How To Store Fresh Cilantro Leaves

You can store fresh cilantro leaves for up to two weeks if you treat them like a bouquet of flowers rather than a bag of salad.
 
The key to storing fresh cilantro leaves properly is moisture control and cold temperature, and once you nail those two things, your cilantro will stay vibrant and fragrant much longer.
 
If you’ve been asking how to store fresh cilantro leaves without them turning into a slimy mess in two days, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store fresh cilantro leaves, from the glass-of-water method to freezer tricks, so you can enjoy that bright, citrusy flavor anytime.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Store Fresh Cilantro Leaves the Right Way

Storing fresh cilantro leaves correctly starts with understanding what makes them spoil so fast.
 
Cilantro is delicate, and its thin stems and tender leaves lose moisture quickly while also being prone to rot when they get too wet.
 
That’s why the best methods for how to store fresh cilantro leaves focus on keeping the leaves hydrated without letting them sit in standing water.
 
Here are the most reliable ways to store fresh cilantro leaves so they last.
 

1. The Glass of Water Method

This is probably the most popular way to store fresh cilantro leaves, and for good reason.
 
Trim the stems about an inch and place the bunch in a glass or jar filled with an inch or two of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store the whole thing in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your fresh cilantro leaves will stay perky for up to two weeks.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Trick

If you don’t have room for a jar, this is the next best way to store fresh cilantro leaves.
 
Lay the cilantro on a slightly damp paper towel, roll it up gently, and place it inside a zip-top bag.
 
Press out most of the air before sealing, then store it in the crisper drawer.
 
The damp towel keeps the leaves from drying out while the bag prevents them from getting soaked.
 

3. Avoid Washing Before Storing

One of the biggest mistakes people make when storing fresh cilantro leaves is washing them too early.
 
Excess moisture is the enemy of cilantro, so only wash the leaves right before you plan to use them.
 
If you must wash them ahead of time, dry them thoroughly with a salad spinner or paper towels before storing.
 

How to Store Fresh Cilantro Leaves for the Long Term

Sometimes you buy a huge bunch and you know you won’t use it all within two weeks.
 
That’s when knowing how to store fresh cilantro leaves for the freezer comes in handy.
 
Freezing won’t keep the leaves pretty enough for garnish, but it’s perfect for cooking.
 
Here’s how to store fresh cilantro leaves so they last for months.
 

1. Freeze in Olive Oil or Water

Chop the cilantro finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
 
Cover with olive oil or water and freeze until solid.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag, and you’ll have pre-portioned cilantro ready for soups, stews, and sauces.
 

2. Flash Freeze Whole Leaves

Spread dry cilantro leaves on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour.
 
Then transfer the frozen leaves to a freezer bag.
 
This method for how to store fresh cilantro leaves keeps them from clumping together so you can grab just what you need.
 

3. Label and Date Your Containers

Whether you’re storing fresh cilantro leaves in the fridge or freezer, always label with the date.
 
Frozen cilantro stays good for about six months, and fridge-stored cilantro is best within two weeks.
 

Common Mistakes When Storing Fresh Cilantro Leaves

Even with good intentions, a few habits can ruin your cilantro fast.
 
Here’s what to avoid when storing fresh cilantro leaves.
 

1. Leaving Them in the Original Bag

Those plastic bags from the store trap moisture and squash the leaves.
 
Transfer cilantro to a better setup as soon as you get home.
 

2. Storing Near Ethylene Producers

Fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas that speeds up spoilage.
 
Keep your cilantro away from them when storing fresh cilantro leaves in the fridge.
 

3. Letting Leaves Sit in Water

Only the stems should touch water, never the leaves.
 
Submerged leaves turn slimy quickly, which defeats the purpose of storing fresh cilantro leaves properly.
 

So, How Do You Store Fresh Cilantro Leaves?

You store fresh cilantro leaves by keeping them cold, lightly moist, and away from ethylene-producing fruits.
 
Whether you choose the glass-of-water method, the damp paper towel trick, or freezing, the goal is the same: protect those delicate leaves from drying out or rotting.
 
With these tips for storing fresh cilantro leaves, you’ll waste less and enjoy that fresh, zesty flavor whenever a recipe calls for it.