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    Home » Kitchen Tips » Food Storage

    How to Keep Cilantro Fresh

    Published: Sep 14, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
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    Tired of sad soggy herbs in the veggie drawer? Don’t let cilantro go to waste due to improper storage. Learn how to keep cilantro fresh.

    Whether you’re making Taco Shop Style Salsa or Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta, you’ll be ready to get cooking with fresh cilantro on hand in the fridge.

    bowl of salsa on table surrounded by chips, cheese, and other taco toppings. this …
    Jump to:
    • Why Do This
    • Ingredients
    • Storage Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Recipes that Use Cilantro
    • Tell us what you think!
    • How to Keep Cilantro Fresh

    When you’ve got a serious salsa craving or want to sprinkle cilantro on a Thai Chicken Pizza fresh from the oven., there’s nothing worse than reaching into the fridge for the cilantro and finding a brown, gummy mass of something that once bore the name of that wonderful culinary herb.

    Cilantro, an ingredient that adds wonderful freshness and zip to both Mexican and Asian cuisine, can wilt pretty quickly.

    What’s the solution? Do you need to buy cilantro on the day you need it and then use it all up in one go?

    Nope. You can keep cilantro fresh very easily in the fridge.

    Why Do This

    It saves money. Wasting food is akin to wasting money. Since fresh cilantro can range in cost from fifty cents to almost two dollars a bunch, depending on where you live, it’s in your best interests to get the most from that investment.

    It’s makes cooking at home more convenient. When you can stock your fridge with some grocery staples, then you’re prepped and ready to cook at home to save money.

    It’s delicious! I know there’s a segment of the population that doesn’t love cilantro, but for the rest of us, adding fresh cilantro to your Mexican and Asian dishes is just the ticket for adding fresh, herby flavor.

    Ingredients

    fresh bunch of cilantro in a perforated plastic bag.

    Cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley or fresh coriander, is the bright green leaves and stems of the coriander plant. Some describe its aroma as soap-like, but for others it’s pungent and lively, adding flavor to Mexican, Asian, and Caribbean dishes, especially those that are highly spiced.

    Choose bunches of cilantro that are brightly, evenly colored with no signs of wilting. The fragrance should be evident. Don’t buy an odorless bunch.

    Storage Instructions

    For years, I swore by the method of placing the bundle of herbs in a glass of water in the fridge, just like a bouquet of flowers, tented with the plastic produce bag.

    However, recently, I discovered a better way.

    cilantro on paper toweling next to ziptop bag.
    cilantro wrapped in paper towel in the ziptop bag.
    1. Wrap the bunch in paper toweling
    2. Store it in an airtight ziptop bag in the fridge.

    Your herbs will stay fresh for at least a week, maybe even two. This is a great way to have fresh cilantro whenever you want, without having to buy it too frequently.

    FAQs

    Can you freeze fresh cilantro?

    You can freeze chopped fresh cilantro in ice cube trays. Pack it tight and fill in the gaps with olive oil. Use as you would fresh in salsas. You can also freeze fresh basil this way.

    Can you keep cilantro fresh without a fridge?

    If you don’t have refrigerator access, you can keep cilantro fresh for a few days by placing the stem ends in a glass of water as you would flowers.

    meal prep salads in glass rectangular dishes.

    Recipes that Use Cilantro

    • close up of unsliced Thai chicken pizza.
      Thai Chicken Pizza
    • overhead shot of large spoonful of corn salad held above a bowl of salad.
      Corn Salad with Cilantro Dressing
    • cilantro lime dressing in a carafe on a board with lime and cilantro.
      Cilantro Lime Dressing
    • A dish is filled with pasta and shrimp
      Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta
    white spoon and fork on a teal plate logo.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    cilantro bundle on paper toweling next to ziptop bag.
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    5 from 1 vote

    How to Keep Cilantro Fresh

    Learn the easy way to keeping cilantro fresh in the cilantro.
    Prep Time1 minute min
    Total Time1 minute min
    Course: Seasonings
    Cuisine: Asian, Asian-fusion, Chinese, Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 2kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $0.75
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • paper toweling
    • ziptop freezer bag

    Ingredients

    • 1 bunch cilantro

    Instructions

    • Wrap the cilantro, unwashed, in paper toweling and place in a ziptop bag in the fridge.
    • To use: Tear off the amount you will use, rinse in cool water, pat dry, and chop.

    Notes

    Fresh cilantro stored in paper toweling should be good for 1 to 2 weeks.
    Alternatively, you can place the bunch into a glass of cool water and tent a plastic bag over the top.
    To freeze: chop washed cilantro and pack into ice cube trays. Top off with olive oil and freeze. Use as you would fresh cilantro in sauces and dressings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 2kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tell us what you think!Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

    This post was originally posted on August 14, 2009. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa @ The Wellness Wife

      October 04, 2014 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I lose so much cilantro to it getting slimy. And this is such a “duh, why didn’t I think of that” concept.

      Reply
    2. Val

      September 04, 2014 at 1:04 pm

      I do this also, but if i cannot use it all.. i put into an ice cube tray …a little water and freeze them individualy.. so i can just add the ingredient to my meals later!

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        September 04, 2014 at 1:49 pm

        Sounds great. Great time to stock up that way!

        Reply
    3. Heather @ My Overflowing Cup

      September 04, 2014 at 11:28 am

      This is such a helpful tip. It works so well. I love cilantro! I use it in my bean salads, Mexican dishes, salads, and dressings. YUM! Thanks, again, for the tip. Pinning it now.

      Reply
    4. laurel

      July 01, 2014 at 11:05 am

      Is it okay to wash the cilantro initially? Or should one wait and wash it right before it is used?

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 01, 2014 at 5:48 pm

        Sure. It’s often sprayed at the store anyway.

        Reply
      • Debbie

        September 09, 2014 at 8:16 am

        Mine goes really fast if I wash it first. (We have to do a vinegar or other cleansing soak, so maybe it’s different?) I always wait until I’m using it!

        Reply
    5. Naomi S.

      April 27, 2011 at 12:01 pm

      Great tip! Cilantro is one of those fresh ingredients that I need every once in awhile and after I use it for one meal, I either have to figure out something else to use it on otherwise it just goes bad…another reason to start my own herb garden. 🙂

      Reply

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    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter their budget.

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