How To Preserve Cilantro And Parsley

You can preserve cilantro and parsley for up to several weeks by treating them like fresh flowers and keeping them hydrated in water.
 
This simple trick works wonders because both herbs are delicate and lose moisture fast once they’re cut.
 
Whether you’re dealing with a big bunch from the farmers market or a few sprigs from the grocery store, knowing how to preserve cilantro and parsley properly means you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to preserve cilantro and parsley, from fridge storage to freezing and drying, so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Should Preserve Cilantro and Parsley

You should preserve cilantro and parsley because both herbs spoil quickly when left sitting out or stored improperly.
 
Cilantro and parsley are tender herbs, which means they have soft stems and high water content.
 
That high water content is exactly why they wilt so fast.
 
Once they’re cut, they start losing moisture through their leaves and stems almost immediately.
 
Add a little heat or direct sunlight and they’ll turn limp and yellow within hours.
 
So learning how to preserve cilantro and parsley isn’t just a nice skill, it’s a practical way to save money and reduce food waste.
 
Plus, having preserved cilantro and parsley ready to go means you can toss them into salsas, soups, and salads whenever the mood strikes.
 

How to Preserve Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge

The fridge is the easiest place to preserve cilantro and parsley, and there are a couple of methods that work really well.
 

1. The Flower Vase Method

The flower vase method is one of the best ways to preserve cilantro and parsley because it keeps the stems hydrated.
 
Start by trimming the bottom of the stems with a sharp knife.
 
Then place the bunch in a glass or jar filled with an inch or two of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and pop the whole thing in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro and parsley will stay fresh for one to three weeks.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you don’t have room for a jar, the damp paper towel method is another solid way to preserve cilantro and parsley.
 
Lay the herbs out and pick out any wilted or slimy leaves first.
 
Wrap the bunch loosely in a slightly damp paper towel, then place it inside a zip-top bag.
 
Leave the bag partially open so some air can circulate, and store it in the crisper drawer.
 
This method helps preserve cilantro and parsley for about a week to ten days.
 

How to Preserve Cilantro and Parsley by Freezing

Freezing is the best way to preserve cilantro and parsley if you want them to last for months.
 
There are two main approaches, and both work great depending on how you plan to use the herbs.
 

1. Freeze Whole Leaves in Bags

To preserve cilantro and parsley this way, wash and dry the leaves thoroughly.
 
Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
 
Once frozen, transfer the leaves into freezer bags and squeeze out as much air as possible.
 
You can preserve cilantro and parsley this way for up to six months.
 
Just note the leaves will soften once thawed, so use them in cooked dishes rather than as a garnish.
 

2. Freeze in Oil or Water Cubes

Another option to preserve cilantro and parsley is to chop them finely and pack them into ice cube trays.
 
Cover the chopped herbs with olive oil or water, then freeze until solid.
 
Pop the cubes out and store them in freezer bags.
 
Oil cubes are perfect for sautés and sauces, while water cubes work well in soups and stews.
 
This trick makes it easy to preserve cilantro and parsley in perfect portion sizes.
 

3. Blanch Before Freezing for Best Texture

If you want to preserve cilantro and parsley with better texture, give them a quick blanch first.
 
Drop the herbs into boiling water for just ten to fifteen seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water.
 
Pat them dry, chop, and freeze in bags or cubes.
 
This step helps preserve cilantro and parsley color and flavor far better than freezing raw leaves alone.
 

How to Preserve Cilantro and Parsley by Drying

Drying is a slower way to preserve cilantro and parsley, but it’s handy if you don’t have much freezer space.
 
Keep in mind that dried cilantro loses a lot of its flavor.
 
Parsley holds up a bit better, but neither herb tastes quite like fresh once dried.
 
Still, if you want to preserve cilantro and parsley this way, just tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry spot.
 
After a week or two, crumble the leaves and store them in airtight jars.
 
You can also use a dehydrator or an oven on its lowest setting to speed things up.
 
Just remember to store the jars away from heat and light to preserve cilantro and parsley flavor for as long as possible.
 

So, How Do You Preserve Cilantro and Parsley?

You can preserve cilantro and parsley by keeping them hydrated in the fridge, freezing them in bags or cubes, or drying them for long-term storage.
 
Both herbs are delicate, so the method you choose depends on how quickly you plan to use them.
 
The fridge methods preserve cilantro and parsley for a couple of weeks, while freezing stretches that to six months or more.
 
Drying works too, though you’ll sacrifice some flavor.
 
Pick the method that fits your kitchen and your cooking style, and you’ll never have to toss another sad, slimy bunch again.