Cilantro keeps 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, but freezing damages it
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 2-3 weeks
Store cilantro in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, because the FDA lists herbs among the perishable produce to refrigerate.
Watch out USDA FoodKeeper's freezer tip says freeze damage will appear, so don't count on the freezer.
Cilantro lasts 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Store it in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, because the FDA lists herbs among the perishable produce to refrigerate. FoodKeeper's freezer tip for cilantro says freeze damage will appear.
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Cilantro lasts 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Freezing isn’t a good option, because FoodKeeper’s freezer tip for cilantro says freeze damage will appear.
Cilantro is a fresh herb. The FDA lists herbs among the perishable produce to keep in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Dried herbs follow different rules and keep much longer.
How to store cilantro
Store fresh cilantro in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA’s guidance on selecting and serving produce safely names herbs, along with strawberries, lettuce, and mushrooms, as perishable produce that belongs there.
How to keep cilantro fresh
Keep cilantro in the fridge and use it within 2 to 3 weeks, the time USDA FoodKeeper gives for cilantro. Start with cilantro that isn’t bruised or damaged, and cut away any damaged or bruised areas before you prepare it.
How to store cut or packaged cilantro
Refrigerate all cilantro that you buy pre-cut or packaged. When you shop, choose only pre-cut, bagged, or packaged cilantro that is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How long does cilantro last in the fridge?
Cilantro lasts 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. FoodKeeper gives no freezer time for cilantro and warns of freeze damage instead.
| Cilantro | How long it lasts |
|---|---|
| Fresh cilantro in the fridge | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Fresh cilantro in the freezer | Freeze damage will appear |
| Dried herbs in the pantry, from the date of purchase | 1 to 2 years |
| Dried herbs in the pantry, after opening | 1 to 2 years |
How does cilantro compare with other herbs?
Cilantro keeps longer in the fridge than FoodKeeper’s general entry for herbs, which gives 7 to 10 days in the fridge and 1 to 2 months in the freezer. Cilantro has its own entry, so use its 2 to 3 weeks and its freeze damage warning instead of the general times.
How long do dried herbs last?
Dried herbs keep 1 to 2 years in the pantry, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That time is the same from the date of purchase and after you open them.
Fresh cilantro follows the fridge time above, not the pantry time.
Can you freeze cilantro?
Freezing cilantro damages it, because USDA FoodKeeper’s freezer tip for cilantro says freeze damage will appear. FoodKeeper gives cilantro a refrigerator time of 2 to 3 weeks and no freezer time.
Cilantro belongs in the fridge. If you freeze it anyway, expect that freeze damage.
How to wash cilantro
Wash cilantro thoroughly under plain running water before you prepare or eat it, gently rubbing it as you go. Then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables advise.
Wash it before you cut it, too. That way cutting doesn’t carry dirt and bacteria from the surface into the cilantro.
How to tell if cilantro is bad
Cilantro that looks rotten is bad, so throw it away. If only part of it is damaged or bruised, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does cilantro need to be refrigerated?
Yes. The FDA lists herbs among the perishable fresh produce to store in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Do you need soap to wash cilantro?
No. Plain running water is enough. The FDA doesn't recommend soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Does washing cilantro remove all the bacteria?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn't eliminate them. Drying the cilantro with a clean cloth or paper towel reduces them further.
Does opening dried herbs change how long they last?
No. USDA FoodKeeper gives dried herbs 1 to 2 years in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1 to 2 years after opening.
