantro in the fridge is the best way to keep it fresh for everyday cooking.
 

3. Freezer Storage

Frozen cilantro can last up to six months if stored properly in airtight containers.
 
This is the longest-lasting way to store cilantro, especially if you have a big harvest.
 

Common Mistakes When Storing Cilantro

Even with good intentions, people often make mistakes that ruin their cilantro fast.
 
Here are a few things to avoid when storing cilantro.
 

1. Washing Before Storing

Never wash cilantro before you store it.
 
Extra moisture on the leaves encourages mold and rot.
 
Wash cilantro right before you use it instead.
 

2. Storing in a Sealed Bag Without Airflow

Cilantro needs a little breathing room.
 
If you seal it too tightly, trapped moisture will turn the leaves slimy.
 
When you store cilantro, always leave a bit of airflow.
 

3. Keeping It Near Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas.
 
This gas speeds up ripening and can make your cilantro yellow faster.
 
Keep stored cilantro away from these fruits to extend its shelf life.
 

So, How Do You Properly Store Cilantro?

You properly store cilantro by keeping the stems in water or wrapping it in a damp paper towel and refrigerating it.
 
For longer storage, freezing cilantro in ice cube trays with water or oil is a great option.
 
Avoid washing it before storage and keep it away from ethylene-producing fruits.
 
When you store cilantro with these methods, you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs for weeks instead of days.
 
Now you know exactly how to store cilantro so it stays fresh and ready for all your favorite dishes.