How to store cilantro in the fridge or freezer

• If not stored properly, fresh cilantro has a tendency to wilt and spoil quickly.
• The jar method will keep cilantro fresh for two to three weeks if the water is changed regularly.

While usually not the star of the plate, fresh cilantro adds something special to a wide range of dishes. "Cilantro is a leafy green herb used to add flavor to dishes of all kinds from flavoring guacamole to rice, sauces, and meats. It's also often added at the end of cooking as a fresh garnish," says Patty Catalano, a professional recipe writer and tester.

The versatile, bright green herb has crunchy stems and delicate leaves, making it prone to wilting and drying out if you don't store it properly. "Once cilantro wilts, it doesn't really perk up again," says Sophie Pennes, founder of Urban Farms LA, so proper storage is key to getting the most out of the flavorful herb. Check out our favorite products to keep produce fresh, from herbs to ripe fruit.

Pennes notes that if you want the longest-lasting cilantro, start with freshly picked. She recommends purchasing cilantro as close to the date you'll need it as possible.

Here's how to store cilantro

In a jar

One method that will help your fresh herbs last as long as possible is the jar method. After purchasing cilantro, Catalano recommends picking through the stems and discarding any bruised, blackened, or bent stems. This will help keep the rest of the bunch fresh. Trim the bottom half-inch of the stems using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to help them more readily soak up water.

Fill a mason jar or small glass with about an inch of water and stick the cilantro in so that the stems are submerged in water and the leaves are sticking out of the top like a bouquet. Place a clean plastic or zip-top bag over the top creating a makeshift terrarium and transfer to the fridge.

Fresh cilantro can last for two to three weeks using this method, especially if you change out the water every few days. Catalano notes that while the jar method is effective, "it takes up a lot of space in the fridge and I'm always fearful of tipping over the open jar of water."

In a plastic bag or container

If you don't have the space for a jar of water in the fridge, you can also store cilantro in a bag or container. "An airtight container in the fridge is my go-to," says Pennes.

Again, start by picking through the stems and removing any that are discolored or wilted. Trim the bottom half-inch of the stems and wrap them in a damp paper towel, leaving the leaves bare. Transfer into a zip-top bag or airtight container, and seal. Place in the crisper and check the paper towel every few days, rewetting if it becomes dry. Stored this way, cilantro can last at least two weeks.

While washing the herb just before using will help it last the longest, Catalano says she washes hers before storing it since it's more convenient and easier to grab while cooking. Catalano recommends rinsing with cold water and shaking off as much moisture as possible. After wrapping the stems in a damp towel, she loosely wraps the leaves in a dry towel before sealing them in a bag.

Quick tip: While you will sometimes find dried cilantro leaves in the spice section, Pennes doesn't recommend drying the herb at home as it tends to "just fall apart." Cilantro also loses most of its flavor as it dries, and is much better used fresh.

In the freezer

For even longer storage, try freezing fresh cilantro. Lay clean, dry stems out on a lined baking sheet and freeze. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and store for up to a month.

Pennes points out that another effective method for freezing cilantro is to "create little cilantro ice cubes." Chop the leaves and stems and add them to an ice cube tray. Top with water or olive oil and freeze before transferring them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to a month.

When frozen, cilantro will lose its texture and some of its bright color, but the flavor will remain largely intact. However, avoid using it as a fresh garnish, and instead add it to already cooked foods. Pennes notes that frozen cilantro is especially great for soups and sauces.

Insider's takeaway

Instead of tossing fresh cilantro straight from the shopping bag into the crisper, take a few minutes to store it properly and it'll last for weeks. Discard any bad pieces and trim the stems. Either submerge the stems in a jar of water and cover the top with a plastic bag or wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and transfer the cilantro to a container. Freezing cilantro will prolong its flavor but will cause the tender leaves to wilt and lose their texture.