Culinary Tips for Keeping Cilantro Fresh

Ever bought cilantro, tossed it in your fridge, used it once, and then forgotten about it? I used to do the same until I discovered these culinary school hacks.

It’s always disappointing to find wilted, soggy cilantro in your fridge. So many good intentions ruined by poor storage. The good news is, it's easy to store properly and it only takes a few moments.

In culinary school and professional kitchens, wasting food is not an option. You quickly learn how to store and use every ingredient to its fullest. Fresh herbs are among the easiest to waste, but also among the easiest to store correctly. Put on your chef's hat (or at least pretend) and master the art of storage.

How Long Will Cilantro Stay Fresh?

Tips for Selecting Fresh Cilantro

The fresher your cilantro when you buy it, the longer it will stay fresh. Purchasing it at a local farmer's market or growing it yourself are the best ways to guarantee top quality. If that’s not possible, don’t worry—Marina Chapparo, founder of Nutrichicos, offers some helpful advice.

First, check the leaves. They should be vibrant green and full, not limp. Limp leaves often signal that the cilantro is past its prime. The stems should be firm, bright green, and able to stand tall.

How to Properly Store Cilantro in the Refrigerator

Cilantro will only stay fresh at room temperature for a short time. If you don't plan on using it within a day or two, it's better to store it using one of the methods below.

Think of cilantro as you would flowers.

Step 1: Take off the twist tie around the stems and throw it away.

Step 2: Wash the leaves and stems under cool running water, then gently pat them dry. Be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid spoilage.

Step 3: Cut about an inch off the bottom of the stems.

Step 4: Place the trimmed cilantro in a glass (a canning jar or small vase works great), then add enough water to cover the stems by one to two inches. Lightly cover the leaves with plastic wrap or a plastic bag (the one it came in works perfectly), and store it in the fridge on a shelf. Be sure to change the water every few days.

Place it in an airtight resealable bag.

Step 1: Remove the twist tie from the stems and dispose of it.

Step 2: Rinse the cilantro under cool running water, then gently pat the leaves and stems dry.

Step 3: Wrap the cilantro in clean, slightly damp paper towels.

Step 4: Place the wrapped cilantro in a ziplock food storage bag, press out any excess air, and seal it tightly. Store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.

How to Store Freshly Chopped Cilantro

Step 1: Remove the twist tie from the cilantro stems and discard it.

Step 2: Rinse the cilantro under cool, running water and pat it dry. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the leaves and stems.

Step 3: Line an airtight food storage container with clean, slightly damp paper towels, then add the chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Place another layer of clean, lightly dampened paper towels on top, then cover the container with the lid. Store in the vegetable crisper drawer.

How to Freeze Fresh Cilantro

Step 1: Remove the twist tie from the stems and discard it.

Step 2: Rinse the cilantro under cool running water and pat it dry.

Step 3: Chop the cilantro and place it into ice cube trays.

Step 4: Fill each cavity with olive oil and freeze. Once frozen solid, remove the cubes from the tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Don’t forget to label and date the container.

How to Identify Spoiled Cilantro

Cilantro has delicate, thin leaves, so it’s easy to tell when it’s gone bad. The leaves will turn brown, wilt, and lose their fresh, citrusy scent, according to Chapparo. Unfortunately, spoiled cilantro can’t be used, but it’s great for composting.