1wide-mouth mason jar8 ounces or larger, or drinking glass
1gallon-size plastic bag
1rubber band
1-2incheswater
Method 2: Paper Towel & Bag or Airtight Container
1-2paper towel sheetsor a lightweight cloth towel, like a flour sack
1gallon-size bagor airtight container (large enough to fit the rolled up cilantro)
Instructions
Method 1: Glass of Water
Fill a mason jar or drinking glass a 1/4 the way full with water (about an inch of water). Place unwashed cilantro, stems down, in the water (like a bouquet of flowers). The base of the stems should sit in the water.
Place a Ziploc bag (or a reusable silicone bag) over the cilantro leaves. Secure the bag at the mouth of the glass jar with a rubber band. Store the cilantro in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life: Cilantro will keep for about 2-3 weeks this way. Change the water as needed. This easy trick is my favorite of the different methods.
Method 2: Paper Towel & Bag or Airtight Container
Place 1-2 layers of paper towel on the kitchen counter (or use a lightweight cloth towel, like a flour sack). Add the unwashed cilantro in a single layer over the top of the paper towel. Roll up the cilantro in the paper towel.
Place the rolled up cilantro in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store in the fridge. If you have a large bunch of cilantro, you may need to separate the bunch into two portions and use multiple paper towels.
Shelf Life: Cilantro will keep for about 2 weeks this way. Change the paper towel if it becomes too wet.
Video
Notes
Storage Tips: USE A REUSABLE PRODUCE SAVER INSTEAD - If you don't want to use a plastic bag to cover the cilantro, the next best option is to buy a reusable produce saver. The produce saver works just like the mason jar and bag method.NEVER WASH BEFORE STORING - The excess moisture from washing before storing will cause the leaves to decay and rot prematurely. This results in slimy, brown leaves. Slime will quickly spread from one leaf to another.STORE THE WHOLE CILANTRO BUNCH - Both storage methods store the cilantro in its whole form, as it lasts the longest this way. When you're ready to use the cilantro, grab the amount needed, then wash, dry, and chop.