Produce
How long does cilantro last in the fridge?
USDA gives cilantro 2–3 weeks in the fridge — further than most bunches manage, so stand the stems in water and trust the leaves over the number.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry | 1–2 weeks |
|---|---|
| Fridge | 2–3 weeks |
Can you freeze fresh herbs? FREEZES, BUT… →
Can it sit out?
Cilantro is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.
How to tell if cilantro has gone bad
- Leaves gone dark and translucent, collapsing on themselves
- A black slimy mass at the core of the bunch
- Yellowing through most of the leaves
- A rank, sulfurous smell when the bag opens
When in doubt, throw it out.
Stems in a jar of water with a bag tented over the leaves is the setup that gets anywhere near the published window.
Quick answers
How long does cilantro last in the fridge?
USDA gives cilantro 2–3 weeks in the fridge — further than most bunches manage, so stand the stems in water and trust the leaves over the number.
Can you freeze cilantro?
Freeze soft herbs in oil cubes and they season everything you cook — they thaw dark and limp, so the garnish days are over.
How long can cilantro sit out?
Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for cilantro — storage time is.