Cilantro is one of the herbs most prone to wilting quickly after purchase. Left in its plastic bag, it typically lasts two to four days. The right container changes that equation dramatically — a simple jar of water in the refrigerator can stretch cilantro to two weeks. These five options cover every approach from a free DIY solution to purpose-built herb keepers.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Wide-Mouth Mason Jar 32 oz | DIY water method, zero waste | 4.9/5 |
| Prepara Herb Savor Pod | Dedicated herb keeper | 4.7/5 |
| OXO GreenSaver Herb Keeper | Carbon filter + water reservoir | 4.8/5 |
| Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver | General produce + cilantro | 4.5/5 |
| Fridge X Fresh Herb Pod | Compact, narrow door storage | 4.4/5 |
Ball Wide-Mouth Mason Jar 32 oz — Best Overall
The most effective cilantro storage method requires nothing more than a wide-mouth mason jar and an inch of water. Trim the stem ends, stand the bunch upright in the jar with the stems submerged, loosely cover the leaves with a small bag or the jar lid sitting lightly on top, and refrigerate. Change the water every two to three days. A 32-ounce wide-mouth jar is the right size for a standard grocery store bunch — the stems stay submerged without the leaves being packed too tightly. This method consistently outperforms purpose-built containers in longevity testing reported by home cooks and food writers. Cost is near zero if you already have a mason jar.
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Prepara Herb Savor Pod — Best Dedicated Herb Keeper
The Prepara Herb Savor is purpose-designed for storing fresh herbs upright in a small reservoir of water inside the refrigerator. The compact footprint fits in the door shelf or a small section of a shelf without taking up the space a full mason jar requires. The clear body lets you monitor water level and herb condition without opening the container. A tight-fitting cap over the top keeps the leaves contained without compressing them. It holds a standard bunch of cilantro comfortably and works equally well for parsley, basil on the counter, or chives. For cooks who regularly buy fresh herbs, this pod is a neat, organized solution.
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OXO GreenSaver Herb Keeper — Best Premium Option
The OXO GreenSaver adds an activated carbon filter to the standard herb keeper concept. The filter absorbs ethylene gas produced by neighboring produce in the refrigerator, which slows the deterioration process beyond what water submersion alone achieves. The water reservoir is generously sized and easy to fill without removing the herb. A lid with ventilation slots keeps the herbs in a slightly humid microclimate without trapping excessive moisture. For cooks who keep fresh herbs as a regular pantry staple and want maximum freshness without daily maintenance, this is the most complete solution available.
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Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver — Best Multi-Use Option
If you already own or plan to buy a Rubbermaid FreshWorks for general produce storage, it also extends cilantro freshness beyond a standard bag. Place the trimmed bunch horizontally on the elevated tray with a slightly damp paper towel wrapped loosely around the leaves. The ventilated lid maintains an optimal moisture balance. This is not the most effective method for cilantro specifically, but for households that buy multiple fresh herbs and produce regularly, the FreshWorks system consolidates storage into one container line rather than needing separate vessels for each item.
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Fridge X Fresh Herb Storage Pod — Best Compact Option
For small refrigerators or for keeping cilantro in the door shelf where height is limited, the Fridge X Fresh narrow pod fits where a mason jar or full herb keeper cannot. The slender cylindrical design holds a half-bunch of cilantro upright in a small water reservoir. The tight cap prevents the herbs from spilling when the door is opened. This is a secondary pick rather than the best overall, but for apartment kitchens where refrigerator door shelf space is the only available real estate for herb storage, it solves the space problem cleanly.
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How to Choose a Container for Cilantro
The water-submersion principle is the most effective regardless of which container you choose. Any container that holds the stems upright in water and keeps the leaves loosely covered will outperform a produce bag significantly. The decision between a mason jar and a purpose-built herb keeper is mostly about aesthetics and refrigerator organization. If you have a well-organized fridge with limited space, a compact herb pod is practical. If you buy cilantro frequently in standard bunches, a 32-ounce wide-mouth jar is the cost-free highest-performance option. Dedicated herb keepers with carbon filters add genuine value for cooks who keep multiple fresh herbs on hand and want a consolidated system.
For more kitchen storage tips, see our articles on best produce storage bags and best ways to store fresh herbs. Our methodology explains how we evaluate kitchen organization and storage products.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to store cilantro to keep it fresh?+
Trim the stems and place cilantro upright in a jar or glass with an inch of water covering the stem ends, like flowers in a vase. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag or the container's lid. Store in the refrigerator. Change the water every two to three days. This method keeps cilantro fresh for 10 to 14 days, far longer than storing it loosely in a produce bag.
Can you store cilantro at room temperature?+
Yes, for short-term use. A bunch of cilantro in a glass of water on the counter stays fresh for 3 to 5 days if kept away from direct sun and heat. Room temperature is suitable when you plan to use the cilantro within a few days. For anything beyond that, refrigerator storage in a water container extends freshness significantly. Avoid placing cilantro near ethylene-producing fruits like bananas or apples, which accelerate wilting.