How to Tell If Cilantro Is Bad
Quick answer
Bad cilantro turns slimy, dark, and wet, with a sour or rotten smell. A few yellow leaves or a bit of wilting are fine to pick out, but slime means toss the bunch.
Signs Cilantro has gone bad
- Slimy, slick leaves. Delicate leaves turn slippery when they rot. Discard the bunch if the sliminess isn’t limited to a leaf or two.
- Black, mushy leaves and stems. Leaves that go dark green to black and collapse into mush are decayed. Pick them out and check the rest.
- Sour or rotten smell. Cilantro has a bright, citrusy smell. A musty, fermented, or sour smell means it has gone bad.
- Wet, water-soaked stems. Stems that look translucent and feel slimy at the base are rotting. Trim if only the very ends, but toss if it’s well up the stem.
- Mold or white fuzz. Fuzz in the crowded center of a bunch means mold. Toss the entire bunch.
- Mostly yellow, limp leaves. Widespread yellowing means it’s very old. A few yellow leaves can be picked off, but when most are yellow, it’s past its best and could be on the verge of rot.
Looks weird, but it's fine
- Some wilting. Wilted but still green and fresh-smelling cilantro is usable. Trim the stems and put them in water to perk up.
- A few yellow leaves. Pick them off. The rest of the bunch can still be good.
- Tender stems. Stems have a lot of flavor and are fine to chop and use along with the leaves.
How long does Cilantro last?
| Where | How long | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 1–2 weeks | stems in water, loosely covered |
| Fridge | 3–5 days | in a bag, unwashed |
| Freezer | 6 months | chopped, in oil or water cubes |
How to store it
- Trim the stem ends, stand the bunch in a jar with an inch of water, and cover loosely with a bag in the fridge. Change the water every couple of days.
- Don’t wash until you’re ready to use it. Excess moisture speeds up rot.
- Chop extras and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil.
Use it up before it turns
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat wilted cilantro?
Yes, if it’s still green and smells fresh and isn’t slimy. Cooking it or soaking it in cold water can help.
Why is my cilantro turning black?
Black leaves mean it’s rotting, usually from trapped moisture. Pick out dark leaves, and if the bunch is slimy or smells off, toss it.
Is yellow cilantro safe to eat?
Yellowing is a sign of age. A few yellow leaves are fine to remove, but if the bunch is mostly yellow and limp, it won’t taste good and is worth discarding.
More food freshness guides
General guidance based on USDA FoodKeeper. Storage times are estimates and conditions vary. When in doubt, throw it out.