How To Store Cilantro And Parsley In The Fridge

You can store cilantro and parsley in the fridge by treating them like fresh flowers and giving them a little water to drink.
 
It sounds a bit old-school, but that simple trick is exactly what keeps those green leaves perky instead of turning into a sad, slimy mess.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge so they last longer than a couple of days, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge, plus the mistakes that make them wilt fast.
 
Let’s keep your herbs fresh.

How to Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge

Storing cilantro and parsley in the fridge comes down to two main methods, and both work really well depending on how fast you plan to use them.
 
The goal is to keep the herbs hydrated without letting them sit in standing water, which is what turns them to mush.
 
Here are the best ways to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.

1. The Jar or Glass Method

This is my favorite way to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge because it mimics how the herbs grow.
 
Fill a jar or glass with an inch or two of cold water.
 
Trim the stems of your cilantro and parsley, then stand them upright in the water like a bouquet.
 
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and place the whole thing in the fridge.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro and parsley will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
 
This method works so well because the stems keep drawing water up into the leaves, which is exactly what keeps them crisp.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you don’t have room for a jar, this is the next best way to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge.
 
Lay your herbs out and let them air dry completely, since any extra moisture will speed up spoilage.
 
Wrap the cilantro and parsley loosely in a slightly damp paper towel.
 
Then tuck that bundle into a resealable bag or an airtight container.
 
The damp towel gives off just enough humidity to keep the herbs from drying out without soaking them.
 
Store cilantro and parsley this way, and they’ll hold up nicely for about a week to ten days.
 

3. The Airtight Container Trick

If you want a no-fuss option, chop the stems off and place the cilantro and parsley in an airtight container.
 
Line the container with a dry paper towel to soak up any excess moisture.
 
Seal it up and pop it in the crisper drawer.
 
This isn’t the longest-lasting method for storing cilantro and parsley in the fridge, but it’s perfect if you’re using them within a few days.
 

Common Mistakes When Storing Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge

Even when you know how to store cilantro and parsley in the fridge, a few small slip-ups can ruin your herbs fast.
 
Here’s what to avoid.

1. Washing Before You Store

Never wash cilantro and parsley before storing them in the fridge.
 
Extra water on the leaves invites mold and turns the herbs slimy within a day or two.
 
Wait until you’re ready to use them, then rinse and pat dry.
 

2. Sealing Them While Wet

If you store cilantro and parsley in the fridge while they’re still damp, you’re basically creating a humid little greenhouse inside the bag.
 
That trapped moisture is the number one reason herbs rot so quickly.
 
Always let them dry fully before wrapping or sealing.
 

3. Storing Them Near Ethylene Producers

Certain fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds up spoiling.
 
Keep your cilantro and parsley away from them when you store these herbs in the fridge.
 
A separate crisper drawer or shelf works best.
 

4. Ignoring the Crisper Drawer Settings

Most fridges have a humidity control on the crisper drawer.
 
Set it to high humidity for cilantro and parsley, since they love moisture in the air but not on their leaves.
 
This small tweak makes a big difference in how long they last.
 

How Long Do Cilantro and Parsley Last in the Fridge?

When you store cilantro and parsley in the fridge the right way, you can expect them to stay fresh for one to two weeks.
 
The jar method tends to give you the longest shelf life since the stems stay hydrated.
 
The paper towel and airtight container methods are great too, but they usually max out around a week to ten days.
 
If you notice any slimy spots or a sour smell, toss those leaves out.
 
And if you can’t use everything in time, you can always chop and freeze cilantro and parsley in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
 
That way, nothing goes to waste.

So, How Do You Store Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge?

You store cilantro and parsley in the fridge by keeping the stems hydrated and the leaves dry.
 
Whether you go with the jar method, a damp paper towel, or an airtight container, the key is balancing moisture so your herbs don’t dry out or rot.
 
Avoid washing them before storage, keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits, and use that crisper drawer wisely.
 
Do that, and your cilantro and parsley will stay bright, fresh, and ready to toss into salsa, soups, and salads for days.