How To Save And Store Fresh Cilantro

You can save and store fresh cilantro for up to two weeks if you treat it right.
 
The trick is to keep the stems hydrated while protecting the leaves from rot and cold damage.
 
If you’ve ever watched a beautiful bunch of cilantro turn to yellow slime in your fridge after just three days, you’re not alone.
 
But when you know how to save and store fresh cilantro properly, you can keep that bright, citrusy flavor alive for way longer.
 
In this post, we’ll cover a few simple ways to save and store fresh cilantro, whether you’re using it within a few days or want to make it last for weeks.
 

How to Save and Store Fresh Cilantro in the Fridge

The fridge is the easiest place to save and store fresh cilantro, but you have to protect it from the dry, cold air.
 
Here are the best methods to save and store fresh cilantro so it stays fresh as long as possible.
 

1. The Jar and Plastic Bag Method

This is my favorite way to save and store fresh cilantro because it mimics a miniature herb garden.
 
Fill a glass jar or a tall cup with about an inch of cold water.
 
Trim the bottom stems of your cilantro bunch slightly, just like you would with fresh flowers.
 
Place the cilantro in the jar, stems down in the water, and leaves sticking up.
 
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and place the whole thing in the fridge door or on a shelf.
 
Change the water every couple of days.
 
This way to save and store fresh cilantro keeps the stems drinking water while the bag traps humidity around the leaves.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Wrap

If you don’t have room for a jar, you can still save and store fresh cilantro with paper towels.
 
Lay out a few clean paper towels and lightly dampen them.
 
Spread your cilantro in a single layer on the damp towels.
 
Roll the towels up gently around the cilantro, then slide the roll into a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
 
Press out most of the air before sealing.
 
Store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
 
This method helps save and store fresh cilantro by keeping the leaves moist but not soaking wet.
 

3. The Airtight Container Trick

Another simple way to save and store fresh cilantro is to use a hard plastic or glass container.
 
Line the bottom with a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
 
Add your dry, unwashed cilantro on top.
 
Cover it with another dry paper towel, then snap the lid on tight.
 
Keep the container in the fridge.
 
Don’t wash the cilantro before storing it this way.
 
Extra water on the leaves will speed up rot and ruin your efforts to save and store fresh cilantro for later.
 

How to Save and Store Fresh Cilantro for Longer Periods

If you bought a giant bunch and can’t use it all within two weeks, you need a different strategy to save and store fresh cilantro.
 
Freezing is the best option for long-term storage, and it works surprisingly well.
 

1. Freeze Whole Cilantro Leaves

To save and store fresh cilantro in the freezer, start by washing and drying the leaves thoroughly.
 
Spread the dry leaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
 
Pop the sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the leaves are frozen solid.
 
Transfer the frozen leaves into freezer bags or airtight containers.
 
Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing.
 
This method lets you save and store fresh cilantro for up to six months.
 
The leaves won’t be perfect for garnishing, but they’re great in cooked dishes, salsas, and sauces.
 

2. Freeze Cilantro in Oil or Water

Another clever way to save and store fresh cilantro is to freeze it in liquid.
 
Chop the cilantro finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
 
Cover the chopped herb with olive oil, melted butter, or water.
 
Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
 
When a recipe calls for cilantro, just drop a cube into the pan.
 
This is a brilliant way to save and store fresh cilantro because the oil or water protects the flavor and color.
 

3. Dry Your Cilantro

Drying is another option if you want to save and store fresh cilantro without taking up freezer space.
 
Hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark place with good airflow.
 
After a week or two, the leaves will be completely dry and crumbly.
 
Crumble them into an airtight jar and store it in a cool, dark cabinet.
 
Keep in mind that dried cilantro loses a lot of its bright, fresh flavor.
 
It’s still useful for cooking, but it won’t taste the same as fresh.
 

Common Mistakes When You Save and Store Fresh Cilantro

Even with good intentions, a few mistakes can ruin your cilantro fast.
 
Here’s what to avoid when you save and store fresh cilantro.
 

1. Washing Before Storing

Never wash cilantro before you save and store fresh cilantro in the fridge.
 
Excess moisture on the leaves encourages mold and bacterial growth.
 
Wash only right before you’re ready to use it.
 

2. Storing Near Ethylene Producers

Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas.
 
This gas speeds up spoilage in leafy herbs.
 
Keep your cilantro away from these fruits when you save and store fresh cilantro.
 

3. Leaving It at Room Temperature

Cilantro wilts quickly at room temperature.
 
Unless it’s in a jar of water and you’re changing the water daily, always use the fridge to save and store fresh cilantro.
 

So, How Do You Save and Store Fresh Cilantro?

You can save and store fresh cilantro for up to two weeks in the fridge with the jar or paper towel method, or up to six months in the freezer.
 
The key is to keep the stems hydrated, the leaves dry, and the air cold but not freezing.
 
Whether you choose the jar method, damp paper towels, airtight containers, or freezing in oil, you now have several reliable ways to save and store fresh cilantro.
 
Pick the method that fits your kitchen and your cooking habits.
 
And next time you bring home a big bunch of cilantro, you won’t have to watch it turn to slime.