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Fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days when stored properly.
If you’re wondering how long fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator, the answer depends on a few key factors like moisture, airflow, and temperature.
When you get the storage method right, fresh cilantro can actually last up to two weeks without turning slimy or yellow.
In this post, we’ll look at exactly how long fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator, the best ways to store it, and what you can do to extend its shelf life even further.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Will Fresh Cilantro Keep in the Refrigerator?
Fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for roughly one to two weeks, depending on how you store it.
If you just toss the bunch into the crisper drawer as-is, you’re looking at about 3 to 5 days before it starts to wilt.
But when stored with a little care, fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, sometimes even 14.
The key is understanding what makes cilantro spoil so quickly in the first place.
1. Moisture Is the Enemy
Excess water is the number one reason fresh cilantro goes bad fast.
If the leaves stay wet, they’ll turn slimy and mushy within days.
That’s why you should never wash cilantro before storing it.
Instead, wait until you’re ready to use it, then give it a quick rinse.
2. Temperature Matters
The refrigerator should stay between 35°F and 40°F for optimal cilantro storage.
If your fridge runs warmer than that, fresh cilantro won’t keep in the refrigerator nearly as long.
The crisper drawer is the best spot because it provides a more humid, controlled environment.
3. Ethylene Gas Speeds Up Spoilage
Certain fruits and vegetables release ethylene gas, which accelerates aging in leafy greens.
If you store cilantro next to apples, bananas, or tomatoes, it’ll spoil faster.
Keep it away from those ethylene producers, and fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator much longer.
Best Ways to Store Fresh Cilantro in the Refrigerator
There are two reliable methods for keeping fresh cilantro in the refrigerator, and both work great.
1. The Paper Towel and Plastic Bag Method
This is the easiest way to store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator.
Start by gently wrapping the dry cilantro bunch in a slightly damp paper towel.
Then place the wrapped bunch inside a zip-top plastic bag and seal it loosely.
The paper towel absorbs excess moisture while the bag keeps humidity in.
Stored this way, fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days.
2. The Jar and Plastic Bag Method
This method mimics keeping cilantro in a vase, and it works wonderfully.
Trim the stems slightly and place the bunch in a jar with an inch or two of water.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and put the whole thing in the fridge.
Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh.
With this approach, fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
3. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t wash cilantro before storing it, as we mentioned earlier.
Don’t seal it in an airtight container with no airflow.
And don’t leave it in the door of the fridge where temperatures fluctuate.
Any of these mistakes will shorten how long fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Fresh Cilantro Instead?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro, but the texture changes dramatically.
Frozen cilantro won’t work as a garnish, but it’s perfect for soups, sauces, and cooked dishes.
Chop it up, place it in ice cube trays with a little water or oil, and freeze.
This way, even though fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for only a couple of weeks, you can enjoy it for months.
How to Tell If Cilantro Has Gone Bad
Even when you store it well, fresh cilantro will eventually decline.
Look for yellowing leaves, a slimy texture, or a sour smell.
If the stems are mushy or the leaves have turned dark and limp, it’s time to toss it.
Once cilantro reaches that stage, no amount of storage tricks will bring it back.
So, How Long Will Fresh Cilantro Keep in the Refrigerator?
Fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days when stored properly, and up to two weeks with the jar method.
The key takeaway is to keep it dry, cold, and away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Whether you use the paper towel method or the jar method, a little effort goes a long way.
Now you know exactly how long fresh cilantro will keep in the refrigerator, so you can stop wasting those bunches and start enjoying every last leaf.