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How long can you keep cilantro herbs depends on how you store them, and fresh cilantro usually lasts about 7 to 10 days in the fridge when kept properly.
If you leave it sitting on the counter, your cilantro herbs might only last a day or two before they turn yellow and limp.
But when you store cilantro the right way, you can stretch its life much longer, and you can even freeze it for months.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how long you can keep cilantro herbs, the best storage methods, and the signs that tell you it’s time to toss them.
Let’s get into it.
How Long You Can Keep Cilantro Herbs
How long you can keep cilantro herbs really comes down to how you store them, so let’s break it down by method.
1. Fresh Cilantro in the Fridge
Fresh cilantro herbs kept in the refrigerator will usually last about 7 to 10 days.
If you wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag, you can sometimes keep cilantro herbs fresh for close to two weeks.
The key is keeping the leaves dry while giving the stems a little moisture.
2. Cilantro in a Glass of Water
You can keep cilantro herbs in a glass of water just like flowers, and this method can help them last up to two weeks.
Just trim the stems, pop them 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 your cilantro herbs will stay perky much longer.
3. Frozen Cilantro
If you freeze cilantro, you can keep cilantro herbs for up to 4 to 6 months.
Freezing changes the texture, so frozen cilantro works best in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and sauces rather than as a fresh garnish.
4. Dried Cilantro
Dried cilantro herbs lose most of their flavor, but if you dry them properly, you can keep cilantro herbs for 6 months to a year in an airtight container.
Just keep in mind that dried cilantro tastes pretty weak compared to the fresh stuff.
How to Store Cilantro Herbs So They Last Longer
The way you store cilantro herbs makes a huge difference in how long they stay usable.
1. Start With Healthy Cilantro
You can’t keep cilantro herbs fresh for long if they were already wilting when you bought them.
Pick bunches with bright green leaves and firm stems, and avoid any cilantro that looks yellow or slimy.
2. Wash and Dry Thoroughly
Wash your cilantro herbs and then dry them completely before storing.
Excess moisture is the number one enemy when you keep cilantro herbs in the fridge, because wet leaves rot fast.
A salad spinner or a few gentle pats with a clean towel will do the trick.
3. Use the Right Container
A loosely sealed plastic bag or a container lined with a paper towel works great when you keep cilantro herbs in the fridge.
The paper towel absorbs extra moisture, and the loose seal lets a little air circulate.
4. Keep Them Away From Ethylene Producers
If you want to keep cilantro herbs fresh as long as possible, store them away from bananas, apples, and tomatoes.
These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up wilting and turns your cilantro herbs yellow ahead of time.
Signs Your Cilantro Herbs Have Gone Bad
Even when you store cilantro herbs perfectly, they won’t last forever, so here’s how to tell when they’re past their prime.
1. Yellow or Brown Leaves
When cilantro herbs start turning yellow or brown, that’s a clear sign they’re breaking down.
A few spotted leaves can be picked off, but if most of the bunch has changed color, it’s time to let it go.
2. Slimy Stems
If the stems of your cilantro herbs feel slimy or mushy, toss the whole bunch.
Slime means bacteria have taken over, and no amount of rinsing will make it safe to eat.
3. A Foul Smell
Fresh cilantro herbs smell bright and citrusy, so if yours smell sour or musty, don’t use them.
4. Wilting That Won’t Revive
Slightly wilted cilantro herbs can sometimes perk up in cold water, but if they stay limp, they’re done.
So, How Long Can You Keep Cilantro Herbs?
How long you can keep cilantro herbs depends on your storage method, but fresh cilantro typically lasts 7 to 10 days in the fridge, up to two weeks in a glass of water, and 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
The trick is to keep the leaves dry, give the stems a little moisture, and store your cilantro herbs away from ethylene-producing fruits.
And once you see yellow leaves, slimy stems, or a sour smell, it’s time to start fresh.
Hope this post has helped you understand how long you can keep cilantro herbs and the best ways to make them last.