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You can store fresh cut cilantro in a jar of water in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
If you’ve been wondering how do you store fresh cut cilantro so it doesn’t turn to slime in two days, you’re in the right place.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that wilts fast, but with the right storage method, you can keep those leaves crisp and flavorful for much longer.
The key is treating your cilantro like a bouquet of flowers rather than just tossing it in the crisper drawer.
In this post, we’ll go over the best ways to store fresh cut cilantro, plus a few common mistakes that ruin it quickly.
Let’s get into it.
How Do You Store Fresh Cut Cilantro So It Lasts?
Storing fresh cut cilantro the right way comes down to three things: moisture, airflow, and temperature.
Get those right, and your cilantro will reward you with fresh, fragrant leaves for days.
Here are the best ways to store fresh cut cilantro at home.
1. The Jar of Water Method
This is hands down the best way to store fresh cut cilantro.
Fill a mason jar or glass with about an inch or two of cold water.
Trim the stems of your fresh cut cilantro and place them in the jar like you would with flowers.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and stick the whole thing in the fridge.
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
When you store fresh cut cilantro this way, the stems keep drinking water, which keeps the leaves from wilting.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Method
If you don’t have a jar handy, this is the next best way to store fresh cut cilantro.
Lay your cilantro out on a slightly damp paper towel.
Roll it up gently so the leaves are cushioned and not crushed.
Place the roll inside a zip-top bag, press out most of the air, and seal it.
Store fresh cut cilantro this way in the crisper drawer, and it’ll last about a week to ten days.
The damp towel keeps humidity high without soaking the leaves.
3. The Airtight Container Trick
Another solid way to store fresh cut cilantro is in an airtight container.
Line the container with a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
Lay the cilantro inside, add another paper towel on top, and seal the lid.
When you store fresh cut cilantro this way, the paper towels act like a moisture buffer.
Too much moisture makes cilantro slimy, and too little makes it wilt.
This method keeps things balanced, and your cilantro should stay good for about a week.
How to Store Fresh Cut Cilantro for Longer Periods
If you bought a big bunch and can’t use it all within a week or two, you have a couple of options.
1. Freeze the Leaves in Oil
Chopping fresh cut cilantro and freezing it in olive oil is a game changer.
Fill an ice cube tray with chopped cilantro, then pour olive oil over each section until the cilantro is covered.
Freeze the tray, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag.
Whenever you need cilantro for cooking, just drop a cube into your pan.
This is a great way to store fresh cut cilantro if you mainly use it in cooked dishes.
2. Freeze the Stems Separately
The stems of fresh cut cilantro are packed with flavor, so don’t toss them.
Chop them up and freeze them in a bag on their own.
You can toss frozen cilantro stems straight into soups, curries, and stews.
This trick helps you store fresh cut cilantro without wasting any part of the bunch.
3. Dry It Out
Drying is another way to store fresh cut cilantro if you have more than you can use.
Hang small bundles upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot for about a week.
Once dry, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar.
Keep in mind that dried cilantro loses a lot of its bright flavor, so it’s better for cooked dishes than fresh garnishes.
Common Mistakes When You Store Fresh Cut Cilantro
Even with the right method, a few small mistakes can ruin your cilantro fast.
1. Washing Before Storing
Never wash your cilantro before you store fresh cut cilantro.
Extra water on the leaves speeds up decay and turns them slimy.
Wait until you’re ready to use it, then give it a quick rinse and pat it dry.
2. Storing It Near Ethylene Producers
Keep your cilantro away from bananas, apples, and tomatoes in the fridge.
These fruits release ethylene gas, which makes cilantro yellow and wilt faster.
If you want to store fresh cut cilantro successfully, give it its own space.
3. Leaving It at Room Temperature
Cilantro doesn’t do well on the counter for long.
If you want to store fresh cut cilantro properly, the fridge is your best friend.
A few hours on the counter is fine, but overnight is asking for trouble.
So, How Do You Store Fresh Cut Cilantro?
You store fresh cut cilantro by keeping the stems in water, wrapping it in a damp paper towel, or sealing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
For longer storage, freezing in oil or drying works great too.
Just remember to skip the washing until you’re ready to use it and keep it away from ethylene-producing fruits.
With these tips, you’ll never have to toss another sad, slimy bunch of cilantro again.