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You can store cilantro and parsley in the fridge for up to two weeks if you treat them right.
The secret is keeping their stems hydrated while protecting the leaves from cold damage and excess moisture.
If you’ve ever pulled a slimy, yellowed bunch of herbs from your crisper drawer, you know the frustration.
But storing cilantro and parsley in the fridge doesn’t have to be a losing battle.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge, plus a few common mistakes to avoid.
How to Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge
Storing cilantro and parsley in the fridge comes down to one core principle: treat them like fresh flowers.
Both herbs have delicate stems that draw up water, and their leaves stay fresh longest when that supply doesn’t run dry.
Here are the most effective methods for how to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge, ranked from best to good enough.
1. The Jar and Plastic Bag Method
This is my favorite way to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.
Trim the bottom inch off the stems with a sharp knife, then stand the bunch upright in a jar filled with an inch or two of cold water.
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and secure it around the jar with a rubber band.
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro and parsley will stay perky for up to two weeks.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Wrap
If you’re short on fridge space, this method for storing cilantro and parsley works almost as well.
Lay the herbs on a slightly damp paper towel, roll them up gently, and tuck the bundle into a zip-top bag.
Squeeze out most of the air before sealing, then place the bag in your crisper drawer.
This keeps humidity high around the leaves without soaking them, which is exactly what cilantro and parsley need.
3. The Airtight Container Trick
A rigid container with a lid is another solid option for how to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.
Line the bottom with a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture, then lay the herbs on top.
Cover with another paper towel and snap the lid shut.
The towels act like a buffer, keeping the leaves dry while the container traps just enough humidity to prevent wilting.
Common Mistakes When Storing Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge
Even with the right technique, a few easy slip-ups can ruin your herbs fast.
Avoid these pitfalls when you store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.
1. Washing Before Storing
Never wash cilantro or parsley before you store them.
Extra water on the leaves speeds up decay and turns those pretty greens into mush within days.
Wait until you’re ready to use them, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Sealing Them Bone-Dry
On the flip side, storing cilantro and parsley in a completely dry, sealed bag is also a problem.
Without any humidity, the leaves wilt and lose their crisp texture quickly.
A little moisture is your friend, just not a soaking wet one.
3. Skipping the Stems
Those stems aren’t just for holding the leaves together.
When you store cilantro and parsley in water, the stems keep the whole bunch hydrated from the bottom up.
Cut them fresh, keep them submerged, and the leaves will thank you.
4. Storing Near Ethylene Producers
Bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening and decay.
Keep your cilantro and parsley away from these fruits and veggies when you store them in the fridge.
A dedicated crisper drawer or a shelf on the door works great.
5. Leaving Them in the Original Bag
The plastic bag from the grocery store traps moisture and crushes the leaves.
If you want to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge successfully, repackage them as soon as you get home.
Your future self, mid-taco night, will be grateful.
How Long Do Cilantro and Parsley Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly, cilantro and parsley in the fridge can last between one and two weeks.
The jar method tends to push you toward the two-week mark, while paper towel wrapping usually gets you about ten days.
If you notice sliminess, dark spots, or a sour smell, it’s time to toss that bunch.
And if you can’t use them in time, chop and freeze cilantro and parsley in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
They won’t be perfect for garnishes, but they’re fantastic in soups, stews, and sauces.
So, How Do You Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge?
You store cilantro and parsley in the fridge by keeping their stems hydrated and their leaves protected from both cold damage and excess moisture.
Whether you choose the jar and bag method, a damp paper towel wrap, or an airtight container, the goal stays the same.
Skip the washing until later, avoid ethylene-heavy neighbors, and never leave them in that sad grocery store bag.
Do this, and your cilantro and parsley will stay fresh, fragrant, and ready to brighten up any dish.