This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can store cilantro and parsley in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
The best way to store cilantro and parsley is to treat them like fresh flowers by trimming the stems and placing them in a jar of water.
If you’ve been wondering how to store cilantro and parsley so they don’t turn into a slimy mess in your crisper drawer, you’re in the right place.
Learning how to store cilantro and parsley properly can save you money and frustration, since these delicate herbs spoil faster than almost anything else in your fridge.
In this post, we’ll walk through several ways to store cilantro and parsley, including the water method, the paper towel trick, and even freezing techniques for long-term storage.
Let’s dive in so your herbs stay vibrant and useful for as long as possible.
Why You Should Store Cilantro and Parsley with Care
You should store cilantro and parsley with care because both herbs are incredibly delicate.
When you store cilantro and parsley the wrong way, they wilt, yellow, and turn mushy within just a day or two.
The main reason you need to store cilantro and parsley thoughtfully is moisture management.
Too much water rots the leaves, while too little causes them to dry out and lose flavor.
That balance is why the way you store cilantro and parsley makes such a difference.
1. Cilantro and Parsley Are Highly Perishable
Cilantro and parsley have thin, tender leaves that lose water quickly.
This is exactly why you want to store cilantro and parsley in a humid environment rather than a dry one.
Once the leaves lose moisture, they become limp and bitter, which is the last thing you want in your salsa or soup.
2. Ethylene Sensitivity Matters
Another reason to store cilantro and parsley away from certain fruits is that they’re sensitive to ethylene gas.
When you store cilantro and parsley next to bananas, apples, or tomatoes, they age faster and start to yellow.
So if you want to store cilantro and parsley successfully, keep them away from ethylene-producing produce.
3. Proper Storage Saves Money
When you store cilantro and parsley correctly, you can stretch a single bunch for up to two weeks.
That means fewer trips to the store and less waste.
If you routinely toss wilted herbs, learning to store cilantro and parsley the right way pays for itself fast.
The Best Ways to Store Cilantro and Parsley
How do you actually store cilantro and parsley so they last?
Here are the most reliable methods.
1. The Jar and Water Method
The jar and water method is the gold standard for how to store cilantro and parsley.
Fill a glass jar with an inch or two of water, trim the stems, and place the herbs upright inside.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and change the water every couple of days.
This mimics a bouquet, and it’s the easiest way to store cilantro and parsley for fresh use.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Method
If jar space is tight, you can store cilantro and parsley wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.
Place the wrapped herbs in a zip-top bag, press out the air, and seal it.
This is a great way to store cilantro and parsley when you want them lying flat in the drawer.
Just don’t soak the towel, because excess water will rot the leaves.
3. The Airtight Container Method
You can also store cilantro and parsley in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel.
The towel absorbs condensation, which keeps the leaves from getting soggy.
This method works well when you want to store cilantro and parsley already chopped, though they’ll last fewer days that way.
4. Blanching and Freezing
For long-term storage, you can store cilantro and parsley in the freezer.
Chop the herbs, blanch them for a few seconds, and drop them into ice water before freezing.
Alternatively, you can store cilantro and parsley in ice cube trays with a little olive oil or water.
Frozen herbs won’t work as a fresh garnish, but they’re perfect for cooking.
Common Mistakes When You Store Cilantro and Parsley
Even people who know how to store cilantro and parsley still make a few common errors.
1. Washing Before Storing
Washing before you store cilantro and parsley adds moisture that speeds up spoiling.
It’s better to wash right before you use them.
2. Sealing Them Bone-Dry
On the flip side, if you store cilantro and parsley completely dry, they’ll wilt fast.
A little humidity is your friend.
3. Crowding the Drawer
When you store cilantro and parsley crammed against other produce, airflow suffers.
Give them breathing room so they stay fresh longer.
4. Ignoring the Fridge Altogether
Some people leave herbs on the counter, but that’s a mistake.
To store cilantro and parsley properly, the fridge is almost always the best home.
So, How Do You Store Cilantro and Parsley?
You store cilantro and parsley by keeping them cold, slightly humid, and away from ethylene-producing fruits.
The jar and water method is the most effective way to store cilantro and parsley for short-term freshness.
For longer storage, freezing is the way to store cilantro and parsley without losing them to rot.
Whichever method you choose, the goal is the same: keep those leaves crisp, green, and ready whenever a recipe calls for them.
Now that you know how to store cilantro and parsley, your herbs will last far longer than they ever did before.