How Long Does Parsley Last?
Fresh parsley lasts 1–2 weeks in the fridge, best kept with its stems in a jar of water and a loose bag over the top. Chopped parsley keeps 2–3 days, and frozen parsley 4–6 months.
Parsley — fresh
shelf life- Cut: 2–3 days in the fridge
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below · freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; frozen food stays safe longer.
Parsley, whether flat-leaf or curly, is one of the hardiest of the tender herbs. It is a cool-weather plant, so unlike basil it is happy at refrigerator temperature, and its sturdy leaves lose water slowly. Curly parsley usually outlasts flat-leaf by a few days. What finishes a bunch off is trapped moisture, which turns the leaves yellow and then slimy.
How to store parsley
- Snip half an inch off the stems, stand the bunch in a jar with a little water, tent it loosely with a plastic bag and keep it on a fridge shelf. Refresh the water every few days.
- For crisper-drawer storage, wrap the dry bunch in a barely damp paper towel and slip it into an open or perforated bag.
- Revive limp parsley by soaking it in a bowl of ice water for 10–15 minutes; the leaves rehydrate and crisp up.
- Dry washed parsley thoroughly in a salad spinner before chopping. Wet parsley bruises into a dark paste and spoils within a day.
- Freeze chopped parsley flat in a freezer bag so you can break off pieces; it works well in soups, stocks and sauces but not as a fresh garnish.
How to tell if parsley has gone bad
- Leaves fading from deep green to yellow or brown, with little scent left when rubbed.
- Soft, dark, slimy patches, particularly in the center of the bunch where it was tied.
- A sour or compost-like smell, or stems that have turned mushy at the cut end.
- White or gray fuzzy mold anywhere on the bunch.
Bacteria that cause food poisoning usually do not change the look, smell or taste of food. Go by the time limits first, and the signs above second.
Parsley shelf life chart
| State | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | 1–2 weeks | 4–6 months | Not recommended |
| In a jar of water on the counter it holds only 2–3 days before wilting and yellowing. | |||
| Cut | 2–3 days | 4–6 months | Not safe |
Not safe = perishable: no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Not recommended = possible, but quality suffers or it serves no purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Does parsley last longer in water or in a bag?
Parsley usually lasts longest in a jar of water in the fridge with a loose bag over the leaves, often a full 2 weeks. Wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel inside a bag, expect 7–10 days. Left in the thin store bag with the twist tie on, it may yellow within 5 days.
Is yellow parsley OK to eat?
Yellowed parsley is not harmful, but it tastes flat and slightly bitter, so pick those leaves off and use the green ones. Yellowing is simply chlorophyll breaking down with age. Discard parsley that has gone slimy, moldy or sour-smelling, since that is decay rather than aging.
Can you freeze fresh parsley?
Yes. Parsley freezes better than most tender herbs and keeps good flavor for 4–6 months. Wash, dry thoroughly, chop, and freeze flat in a bag or in ice cube trays with water or oil. It thaws limp, so add it directly to hot dishes rather than using it raw.
How long does chopped parsley last?
Chopped parsley keeps 2–3 days in the fridge in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Cutting breaks the cell walls, so it darkens and loses aroma quickly. Tabbouleh and other parsley salads with dressing should be eaten within 3–4 days and not left out for more than 2 hours.
Related foods
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro Fresh |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
| Fresh Dill Fresh |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
| Fresh Basil Fresh |
3–5 days | 4–6 months | 7–10 days |
| Fresh Mint Fresh |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
| Green Onions Whole |
7–10 days | 3–4 months | Not recommended |
| Lemons Whole |
3–6 weeks | 3–4 months | 1 week |
More fresh herbs: Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme.
Reviewed 2026-09-20. Times follow published USDA FoodKeeper / FSIS, FDA and CDC storage guidance; where sources differ we use the shorter time. How we compile this data.