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You can store harvested cilantro in several ways, depending on how soon you plan to use it.
If you want to store harvested cilantro so it stays fresh for weeks, the method you choose matters more than you might think.
Cilantro is delicate, and the way you store harvested cilantro can mean the difference between vibrant leaves and a slimy, yellow mess.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to store harvested cilantro, whether you’re keeping it in the fridge, freezing it, or drying it.
Let’s keep that cilantro fresh as long as possible.
How to Store Harvested Cilantro in the Fridge
The fridge is the most common place to store harvested cilantro, and it works well if you do it right.
Here are the best methods to store harvested cilantro so it stays crisp and green.
1. The Water Jar Method
This is one of the best ways to store harvested cilantro if you want it to last up to two weeks.
Trim the stems slightly and place the bunch in a jar with an inch or two of water.
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and put the jar in the fridge.
Change the water every couple of days so bacteria don’t build up.
When you store harvested cilantro this way, it stays hydrated and keeps its flavor much longer.
2. The Damp Paper Towel Method
If you don’t have room for a jar, you can still store harvested cilantro with damp paper towels.
Lay the cilantro on a slightly damp paper towel and roll it up gently.
Place the roll inside a plastic bag or airtight container and store harvested cilantro in the crisper drawer.
This method keeps humidity high without soaking the leaves.
Just don’t wash the cilantro before storing it this way because excess moisture speeds up decay.
3. The Airtight Container Trick
Another simple way to store harvested cilantro is using an airtight container.
Line the container with a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
Add the unwashed cilantro, seal the lid, and place it in the fridge.
When you store harvested cilantro in an airtight container, it can last about a week.
Swap out the paper towel if it gets too wet so mold doesn’t grow.
How to Store Harvested Cilantro in the Freezer
If you have more cilantro than you can use in a week, freezing is a great option.
You can store harvested cilantro in the freezer and enjoy it for months.
The texture changes a bit, but the flavor holds up well in cooked dishes.
1. Freeze Cilantro in Ice Cube Trays
Chop the cilantro finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
Top each cube with water or olive oil and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and transfer them to a freezer bag.
When you store harvested cilantro this way, you can drop a cube straight into soups, stews, or sauces.
2. Freeze Whole Cilantro Leaves
You can also store harvested cilantro as whole leaves without chopping.
Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour.
Then transfer the frozen leaves to a freezer-safe bag.
This keeps the leaves from clumping together so you can grab just what you need.
3. Freeze Cilantro Puree
Blend cilantro with a little water or oil until it forms a puree.
Pour the puree into small containers or bags and freeze.
When you store harvested cilantro as a puree, it’s ready to use in marinades, dressings, or curries.
Just thaw what you need and stir it right in.
How to Store Harvested Cilantro by Drying It
Drying is another way to store harvested cilantro, though the flavor becomes much milder.
It’s best used in cooked dishes where you want a subtle hint of cilantro.
1. Air Drying Cilantro
Tie the stems together and hang the bunch upside down in a warm, dry, dark place.
After a week or two, the leaves should be dry and crumbly.
Crumble them and store harvested cilantro in an airtight jar away from sunlight.
2. Oven Drying Cilantro
If you’re in a hurry, you can dry cilantro in the oven on the lowest setting.
Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and leave the oven door slightly open.
It takes a few hours, but it works when you need to store harvested cilantro fast.
3. Using a Dehydrator
A dehydrator makes it easy to store harvested cilantro with minimal effort.
Set it to a low temperature and let the leaves dry until brittle.
Then seal them in jars or bags and keep them in a cool, dark spot.
Common Mistakes When You Store Harvested Cilantro
Even with good intentions, there are mistakes that ruin cilantro fast.
Washing before storing is a big one because wet leaves rot quickly.
Storing cilantro near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas or apples also speeds up spoilage.
And leaving cilantro at room temperature for too long wilts it beyond saving.
Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll store harvested cilantro like a pro.
So, How Do You Store Harvested Cilantro?
You can store harvested cilantro in the fridge, freezer, or by drying it, depending on how you plan to use it.
The fridge keeps it fresh for a week or two, freezing preserves it for months, and drying gives you a shelf-stable option.
Pick the method that fits your kitchen and your cooking style.
However you choose to store harvested cilantro, a little care goes a long way toward keeping that fresh, bright flavor alive.