Cilantro is one of those herbs that can take a dish from good to wow—but it also tends to wilt in what feels like minutes. If you’re constantly tossing limp or brown cilantro, this post is for you. I tested a few storage methods, and the jar and plastic bag method is the best way to store cilantro so it is fresh, vibrant, and ready to use for up to 2–3 weeks.
Whether you’re meal prepping or just tired of wasting herbs, here’s exactly how to store cilantro the right way.
Jar + Bag = Freshest Cilantro
After trying every trick in the book, this is the best method I’ve found:
- Trim the stems and place the bunch in a jar or glass with about an inch of cold water.
- Loosely cover the top with a plastic bag—yes, the whole bunch and jar. Add a rubber band around the jar.
- Store in the fridge, ideally in the door or top shelf.
- Change the water every few days to keep it clean.
How long it lasts: 2-3 weeks.
Why it works: The stems get hydration without rotting the leaves, and the freezer bags prevents wilting from cold air. I consistently get 2+ weeks of crisp, usable cilantro with this method.
Other Storage Options
If the jar-and-bag combo doesn’t work for you, here are two solid backups to increase cilantro shelf-life:
Paper towel method: Wrap washed, dried cilantro in a dry paper towel and place it inside a zip-top bag. Store in the crisper drawer. It works for 5–7 days but doesn’t last as long as the jar method.
Airtight container: place 1-2 layers of paper towels on the counter. Place the cilantro in the center and roll it up gently. Store in an airtight container.
Freezing cilantro: Chop cilantro (or blend with olive oil), spoon into an ice cube tray, and freeze. Use cubes in soups, stews, and sauces—just not fresh recipes.
Quick Tips for Cilantro Success
- Don’t wash until ready to use, unless you’re using the paper towel method. Wash and use a salad spinner to dry before cooking.
- Keep it dry: Excess moisture = faster spoilage.
- Use the stems: They have just as much flavor as the leaves!
FAQs
The best container to store cilantro is a jar or glass with water.
Harvest the cilantro plant often from the outside so the inner, younger plant continues to grow. I’ve been growing cilantro for 4 years and this is what I do to have fresh cilantro all season.
You should always wash cilantro before eating because it can have sand or dirt on the leaves. Place the cilantro, stems and leaves, in a colander and rinse well with cold water. Alternately, place the bunch of cilantro in a large bowl of very cold water for 15 minutes. Spread it out on a paper towel, dab it gently, and let it air dry chopping.
Recipes with Cilantro
Soups: stir it into creamy chicken tortilla soup, Instant Pot taco soup, or healthy white chicken chili.
Dressings and Marinades: learn how to marinate chicken then try our go-to cilantro lime chicken marinade.
Salads: Stir cilantro into this cucumber tomato avocado salad or Mexican street corn pasta salad. Use it in the dressing for this sweet potato kale salad.
Garnish: top classic carne asada tacos, breakfast nachos, or pork tenderloin tacos.
How to Store Cilantro in the Fridge
Save this Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Fill the mason jar with roughly 1-2 inches of water (about 1/4 way full).
- Place unwashed fresh cilantro stems down in the glass of water so that the base of the cilantro stems is in the water.
- Place the plastic storage bag over top of the cilantro leaves.
- Secure the bag at the mouth of the mason jar with the rubber band and store your cilantro in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Change the water every 1-2 days to keep it fresh.
Notes
Equipment
- Mason Jar
- Plastic bag
- Rubber brand
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I always find myself wasting cilantro that goes bad. This will save me so much money!
Saves us every week! Thanks!