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Cilantro turning brown usually happens because of how it’s stored, watered, or exposed to heat.
If you’ve been wondering why your cilantro plant is turning brown or why the leaves in your fridge keep browning, several common factors are at play.
In this post, we’ll explore why cilantro turning brown happens and what you can do to keep those leaves green and fresh.
Let’s dig in.
Why Cilantro Turning Brown Happens
Cilantro turning brown is a common problem, and it usually comes down to a handful of specific causes.
Here are the main reasons your cilantro leaves or plant are changing color.
1. Too Much Heat and Sun
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that prefers mild temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.
When the weather gets too hot, cilantro tends to bolt, which means it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
As part of this process, the leaves start turning brown and the plant puts its energy into making seeds instead of foliage.
If you’re growing cilantro in full sun during summer, that’s often why cilantro turning brown becomes an issue.
2. Inconsistent Watering
Cilantro likes moist but well-drained soil.
If you let the soil dry out completely between waterings, the plant gets stressed and the leaves begin to yellow and turn brown at the edges.
On the flip side, overwatering can cause root rot, which also leads to browning leaves and a wilted, sad-looking plant.
Aim for evenly moist soil, and water when the top inch feels dry.
3. Poor Storage After Harvest
If your cilantro turning brown after you bring it home from the store, storage is likely the culprit.
Cilantro leaves are delicate and lose moisture fast.
When they’re left in a warm spot or exposed to air, the leaves wilt and turn brown within a day or two.
The fix is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers: trim the stems, stick them in a glass with an inch of water, and cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag in the fridge.
4. Ethylene Gas Exposure
Cilantro turning brown fast can also be caused by ethylene gas.
Certain fruits like bananas, apples, and tomatoes release this gas as they ripen.
When cilantro is stored near these fruits, the ethylene speeds up the herb’s decay and turns the leaves brown.
Keep cilantro away from ethylene-producing produce, and it’ll stay green much longer.
5. Natural Aging and Bolting
Sometimes cilantro turning brown is simply nature taking its course.
Cilantro has a short life cycle, and once it bolts, the leaves naturally decline.
You can slow this by planting cilantro in partial shade and succession planting every few weeks.
How to Stop Cilantro Turning Brown
Now that you know why cilantro turning brown happens, here’s how to prevent it.
1. Water Consistently
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during warm spells.
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool, which reduces the chance of cilantro turning brown.
2. Provide Afternoon Shade
If you live somewhere hot, plant cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
This keeps the plant from bolting too quickly and helps prevent cilantro turning brown.
3. Harvest Regularly
Snip the outer leaves often to encourage new growth.
Regular harvesting keeps the plant productive and delays the browning that comes with bolting.
4. Store Cilantro Properly
For store-bought cilantro, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and store in the fridge.
This simple step goes a long way toward stopping cilantro turning brown before you get a chance to use it.
5. Freeze Extra Cilantro
If you can’t use it all in time, chop and freeze cilantro in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.
That way, cilantro turning brown won’t waste your harvest.
Can You Still Eat Cilantro Turning Brown?
Cilantro turning brown doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe to eat.
If just a few edges are browned and the rest of the leaf looks and smells fresh, you can still use it.
But if the cilantro turning brown comes with a slimy texture or a foul smell, toss it out.
That’s a sign of rot, and eating it isn’t worth the risk.
So, Why Is My Cilantro Turning Brown?
Cilantro turning brown usually happens because of heat, inconsistent watering, poor storage, or exposure to ethylene gas.
Cilantro turning brown can also be a natural part of the plant’s life cycle once it bolts.
By watering consistently, providing shade, storing it properly, and harvesting regularly, you can keep cilantro turning brown from ruining your supply.
With a little care, your cilantro will stay green and ready to top your tacos, salsas, and soups.