How To Store Fresh Cilantro Long Term

You can store fresh cilantro long term by treating it like a cut flower, freezing it in oil, or drying it, depending on how you plan to use it.
 
Fresh cilantro is one of those herbs that tastes amazing when it’s vibrant and green, but it can turn into a slimy mess in the fridge within days if you’re not careful.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to store fresh cilantro long term so it doesn’t wilt before you get a chance to use it, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store fresh cilantro long term, including refrigeration tricks, freezing methods, and drying techniques.
 
Let’s keep that cilantro fresh for as long as possible.
 

How to Store Fresh Cilantro Long Term

When you want to store fresh cilantro long term, you have a few solid options that actually work.
 
The key is to match the method to how you’ll use the cilantro later.
 
Here are the most reliable ways to store fresh cilantro long term.
 

1. Refrigerate It Like Flowers in a Jar

One of the easiest ways to store fresh cilantro long term is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
 
Trim the stems slightly, place the cilantro in a jar with an inch or two of water, and cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and this method can keep fresh cilantro going for up to two weeks.
 
It’s not truly long term, but it’s the best way to store fresh cilantro if you plan to use it within a couple of weeks.
 

2. Wrap It in Damp Paper Towels

If you don’t want to deal with a jar of water, you can store fresh cilantro long term in the fridge by wrapping it in slightly damp paper towels.
 
Place the wrapped cilantro in a sealed plastic bag or an airtight container.
 
This method keeps the humidity just right so the cilantro doesn’t dry out or turn to mush.
 
It’s a simple way to store fresh cilantro for about ten to fourteen days.
 

3. Freeze Cilantro in Olive Oil

Freezing is the real answer when you want to store fresh cilantro long term for months.
 
Chop the cilantro finely, pack it into ice cube trays, and cover it with olive oil or water.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a freezer bag.
 
This is my favorite way to store fresh cilantro long term because the oil helps preserve that fresh flavor, and you can toss a cube straight into a hot pan.
 

4. Blanch and Freeze Whole Leaves

Another great way to store fresh cilantro long term is to blanch the leaves quickly in boiling water, then shock them in ice water.
 
Pat them dry, spread them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
 
Then transfer the frozen leaves to a freezer bag.
 
This method helps store fresh cilantro long term while keeping the color bright green and the flavor relatively intact.
 

Other Ways to Store Fresh Cilantro Long Term

Beyond the fridge and freezer, you can also store fresh cilantro long term by drying it.
 
Drying changes the texture and concentrates the flavor, but it’s a legit way to store fresh cilantro long term if you don’t mind the trade-off.
 

1. Air Drying

Tie the cilantro stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot.
 
After a week or two, the leaves will be completely dry and crumbly.
 
Crumble them into an airtight jar, and you’ve successfully managed to store fresh cilantro long term without any fancy equipment.
 

2. Oven Drying

If you’re in a hurry, you can store fresh cilantro long term by drying it in the oven on the lowest setting.
 
Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and leave the oven door slightly open.
 
It takes a few hours, but it’s faster than air drying, and you can still store fresh cilantro long term this way.
 

3. Dehydrator

A food dehydrator is probably the most efficient way to store fresh cilantro long term through drying.
 
Set it to a low temperature, around 95°F, and let it run until the leaves are brittle.
 
Then store the dried cilantro in an airtight container away from light and heat.
 

Tips to Store Fresh Cilantro Long Term Successfully

No matter which method you choose, a few habits will help you store fresh cilantro long term without losing quality.
 

1. Start With Fresh Cilantro

The fresher the cilantro is when you buy it, the better it will hold up when you store fresh cilantro long term.
 
Look for bright green leaves with no yellowing or wilting.
 

2. Wash and Dry Thoroughly

Excess moisture is the enemy when you store fresh cilantro long term in the fridge.
 
Wash the cilantro, then dry it completely with a salad spinner or paper towels before storing.
 

3. Keep It Away From Ethylene Producers

Fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas, which can make cilantro yellow faster.
 
So when you store fresh cilantro long term in the fridge, keep it away from those fruits.
 

4. Label and Date Your Containers

When you store fresh cilantro long term in the freezer or pantry, always label the container with the date.
 
That way you know exactly how long it’s been there and can use the oldest batches first.
 

So, How to Store Fresh Cilantro Long Term?

You can store fresh cilantro long term by refrigerating it in water, wrapping it in damp paper towels, freezing it in oil or blanched, or drying it completely.
 
Each method has its own strengths, so pick the one that fits how you cook.
 
If you use cilantro often, freezing in oil cubes is probably your best bet to store fresh cilantro long term without losing that fresh punch.
 
If you’re okay with a different texture, drying is a space-saving way to store fresh cilantro long term.
 
And for short-term storage, the jar-and-water trick is hard to beat.
 
With these methods, you’ll never have to toss another sad, slimy bunch of cilantro again.