How to Store Cilantro in the Fridge

To store cilantro in the fridge, trim the stems, stand the bunch in a jar with a little water, and loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Keep the leaves out of the water and check the bunch every few days. If you prefer a container that stacks, thoroughly dry the cilantro and store it with a paper towel in a covered container instead.

Start with a quick sort and decide when to wash

Remove the rubber band or twist tie and gently loosen the bunch. Pick out yellow, crushed, or slimy sprigs so they do not sit against the good leaves. Cilantro needs some moisture to avoid wilting, but wet leaves and crowded stems make it harder to keep the bunch in good shape.

For whole-bunch storage, you can leave cilantro unwashed until you need it, provided it is not muddy or dripping wet. Before cooking or serving, rinse it under cool running water. If you wash the entire bunch before storing, gently spin it dry and spread it on a clean towel until no visible water remains on the leaves.

Use the jar method for a whole bunch

Choose a clean jar or drinking glass that supports the stems without squeezing them tightly. Trim about half an inch from the stem ends with clean scissors or a knife. Add roughly an inch of cool water, then stand the cilantro upright like a small bouquet. Remove any low leaves that would sit below the waterline.

Loosely slip a clean plastic bag over the leafy top. Leave room around the leaves and do not seal the bag tightly around the jar. Set it upright on a stable fridge shelf, away from the back wall or vents where tender leaves might freeze.

Check every couple of days. Replace the water at each check, or sooner if it looks cloudy, and remove deteriorating sprigs. If the jar feels slippery inside, wash it before refilling. Choose a jar-and-bag setup that fits without crushing the leaves. Check your fridge's manual and shelf dimensions before moving shelves to make room.

Use a towel-lined container when shelf space is tight

A shallow container is a useful alternative if a tall jar is awkward in your fridge. Start with cilantro that is dry on the surface. Line the container with a dry paper towel, lay the sprigs in loosely, and add another paper towel on top. Close the lid without packing the leaves down.

Check the towel every couple of days and replace it if it becomes damp. If you see condensation or wet patches on the leaves, gently dry the cilantro and refresh the lining. A regular food-storage container works for this method, so you do not need special equipment.

If you are looking for a dedicated option, Vented Produce Keeper Containers (Set of 3) costs $29.99 and includes three containers with vented lids and trays for berries, salad greens, or herbs. A paper towel can help absorb surface moisture when storing cilantro. Check the product dimensions against your available fridge space before buying, and wash and dry the containers fully between uses. Freshness results vary by produce and storage conditions.

Keep an eye on moisture and use the delicate leaves first

Keep cilantro refrigerated rather than repeatedly leaving the whole bunch on the counter while you cook. Take out what you need, then return the rest promptly. For the jar method, check that the stem ends still reach the water. For the container method, watch for damp towels and compressed leaves.

Stored carefully, cilantro may stay usable for about one to two weeks, but its condition when purchased and your fridge conditions make a difference. Treat that as a planning range, not a promise. Use tender or slightly wilted sprigs first, and discard cilantro that is slimy, moldy, or has an unpleasant smell. Do not taste it to judge whether it is still usable.

Step by step

Remove the band and pick out damaged or deteriorating sprigs.
Trim about half an inch from the stem ends.
Fill a clean jar with about an inch of cool water.
Stand the stems in the jar, keeping all leaves above the water.
Loosely cover the leafy top with a clean plastic bag and refrigerate.
Check every couple of days, change the water, and remove deteriorating sprigs.

Common questions

Should I wash cilantro before refrigerating it?

Not necessarily. You can store it unwashed and rinse it just before use. If it is muddy or you prefer to wash ahead, dry the leaves thoroughly before refrigerating.

Can I store chopped cilantro in the fridge?

Yes. Dry it well before chopping, then refrigerate it in a small covered container with a dry paper towel. Plan to use it within a few days, since chopped cilantro is more delicate than whole sprigs.

Can I freeze cilantro I will not use soon?

Yes. Rinse, dry, and chop it, then freeze it in a freezer-safe bag with excess air pressed out. Thawed cilantro loses its crisp texture but works well stirred into soups, beans, and sauces.

Bottom line: For a whole bunch, start with the jar-and-loose-bag method; for compact storage, use a dry towel-lined container. Keep leaves out of standing water, check moisture regularly, and use the cilantro while it is still in good condition.