How To Store Parsley And Cilantro

How to store parsley and cilantro starts with one simple truth: they last longest when you treat them like fresh flowers, not like dry spices.
 
To store parsley and cilantro the right way, you need to keep their stems hydrated, their leaves dry, and the air around them cool but not freezing.
 
If you’ve ever pulled a slimy bunch of cilantro from the fridge after just two days, you know how fast herbs can turn.
 
The good news is that storing parsley and cilantro properly can keep them fresh for up to two weeks or even longer.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to store parsley and cilantro in the fridge, on the counter, and in the freezer.
 
You’ll also learn the mistakes that shorten their shelf life, and how to store parsley and cilantro so they stay crisp, green, and full of flavor.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Store Parsley and Cilantro So They Stay Fresh

Learning how to store parsley and cilantro comes down to three things: moisture, temperature, and airflow.
 
Herbs like parsley and cilantro are delicate leafy greens, and they wilt or rot quickly when those three factors are off.
 
The best way to store parsley and cilantro is to keep the cut ends in water and cover the leaves loosely.
 
This method works because the stems keep drawing up water, just like a bouquet in a vase.
 
Here are the best ways to store parsley and cilantro depending on how soon you’ll use them.
 

1. The Jar or Glass Method

This is the classic way to store parsley and cilantro in the fridge.
 
Trim the bottom of the stems, place the bunch in a jar with an inch or two of water, and cover the leaves with a plastic bag.
 
Change the water every couple of days, and your cilantro and parsley will stay fresh for one to two weeks.
 
Just make sure the leaves stay dry, because wet leaves rot fast when you store parsley and cilantro this way.
 

2. The Damp Paper Towel Method

If you’re short on fridge space, this is a great way to store parsley and cilantro.
 
Lay the herbs on a slightly damp paper towel, roll them gently, and place the bundle in a zip-top bag.
 
Press out most of the air, seal the bag, and stash it in your crisper drawer.
 
This method helps you store parsley and cilantro without them drying out or turning to mush.
 

3. The Airtight Container Method

For chopped herbs you plan to use within a few days, an airtight container works well.
 
Line the container with a dry paper towel to absorb extra moisture, then add your chopped parsley or cilantro.
 
Seal the lid and keep it in the fridge, and your chopped herbs will hold up for about three to five days.
 
This is a handy way to store parsley and cilantro when you’re prepping meals ahead of time.
 

How to Store Parsley and Cilantro in the Freezer

If you have more herbs than you can use, freezing is the best way to store parsley and cilantro for months.
 
Freezing changes the texture, so thawed herbs work best in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and sauces.
 
Here are two easy ways to freeze them.
 

1. Freeze Chopped Herbs in Oil

Chop your parsley or cilantro, pack it into an ice cube tray, and cover with olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag, and you can toss them straight into a hot pan whenever you cook.
 
This is one of the tastiest ways to store parsley and cilantro because the oil locks in flavor.
 

2. Freeze Whole Leaves in Bags

Pat the leaves completely dry, spread them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
 
Transfer the frozen leaves into freezer bags and squeeze out the air before sealing.
 
When you store parsley and cilantro this way, they keep for up to six months.
 

Common Mistakes When You Store Parsley and Cilantro

Even with good intentions, a few habits can ruin your herbs fast.
 
Avoid these mistakes when you store parsley and cilantro.
 

1. Washing Them Before Storing

Extra moisture is the number one enemy of fresh herbs.
 
Only wash parsley and cilantro right before you use them, not before you store them.
 

2. Leaving Them in the Plastic Bag From the Store

Those store bags trap moisture and squash the leaves.
 
If you want to store parsley and cilantro successfully, move them into a better setup as soon as you get home.
 

3. Storing Them Near Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release ethylene gas, which speeds up spoilage.
 
Keep your herbs away from them when you store parsley and cilantro in the fridge.
 

4. Letting the Leaves Get Wet in the Jar

When you store parsley and cilantro in water, only the stems should touch the liquid.
 
Submerged leaves turn yellow and slimy within a day or two.
 

So, How to Store Parsley and Cilantro?

How to store parsley and cilantro is really about keeping the stems hydrated and the leaves dry.
 
Use the jar method for the longest freshness, the paper towel method for small bunches, and the freezer for any extras.
 
Avoid washing them early, skip the store bag, and keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits.
 
Do that, and you’ll always know how to store parsley and cilantro so they stay green, crisp, and ready to use.
 
Now your herbs can last for weeks instead of days.