Should you wash cilantro before eating it? A food safety essential

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley that are eaten without a “kill step” like cooking can carry harmful pathogens and should always be washed thoroughly. The answer to should you wash cilantro before eating it? is a definitive yes, making it a critical step for kitchen safety and nutrition.

Quick Summary

Yes, always wash fresh cilantro before eating to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Learn the proper submerged washing method and why drying it properly is important for storage.

Key Points

Always wash: Always wash fresh cilantro, even if it looks clean, to remove potential contaminants like bacteria, dirt, and pesticides.
Submerge and Swirl: The most effective washing method involves submerging cilantro in a bowl of cold water and swirling it gently to allow debris to settle.
Wash Right Before Use: For best freshness, wash cilantro just before you plan to use it, as storing wet herbs can cause premature spoilage.
Dry Thoroughly: Use a salad spinner or pat the leaves dry with a paper towel after washing, as excess moisture can speed up decay and mold growth.
Store Like Flowers: To prolong freshness, store dry cilantro stems-down in a jar of water in the refrigerator, covered loosely with a plastic bag.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Keep unwashed cilantro separate from other ready-to-eat foods to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Rinse Multiple Times: Repeat the soaking and rinsing process until the water is completely clear of sand and grit.

Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, citrusy flavor to countless dishes, from salsas and guacamole to tacos and curries. However, as an herb that is frequently consumed raw, it carries a higher risk of contamination from the field to your fork. Food safety experts universally agree that washing cilantro is not optional; it is a critical step to ensure your health and the quality of your food. Ignoring this simple step can expose you to harmful bacteria and chemical residues.

Why Washing Cilantro is Crucial for Your Health

Fresh herbs like cilantro grow close to the ground, where they can be exposed to a variety of contaminants. This makes them a potential vehicle for foodborne illness if not handled properly.

Potential Contaminants on Fresh Cilantro

Pathogenic Bacteria: Outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to contaminated leafy greens and herbs, with culprits such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. These can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, and washing significantly reduces the risk.
Parasites: The FDA has previously investigated outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which has been associated with fresh cilantro.
Pesticide Residues: Conventionally grown produce may have residues from pesticides and herbicides used during farming. While washing may not eliminate all residues, running water can remove a significant amount.
Dirt, Sand, and Debris: Cilantro can often be quite gritty, carrying soil and sand from the field. Washing removes these unappetizing particles, improving the overall taste and texture of your dish.

The Proper Method for Washing Cilantro

The best way to wash cilantro involves a few simple, but important, steps to ensure you remove as much dirt and bacteria as possible.

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

Preparation: Start with clean hands and a clean bowl. Remove any twist ties or rubber bands from the bunch.
Separate: Swish the bunch around in a large bowl of cold water, gently separating the sprigs with your hands. This allows the water to reach all the leaves and dislodge debris.
Soak and Settle: Let the cilantro sit in the bowl for a minute or two. The sand and dirt will settle to the bottom.
Lift and Drain: Gently lift the cilantro out of the bowl, leaving the dirty water behind. Place the bunch into a colander.
Repeat: Replace the water in the bowl and repeat the soaking and rinsing process until the water is completely clear of grit.
Dry Thoroughly: Excess moisture can cause cilantro to spoil faster in storage. Use a salad spinner or gently pat the leaves with a clean paper towel until they are dry.

Washing vs. Storing: A Critical Comparison

Timing your wash is key to both food safety and keeping your herbs fresh for as long as possible. The general rule is to wash fresh cilantro right before using it, but some people choose to prep it all at once.


Feature	Washing Before Use	Washing Before Storing
Shelf Life	Extended. Storing unwashed herbs dry helps prevent premature spoilage.	Decreased. Trapped moisture can cause mold and sliminess, even with thorough drying.
Contamination	Minimizes risk by removing contaminants right before consumption.	Carries risk of moisture-induced bacterial growth if not dried completely.
Convenience	Requires washing each time you need herbs, which takes a few extra minutes.	Herbs are ready-to-use instantly, but proper drying is crucial.
Reviving Wilted Herbs	Allows for revitalizing limp leaves in an ice bath before washing and using.	Not recommended, as the moisture would cause further damage during storage.

How to Store Clean, Fresh Cilantro

After you've washed and dried your cilantro, proper storage will help it stay fresh longer. Here are a couple of popular methods:

The "Bouquet" Method: Trim the bottom of the stems and place the bunch in a glass jar with about an inch of fresh water, similar to flowers. Loosely cover the top with a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. Change the water every couple of days.
The Paper Towel Method: Wrap the clean, dry cilantro loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. This helps maintain a balance of moisture without becoming soggy. Ensure the container isn't sealed tightly, as some airflow is needed.

Nutritional Profile of Cilantro

While food safety is the primary reason to wash cilantro, the herb itself offers nutritional benefits. Though typically consumed in small amounts, cilantro is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and contains antioxidants. It may also aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory effects. By ensuring it's clean, you can enjoy these benefits without the risk of illness.

Conclusion: Don't Skip the Rinse

In conclusion, the practice of washing cilantro is a non-negotiable part of a responsible food safety routine. The potential for contamination with dirt, pesticides, and harmful bacteria far outweighs the small inconvenience of a proper rinse. By adopting the correct washing method and storing your herbs properly, you can enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of cilantro while protecting your health. Don't risk foodborne illness; always take the time to wash your herbs, whether you grew them yourself or bought them from the store.

For more information on safe food handling practices, consult the official guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Not washing cilantro can lead to consuming harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and parasites like Cyclospora, which can cause foodborne illness. You also risk ingesting dirt, sand, and pesticide residues.

No, the FDA and other food safety experts recommend against using soap or commercial produce washes. These products can be absorbed by the porous leaves and can make you sick. A thorough rinse under plain running water is sufficient.

You can't see all harmful bacteria, but a good indicator is repeating the soaking and rinsing process until the water is completely clear of dirt and sand. Drying the leaves thoroughly also helps ensure all contaminants are removed.

Not always. Some pre-cut and packaged produce is labeled "pre-washed" or "ready-to-eat." If it is, no further washing is necessary, but if not specified, you should wash it yourself. Check the label carefully.

For best results, dry the cilantro well and store it upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator, covered loosely with a plastic bag. Change the water regularly. Alternatively, store it wrapped in a damp paper towel in an airtight container.

Yes, if your cilantro is a bit limp, you can often revive it by submerging it in ice-cold water for about 30 seconds. However, if it has become slimy, it should be discarded.

Yes, both the leaves and stems of cilantro are edible. The stems offer a strong, concentrated cilantro flavor and are excellent for adding to sauces, broths, and curries, and they also need to be washed.

While some studies suggest a vinegar solution can be effective, simply washing with cold running water is generally sufficient and recommended by food safety authorities like the FDA. If you choose to use a solution, ensure it is diluted properly and rinsed off completely.