How Do You Store Cilantro And Parsley

You can store cilantro and parsley in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for one to three weeks.
 
Both herbs are delicate, so treating them right from the moment you bring them home makes a huge difference.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to store cilantro and parsley so they don’t turn into a slimy mess, you’re in the right place.
 
Whether you’re dealing with a big bunch of parsley or a fragrant bundle of cilantro, the methods here will help you store cilantro and parsley like a pro.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to store cilantro and parsley using a few simple techniques.
 
Let’s keep those herbs fresh.
 

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge

Storing cilantro and parsley properly starts with the fridge.
 
Cilantro and parsley both love cool, humid conditions, and the fridge can give them that, as long as you avoid a few common mistakes.
 
Here is how to store cilantro and parsley so they last longer than a couple of days.
 

1. The Glass Jar Method

This is one of the best ways to store cilantro and parsley, and it mimics keeping fresh flowers in a vase.
 
Fill a glass jar or mason jar with an inch or two of cold water.
 
Trim the stems of your cilantro or parsley with a sharp knife, then place them upright in the jar like a bouquet.
 
Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag and secure it with a rubber band.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and you’ll store cilantro and parsley for up to two weeks.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you don’t have room for a jar, this method works just as well.
 
Lay your cilantro or parsley on a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Roll the herbs gently inside the towel, then place the roll inside a zip-top bag.
 
Press out most of the air before sealing, since too much moisture can cause rot.
 
This technique helps you store cilantro and parsley for about ten days, and the paper towel keeps just the right humidity level.
 

3. The Airtight Container Trick

Another simple way to store cilantro and parsley is with an airtight container.
 
Line the container with a dry paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
 
Place the herbs inside without washing them first, since wet herbs spoil faster.
 
Seal the lid and pop the container in your fridge’s crisper drawer.
 
When you store cilantro and parsley this way, you can expect them to stay fresh for about a week.
 

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley for Longer Periods

Sometimes you buy more cilantro and parsley than you can use in a week, and that’s totally fine.
 
There are a few extra tricks to store cilantro and parsley for weeks or even months.
 
Let’s look at those now.
 

1. Freeze Them in Olive Oil

Freezing is a great option when you want to store cilantro and parsley beyond their fridge life.
 
Chop the herbs finely and pack them into an ice cube tray.
 
Cover each portion with olive oil or water, then freeze until solid.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag, and you can store cilantro and parsley for up to six months.
 
These cubes are perfect for dropping straight into soups, stews, and sauces.
 

2. Blanch and Freeze Whole Leaves

If you prefer whole leaves, blanching helps preserve color and flavor.
 
Dip the cilantro or parsley in boiling water for just a few seconds, then transfer to an ice bath.
 
Pat them dry, spread them on a baking sheet, and freeze.
 
Once frozen, move them to a freezer bag so you can store cilantro and parsley without them sticking together.
 

3. Dry Your Herbs

Drying is the oldest way to store cilantro and parsley, though it changes their texture.
 
Tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry spot.
 
After a week or two, crumble the leaves and keep them in an airtight jar.
 
Dried herbs work best in cooked dishes, since they lose that fresh, bright bite.
 

Common Mistakes When You Store Cilantro and Parsley

Even with the right method, a few mistakes can ruin your herbs fast.
 
Here’s what to avoid when you store cilantro and parsley.
 

1. Washing Too Soon

Washing cilantro and parsley before storing adds moisture, which speeds up spoilage.
 
Wait until you’re ready to use them, then rinse and dry.
 

2. Storing Them Near Ethylene Producers

Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas.
 
That gas makes herbs yellow and wilt faster, so keep your cilantro and parsley away from them.
 

3. Leaving Them at Room Temperature

Cilantro and parsley don’t do well on the counter.
 
Unless you’re using the glass jar method with fresh water, keep them in the fridge.
 

So, How Do You Store Cilantro and Parsley?

You store cilantro and parsley by keeping them cold, slightly humid, and away from ethylene-producing fruits.
 
The glass jar method, damp paper towel, or airtight container all work great for short-term storage.
 
For longer storage, freezing in oil or blanching and freezing whole leaves are your best bets.
 
Now that you know how to store cilantro and parsley, you can buy those big bunches with confidence.
 
No more watching your herbs turn to mush before you get a chance to use them.