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You can store fresh cilantro and parsley for up to two weeks if you treat them right.
The secret is giving their stems a little water and keeping the leaves dry and chilled.
If you’ve ever wondered how to store fresh cilantro and parsley so they stay crisp instead of turning into a slimy mess, you’re in the right place.
Most people just toss the bunch in the fridge and hope for the best.
But there’s a much better way to store fresh cilantro and parsley that takes just a few minutes.
In this post, we’ll cover the best ways to store fresh cilantro and parsley, how to store fresh cilantro and parsley in the fridge and freezer, and the mistakes that ruin them fast.
Let’s get to it.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro and Parsley So They Last
So how do you store fresh cilantro and parsley so they stay fresh?
Here’s the thing.
Cilantro and parsley are delicate herbs.
They’re not like rosemary or thyme that can sit on the counter for days.
These two are soft-stemmed herbs, and once you cut them, they start losing moisture immediately.
The good news is that the method for how to store fresh cilantro and parsley is almost identical.
Both herbs love cold, humid conditions, but their leaves hate standing water.
That’s why the goal when you store fresh cilantro and parsley is to keep the stems hydrated while keeping the leaves dry.
1. Start With Fresh, Healthy Bunches
The way you store fresh cilantro and parsley starts at the store.
Pick bunches with bright green leaves and firm stems.
Avoid anything wilted, yellowing, or slimy.
If the herbs are already on their way out, no storage trick will save them.
2. Trim the Stems Before Storing
Before you store fresh cilantro and parsley, trim about half an inch off the bottom of the stems.
This opens up the stems so they can drink water again.
It’s the same idea as cutting flowers before putting them in a vase.
3. Remove Damaged Leaves
Pick off any bruised or yellow leaves before you store fresh cilantro and parsley.
One rotting leaf can spread quickly and ruin the whole bunch.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro and Parsley in the Fridge
The fridge is where you’ll store fresh cilantro and parsley most of the time.
Here are the two best methods.
1. The Jar or Glass Method
This is my favorite way to store fresh cilantro and parsley.
Fill a jar or glass with an inch or two of cold water.
Place the herb stems in the water like a bouquet.
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag.
Change the water every couple of days.
Stored this way, fresh cilantro and parsley can last up to two weeks.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Method
If you’re short on fridge space, this method works great too.
Lay the herbs on a slightly damp paper towel.
Roll them up gently.
Place the roll inside a zip-top bag or airtight container.
When you store fresh cilantro and parsley this way, they stay humid but not soaked.
3. Keep Them Away From Ethylene Producers
Here’s a tip most people miss when they store fresh cilantro and parsley.
Keep them away from bananas, apples, and tomatoes.
Those fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up yellowing in herbs.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro and Parsley in the Freezer
If you can’t use your herbs within two weeks, freezing is the next best option.
You can store fresh cilantro and parsley in the freezer for up to six months.
1. Chop and Freeze in Ice Cube Trays
Chop the herbs finely.
Press them into ice cube trays.
Top each cube with water or olive oil.
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
2. Flash Freeze on a Baking Sheet
Spread dry, chopped leaves on a baking sheet.
Freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag.
This keeps the pieces loose so you can scoop out what you need when you store fresh cilantro and parsley this way.
3. Label and Date the Bags
Always label your bags when you store fresh cilantro and parsley in the freezer.
After a few weeks, frozen herbs all look the same.
Common Mistakes When You Store Fresh Cilantro and Parsley
Even with good intentions, a few habits ruin herbs fast.
1. Washing Before Storing
Never wash the herbs before you store fresh cilantro and parsley.
Extra moisture on the leaves invites mold.
Wash them right before you use them instead.
2. Sealing Wet Leaves in a Bag
Trapped moisture is the number one killer when you store fresh cilantro and parsley.
If the leaves are wet, pat them dry first.
3. Storing Them Too Warm
Heat makes herbs bolt and wilt.
The fridge is the best place to store fresh cilantro and parsley for long-term freshness.
4. Leaving Them in the Original Bag
Those plastic sleeves from the store trap moisture and crush the leaves.
If you want to store fresh cilantro and parsley properly, move them to a jar or paper towel setup.
So, How to Store Fresh Cilantro and Parsley?
You can store fresh cilantro and parsley for up to two weeks in the fridge with the jar or damp paper towel method.
If you need longer, you can store fresh cilantro and parsley in the freezer for up to six months.
The key is keeping the stems hydrated while keeping the leaves dry and cold.
Avoid washing them early, skip the original plastic bag, and keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits.
Do that, and you’ll never waste another bunch of herbs again.