How To Store Cilantro And Parsley

How to store cilantro and parsley starts with understanding that both are delicate herbs that wilt fast if you don’t treat them right.
 
You can store cilantro and parsley in the fridge for up to two weeks if you treat them like fresh flowers.
 
The key to how to store cilantro and parsley lies in keeping their stems hydrated and their leaves dry.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to store cilantro and parsley so they stay green and perky, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store cilantro and parsley, plus a few common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Cilantro and Parsley Need Special Storage

How to store cilantro and parsley properly comes down to two things: moisture and temperature.
 

Cilantro and Parsley Are Tender Herbs

Cilantro and parsley are soft-stemmed herbs, unlike hardy rosemary or thyme.
 
That means they lose water quickly and wilt within hours if you leave them on the counter.
 
So when you’re figuring out how to store cilantro and parsley, hydration is your first priority.
 

They Hate the Cold and the Heat

Cilantro and parsley don’t love freezing temperatures, and they don’t love warmth either.
 
The sweet spot for storing cilantro and parsley is the fridge, but not the coldest part of it.
 
If you store cilantro and parsley too cold, the leaves turn black and mushy.
 
That’s why learning how to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge correctly matters so much.
 

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge

So how do you store cilantro and parsley in the fridge without them turning to slime?
 

1. The Jar or Glass Method

The jar method is the best way to store cilantro and parsley for freshness.
 
Trim the stems and stand them upright in a glass with an inch of water.
 
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and change the water every couple of days.
 
This is how to store cilantro and parsley so it lasts up to two weeks.
 
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you’re short on fridge space, this is another way to store cilantro and parsley.
 
Pat the herbs completely dry and wrap them loosely in a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Then place the bundle inside a zip-top bag and squeeze out the air.
 
You can store cilantro and parsley this way for about a week to ten days.
 

3. The Airtight Container Method

For those who want to know how to store cilantro and parsley for meal prep, try this.
 
Line an airtight container with a dry paper towel and lay the herbs on top.
 
Add another paper towel over the leaves and seal the lid.
 
You can store cilantro and parsley this way and swap the towels whenever they get soggy.
 
 

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley for the Long Term

If you can’t use your herbs within two weeks, you’ll want to store cilantro and parsley for longer.
 

1. Freeze Them in Oil or Butter

Chopping and freezing is a great way to store cilantro and parsley for cooking later.
 
Fill an ice cube tray with chopped herbs, then top with olive oil or melted butter.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag and store cilantro and parsley in the freezer for months.
 

2. Freeze Them Whole in Bags

You can also store cilantro and parsley whole in freezer bags.
 
Pat them dry, seal them up, and press out as much air as possible.
 
This method won’t keep them pretty, but it’s a solid way to store cilantro and parsley for soups and stews.
 

3. Dry Them Instead

Drying isn’t the best way to store cilantro and parsley if you want fresh flavor.
 
Both herbs lose a lot of their punch when dried, so this is a last resort.
 
Still, if you want to store cilantro and parsley long-term, hanging them to dry works in a pinch.
 
 

Common Mistakes When You Store Cilantro and Parsley

Even when you know how to store cilantro and parsley, a few slip-ups can ruin your herbs.
 

1. Washing Before Storing

Never wash your herbs before you store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.
 
Extra moisture is the enemy, so wash them right before you use them instead.
 
If you already washed them, dry them thoroughly before you store cilantro and parsley away.
 

2. Storing Them Near Ethylene Producers

Bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas that speeds up wilting.
 
So when you store cilantro and parsley, keep them away from those fruits.
 
Otherwise, your herbs will yellow and spoil much faster than they should.
 

3. Leaving Them at Room Temperature

Cilantro and parsley won’t last long on the counter, no matter how nice your kitchen is.
 
If you want to store cilantro and parsley successfully, the fridge is non-negotiable.
 
Only leave them out while you’re actively cooking with them.
 

So, How to Store Cilantro and Parsley?

How to store cilantro and parsley comes down to keeping stems hydrated and leaves dry.
 
You can store cilantro and parsley in a jar of water, a damp paper towel, or an airtight container for short-term freshness.
 
For the long haul, you can store cilantro and parsley in the freezer with oil or butter.
 
Avoid washing them early, keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits, and always use the fridge.
 
Now that you know how to store cilantro and parsley, your herbs can stay fresh instead of turning to slime.