HOW TO STORE CILANTRO to make it last for weeks! This easy trick shows how to keep cilantro fresh in water in your refrigerator to last for 3 weeks! It’s the perfect way to store cilantro for a long time!
I’m back with another tip to help your vegetables last longer! Remember how I shared my tip on how to store lettuce to keep it fresh for a month? Or how about the best ways to store bananas? Well this trick will keep your cilantro fresh for weeks!
Storing Cilantro
Cilantro – are you one of those people that love it or hate it? I love it! But my issue with cilantro is that it never seems to last long enough to use it all. Often recipes only call for a small amount of cilantro, and it’s hard to find things to do with a whole bunch of it! With this tip you’ll no longer have to let your cilantro go to waste!
You guys know I don’t like to waste anything we grow. I’ve showed you how to make tomato powder out of tomato skins, and how to make mint tea, but now I wanted to show you my trick on how to how to store cilantro to make it last longer!
How to Store Cilantro
This technique keeps your cilantro fresh for at least 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.
First, cut your cilantro stems down a little bit, about 2 inches from the base of the stems. Then fill a glass jar about 3/4 of the way up with water. Insert your cilantro in the glass jars.
Next put a plastic baggie on top of the cilantro and rubber band it to the jar so it’s secure. Put into your refrigerator. Replace your water as it turns brown, usually every couple days.
Whenever you need some cilantro, just take it out the jar and use accordingly. Then place it back in the refrigerator.
This is our cilantro at 2 weeks old, it still looks pretty great to me!
This is my go to most trusted way to keep cilantro fresh!
Can you freeze cilantro?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cilantro in ice cube trays. Just throw your cilantro in a food processor with a couple tablespoons of water to turn into a puree, then transfer to ice cube trays and freeze. When you need some cilantro, just pop it out, defrost and use. I use frozen cilantro in fresh salsa and soups and it tastes great!
Cilantro Recipes
You can use cilantro in lots of dishes, ranging from salsa, to casseroles to soups. Many people think of it as a garnish but you can also use it to really bring out the taste of a meal!
Looking for recipes that use cilantro? Try my:
Leftover Cilantro Lime Rice
Cheesy Chicken Tomatillo Casserole
Corn and Tomato Rice Salad
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Enchilada Taco Casserole
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Looking for other herb tips? Check out my instructions on how to dry herbs indoors!
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How to Store Cilantro To Make It Last For Weeks
PrintIngredients
- cilantro
Instructions
- First, cut your cilantro stems down a little bit, about 2 inches from the base of the stems. Then fill a glass jar about 3/4 of the way up with water. Insert your cilantro in the glass jars.
- Next put a plastic baggie on top of the cilantro and rubber band it to the jar so it’s secure. Put into your refrigerator. Replace your water as it turns brown, usually every couple days.
- Whenever you need some cilantro, just take it out the jar and use accordingly. Then place it back in the refrigerator.
Notes
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cilantro in ice cube trays. Just throw your cilantro in a food processor with a couple tablespoons of water to turn into a puree, then transfer to ice cube trays and freeze. When you need some cilantro, just pop it out, defrost and use. I use frozen cilantro in fresh salsa and soups and it tastes great!
Nicola says
I immediately prepared a bunch as per your suggestion. The ziplock bag has a slider, so I did not even need elastic. I totally trust that this will keep the cilantro fresh for a few weeks. A bunch I get from a supermarket, imported from Morocco, lasts about a week in the fridge (much longer than those small 15g containers!). So it could easily last for three weeks now. I LOVE cilantro, like you. My love affair with cilantro began some 35 years ago in South Africa, where it is also called dhaniya. (inspired by Cape Malay and Indian cooking, which is very popular). Thanks for taking the time to share your tip!
Jill says
I tried this with great success! Thank you so much. Would this also work for parsley? I don’t want it dried.
Pamela says
Yes, it works the same way! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Alex says
This works great. I got a sad-looking bunch of cilantro to last almost 3 weeks. it’s the only way I’ll store cilantro from now on.
Judith Hernandez says
I am anxious to try your tip for storing lettuce. Mine always starts to go bad in a few days. I have always washed the lettuce and let it dry somewhat then put in a plastic ziplock bag. should the lettuce be washed before wrapping it in foil?
Pamela says
Hey Judith, nope – don’t wash it! This will shorten the keep time. Instead just wash it as you remove and use it. Hope this helps! 🙂
Lynn Tucker says
I tried this, but not using a rubber band, just putting the bag over it. It does work well, I am guessing securing the bottom helps it even more. Great method and I will have to try the lettuce one you posted as well.
Pamela says
Glad to hear this trick worked for you too Lynn! Thanks for commenting!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
What good advice! My cilantro always ‘conks out’ after a few days in the fridge and therefore costs me more money to buy another bunch. I’ll try your advice now- thanks!