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Here’s a genius kitchen tip for how to store cilantro! It lasts for days with this trick for how to keep cilantro fresh.

How to store cilantro

Has this happened to you? You buy a big bunch of cilantro at the store, wrapping it in the provided plastic bag, and throw it in the refrigerator’s produce drawer once you get home. But when you reach for that precious bundle of herbs in the next day or two, it’s already starting to wilt and turn black! What did you do wrong? This exact happened to us more times than we can count…until we learned this trick that makes it last up to a week or more! Here’s exactly to how to store cilantro.

How to store cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a fresh herb with a fresh, citrusy flavor. It’s often used in Latin American, North African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisine. The flavor can be polarizing: there’s even a genetic trait that causes an aversion to this herb! But it’s a very popular fresh herbs used in cooking.

The best method for how to store cilantro? Use a large a canning jar or herb saver! This method is easy and keeps the cilantro green and strong for much longer than placing it the produce drawer. Avoid storing it in the plastic produce bags from the grocery store, which make it wilt immediately. Here’s what to do (or scroll down):

  • Use a large canning jar with lid, or purchase an herb saver. For cilantro we prefer an herb saver, because it’s just the right height and width for a bunch of cilantro. Here’s the herb saver we’ve used for years. (You can use it for any fresh herbs!)
  • Add a few inches water inside and add the herbs. Place the cut sides of the cilantro into the water.
  • Add the lid. The lid is what keeps the herbs perfectly fresh! They keep without a lid, but longer with the lid on.
How to store fresh herbs
Herb saver vs large canning jars: the herb saver is best for cilantro and parsley, but either work

How long does this keep cilantro fresh?

This method for how to store cilantro varies based on the freshness of the herb when you buy it, the herb saver you use, and your fridge. The cilantro should stay fresh about 1 week using this method, or potentially even more. We recommend using it within the first week that you buy it, but you may find it lasts longer.

Best ways to store other herbs? See How to Store Basil, How to Store Parsley, How to Store Mint, or How to Store Fresh Herbs.

Cilantro recipes

What are you making with your cilantro? Let us know in the comments below. There’s a wide variety of recipes to make with this delicious herb. Here some top cilantro recipes:

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How to store cilantro

How to Store Cilantro


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 bunch 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 large glass jar with lid or herb saver

Instructions

  1. Find a very large canning jar or purchased herb saver. Make sure the jar is large enough that the cilantro stems won’t be squished or packed inside. Place a few inches of water inside (or up to the water line in the herb saver).
  2. Place the cilantro stems inside the jar, with the cut side in the water. (Cut off the ends if necessary to fit them in the jar.)
  3. Screw on the lid of the jar or add the top of the herb saver. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week (or more, if using the herb saver).
  • Category: Herbs
  • Method: Storage
  • Cuisine: Herbs
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: How to store cilantro, How to keep cilantro fresh

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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