Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You can store cilantro in the fridge in a few different ways, and the method you choose depends on whether you want to keep it fresh for a few days or for a few weeks.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that can wilt fast if you just toss it in the crisper drawer without any prep.
But with the right approach, you can enjoy fresh cilantro in your fridge for much longer than you’d expect.
In this post, I’ll walk you through several ways to store cilantro in the fridge, plus a few tips to keep it vibrant and flavorful.
How to Store Cilantro in the Fridge the Right Way
Storing cilantro in the fridge properly starts with treating it like a bouquet of flowers rather than a bag of spinach.
Below are the best ways to store cilantro in the fridge so it stays fresh and ready to use.
1. Store Cilantro in a Jar with Water
One of the simplest ways to store cilantro in the fridge is to trim the stems and place the bunch in a glass jar with an inch or two of water.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and change the water every couple of days.
This method can keep your cilantro fresh for up to two weeks.
2. Wash and Dry Before Storing
If you plan to store cilantro in the fridge for a longer period, washing and drying it first is essential.
Any excess moisture will cause the leaves to rot quickly, so pat them dry with paper towels.
Once dry, you can store cilantro in the fridge by wrapping it in dry paper towels and placing it in a sealed bag.
3. Use a Paper Towel and Plastic Bag
Another easy way to store cilantro in the fridge is to wrap the bunch in a slightly damp paper towel and then place it inside a zip-top bag.
Leave the bag partially open so some air can circulate.
This method is great if you want to store cilantro in the fridge without much fuss.
4. Freeze Cilantro for Long-Term Storage
If you have more cilantro than you can use, freezing is a fantastic way to store cilantro in the fridge freezer section for months.
Chop the leaves, place them in an ice cube tray with a little water or olive oil, and freeze.
Whenever you need cilantro for cooking, just pop out a cube.
5. Avoid Storing Cilantro Near Ethylene Producers
Certain fruits like bananas and apples release ethylene gas, which can make cilantro yellow and spoil faster when you store cilantro in the fridge.
So keep your cilantro away from those fruits in the crisper drawer.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Stored Cilantro
Even when you try to store cilantro in the fridge perfectly, some common mistakes can still ruin your herbs.
Here are the biggest ones to watch out for.
1. Storing Cilantro Wet
If you store cilantro in the fridge while it’s still wet, you’re basically inviting mold and rot.
Always dry the leaves thoroughly before you store cilantro in the fridge.
2. Using an Airtight Container Without Airflow
Cilantro needs a little breathing room, so completely sealing it in a container can speed up spoilage.
When you store cilantro in the fridge, choose a bag with a few holes or leave it partially open.
3. Leaving Cilantro at Room Temperature Too Long
Before you store cilantro in the fridge, don’t leave it sitting on the counter for hours.
The sooner you store cilantro in the fridge after bringing it home, the longer it will last.
4. Not Removing Damaged Leaves
Yellow or slimy leaves can spread decay to the rest of the bunch.
Pick those out before you store cilantro in the fridge so the healthy leaves stay fresh.
How Long Does Cilantro Last in the Fridge?
When you store cilantro in the fridge using the water jar method, it can last up to two weeks.
If you store cilantro in the fridge wrapped in paper towels and a bag, expect about one to two weeks as well.
Frozen cilantro, on the other hand, can last for several months when you store cilantro in the fridge freezer.
The key is always to start with fresh, healthy cilantro and handle it gently.
So, How to Store Cilantro in the Fridge?
To store cilantro in the fridge, trim the stems, place them in water, cover loosely, and keep it in a cool part of your fridge.
Alternatively, you can store cilantro in the fridge by drying it well and wrapping it in paper towels inside a bag.
Avoid moisture, ethylene gas, and airtight containers if you want your cilantro to last.
So the next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, you’ll know exactly how to store cilantro in the fridge and keep it fresh for days or even weeks.