How To Wash And Store Cilantro

You can wash and store cilantro properly by rinsing it thoroughly and drying it well before refrigerating.
 
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is one of those herbs that can go from fresh and vibrant to slimy and sad in what feels like seconds.
 
Knowing how to wash and store cilantro is the difference between having it last a few days and keeping it fresh for weeks.
 
If you want to wash cilantro and store cilantro the right way, a little effort upfront saves you money and frustration later.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to wash cilantro, how to dry cilantro, and the best ways to store cilantro so it stays fresh longer.
 

How to Wash Cilantro the Right Way

Washing cilantro correctly is the first step to keeping it fresh and safe to eat.
 
Here’s how to wash cilantro so it’s clean without getting bruised or waterlogged.
 

1. Fill a Bowl with Cold Water

Start by filling a large bowl with cold water.
 
Cold water helps keep cilantro crisp while you wash it.
 
Avoid using warm water because it can wilt the delicate leaves quickly.
 

2. Submerge and Swish the Cilantro

Place the cilantro bunch into the cold water and gently swish it around.
 
This loosens dirt, sand, and grit that cling to the stems and leaves.
 
Don’t aggressively rub the leaves, or you’ll bruise them and shorten their shelf life.
 

3. Rinse Under Running Water

After the bowl soak, rinse cilantro under cool running water.
 
Hold the bunch by the stems and let the water flow through the leaves.
 
This second rinse ensures any remaining debris is washed away.
 

4. Repeat if Needed

If your cilantro is especially sandy, repeat the soak-and-rinse process.
 
It’s better to wash cilantro twice than to bite into gritty salsa later.
 
Once the water runs clear, you know your cilantro is clean.
 

How to Dry Cilantro Before Storing

Drying cilantro properly is just as important as washing it.
 
Excess moisture is the number one reason cilantro spoils fast in the fridge.
 
Here’s how to dry cilantro without damaging it.
 

1. Use a Salad Spinner

A salad spinner is one of the easiest ways to dry cilantro.
 
Give it a few gentle spins to remove most of the water.
 
Don’t spin too hard, or you’ll crush the delicate leaves.
 

2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels

Lay cilantro on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
 
Gently pat the leaves and stems dry.
 
Avoid pressing hard because cilantro bruises easily.
 

3. Air Dry Briefly

Let cilantro sit on the towel for a few minutes to air dry.
 
This step helps remove any lingering moisture before storage.
 
Just don’t leave it out too long, or it will start to wilt.
 

Best Ways to Store Cilantro

Once cilantro is washed and dried, storing it correctly keeps it fresh for much longer.
 
There are several ways to store cilantro, depending on how soon you plan to use it.
 

1. Store Cilantro in the Refrigerator

The fridge is the most common place to store cilantro.
 
Wrap the dried cilantro loosely in paper towels.
 
Place the wrapped cilantro in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
 
Store cilantro in the crisper drawer for the best results.
 

2. Store Cilantro in a Glass of Water

If you want cilantro to last even longer, treat it like fresh flowers.
 
Trim the stems and place cilantro in a glass with an inch of water.
 
Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate.
 
Change the water every couple of days to keep cilantro fresh.
 

3. Freeze Cilantro for Long-Term Storage

If you can’t use cilantro quickly, freezing is a great option.
 
Chop washed and dried cilantro and place it in ice cube trays.
 
Cover with water or olive oil and freeze.
 
Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag and store cilantro for months.
 

4. Avoid Common Storage Mistakes

Don’t store cilantro wet, or it will rot quickly.
 
Avoid sealing cilantro in a tight container while it’s still damp.
 
Keep cilantro away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas and apples.
 
These simple habits help store cilantro successfully every time.
 

So, How Do You Wash and Store Cilantro?

You wash and store cilantro by rinsing it gently in cold water, drying it thoroughly, and choosing the right storage method.
 
Washing cilantro removes dirt and grit, while drying cilantro prevents spoilage.
 
Whether you store cilantro in the fridge, in water, or in the freezer, proper handling makes all the difference.
 
Follow these steps, and you’ll keep cilantro fresh, flavorful, and ready to use whenever you need it.