How Long Can You Have Cilantro

Cilantro can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how you store it.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how long you can have cilantro before it turns into a slimy, yellow mess, you’re not alone.
 
The answer really comes down to whether you’re keeping it in the fridge, on the counter, or in the freezer.
 
Fresh cilantro from the store typically lasts about 5 to 7 days in the fridge if you just toss it in without any prep.
 
But if you take a few extra steps, you can have cilantro staying fresh for up to 2 or even 3 weeks.
 
In this post, we’ll go over exactly how long you can have cilantro, how to store it so it lasts, and how to tell when it’s time to let it go.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Long Can You Have Cilantro: The Short Answer

How long you can have cilantro depends on the storage method, but here’s a quick breakdown.
 

1. On the Counter

You can have cilantro on the counter for only about 1 to 3 days.
 
Cilantro is a tender herb, and once it’s cut, it starts to wilt fast at room temperature.
 
If you leave it out in a glass of water like you would with flowers, you might stretch it to 3 days, but after that, the leaves will start to droop and lose flavor.
 
So if you’re asking how long you can have cilantro without any refrigeration, the answer is not very long.
 

2. In the Refrigerator

You can have cilantro in the fridge for 1 to 3 weeks if you store it properly.
 
The key is to keep the leaves dry but the stems hydrated.
 
If you just leave cilantro in the plastic bag from the store, it usually lasts about 5 to 7 days before it starts to break down.
 
But with a little effort, you can have cilantro lasting much longer than that.
 

3. In the Freezer

You can have cilantro in the freezer for up to 6 months.
 
Freezing won’t keep the texture fresh, so it’s not great for garnishes, but it works perfectly for cooking.
 
So if you’re wondering how long you can have cilantro when you’ve got more than you can use, freezing is the way to go.
 

How to Store Cilantro So You Can Have It Longer

If you want to know how long you can have cilantro and actually push it to the max, here’s how to store it right.
 

1. The Glass of Water Method

Trim the stems and place your cilantro in a glass or jar with about an inch of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and put the whole thing in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and you can have cilantro staying fresh for up to 2 weeks this way.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you don’t want to deal with water, wrap your cilantro in a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Then place it inside a zip-top bag or an airtight container.
 
This method helps you have cilantro that lasts about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge.
 
Just make sure the towel isn’t soaking wet, or the leaves will rot.
 

3. The Ice Cube Tray Trick for Freezing

Chop your cilantro and pack it into ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
This way, you can have cilantro ready to toss into soups, stews, and sauces for up to 6 months.
 

Signs Your Cilantro Has Gone Bad

Even if you know how long you can have cilantro, you still need to check it before using it.
 
Here’s how to tell when it’s time to throw it out:
 

1. Slimy Stems or Leaves

If the stems or leaves feel slimy or mushy, your cilantro has gone bad.
 
This happens when bacteria start breaking down the plant tissue, and you shouldn’t eat it.
 

2. Yellow or Brown Leaves

A few yellow spots are normal as cilantro ages, but if most of the bunch has turned yellow or brown, it’s past its prime.
 
You can still have cilantro with a few discolored leaves if you pick them out, but once it’s mostly brown, toss it.
 

3. A Strange Smell

Fresh cilantro smells bright and citrusy.
 
If yours smells sour, musty, or just off, that’s a clear sign it’s no longer good to eat.
 

So, How Long Can You Have Cilantro?

You can have cilantro for about 1 to 3 days on the counter, 1 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and up to 6 months in the freezer.
 
How long you can have cilantro really depends on how you store it and how often you check it for signs of spoilage.
 
With the right method, you can have cilantro lasting long enough to use every last leaf.
 
So next time you bring home a bunch, don’t just shove it in the crisper and hope for the best.
 
Treat it right, and you’ll enjoy fresh cilantro for way longer than you might expect.