How Do You Harvest And Store Cilantro

You can harvest cilantro by snipping the outer stems once the plant is about six inches tall, and you can store it by treating it like a bouquet of fresh herbs that needs a little moisture and cool air.
 
Whether you’re growing cilantro in a garden bed or a pot on your windowsill, knowing when and how to harvest it makes a huge difference in flavor.
 
And once you’ve harvested cilantro, storing it the right way keeps those leaves fresh and pungent for days instead of letting them turn to slime.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to harvest and store cilantro so it lasts longer, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best time to harvest cilantro, the proper technique, and the smartest ways to store cilantro so you waste less and enjoy more.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Do You Harvest and Store Cilantro?

Harvesting and storing cilantro comes down to timing, technique, and a little TLC afterward.
 
Here’s how to harvest cilantro the right way and then store cilantro so it stays fresh.
 

1. Harvest Cilantro When It’s Young and Leafy

The best time to harvest cilantro is before the plant bolts, which means before it sends up a tall flower stalk.
 
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing those tender stems you love.
 
So harvest cilantro when the plant is about six to eight inches tall and full of healthy green leaves.
 
You can start harvesting cilantro as soon as four to six weeks after planting.
 

2. Snip the Outer Stems, Not the Whole Plant

To harvest cilantro, use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the outer stems about one inch above the soil line.
 
Always harvest cilantro from the outside in, leaving the inner leaves to keep growing.
 
This way, you can harvest cilantro again and again from the same plant instead of pulling it up all at once.
 
Never cut more than a third of the plant at one time when you harvest cilantro.
 

3. Harvest Cilantro in the Morning for Peak Flavor

If you really want the best-tasting cilantro, harvest cilantro in the cool morning hours.
 
That’s when the leaves are crisp and the essential oils that give cilantro its flavor are at their strongest.
 
Avoid harvesting cilantro in the heat of the afternoon, when the plant may be wilted and stressed.
 

Best Ways to Store Cilantro

Once you harvest cilantro, the clock starts ticking, so store cilantro properly and quickly.
 
Here are the most reliable methods to store cilantro so it stays fresh for a week or more.
 

1. Store Cilantro in a Jar of Water

One of the easiest ways to store cilantro is to treat it like fresh flowers.
 
Trim the stems and place them in a glass jar with an inch or two of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store cilantro in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and you can store cilantro this way for up to two weeks.
 

2. Store Cilantro in Damp Paper Towels

If you’d rather not deal with a jar, you can store cilantro wrapped in slightly damp paper towels.
 
Place the bundle inside a plastic bag or airtight container, then store cilantro in the crisper drawer.
 
This method helps you store cilantro without wilting, as long as the towels stay just barely damp.
 

3. Store Cilantro by Freezing It

If you harvest cilantro faster than you can use it, freezing is a great option.
 
Chop the leaves, pack them into ice cube trays with a little water or oil, and freeze.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store cilantro cubes in a freezer bag for up to six months.
 
Just know that thawed cilantro won’t be crisp, so use it in cooked dishes rather than as a garnish.
 

4. Store Cilantro in the Refrigerator the Right Way

No matter which method you choose, the key is to store cilantro in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
 
Cilantro hates heat, so a cool, humid environment helps you store cilantro far longer.
 
The crisper drawer is your best friend when you store cilantro at home.
 

Common Mistakes When You Harvest and Store Cilantro

Even with good intentions, a few mistakes can ruin your harvest.
 
Here are the ones to avoid when you harvest cilantro and store cilantro.
 

1. Waiting Too Long to Harvest Cilantro

If you wait too long to harvest cilantro, the plant bolts and the flavor turns soapy and bitter.
 
Harvest cilantro early and often to keep it productive.
 

2. Washing Before You Store Cilantro

It’s tempting to rinse your harvest right away, but moisture speeds up spoilage.
 
Wait to wash cilantro until you’re ready to use it, then pat it dry before you store cilantro leftovers.
 

3. Storing Cilantro Near Ethylene Producers

Fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas that can yellow your herbs.
 
Keep them away from where you store cilantro to protect your harvest.
 

So, How Do You Harvest and Store Cilantro?

You harvest cilantro by snipping outer stems early in the morning, and you store cilantro in water, damp towels, or the freezer to keep it fresh.
 
Harvest cilantro regularly to encourage new growth, and store cilantro properly so none of that fresh flavor goes to waste.
 
With these simple habits, you’ll harvest cilantro like a pro and store cilantro so every leaf earns its place on your plate.