Best storage conditions

Store watercress cold at about 32 to 36 degrees F with very high humidity, around 95 to 100 percent, which is the coldest, moistest part of most refrigerators.

How long it keeps

Expect the best quality within a few days of picking, with a realistic window of up to about a week when kept consistently cold and hydrated.

Storage methods

Stand the bunch stems-down in a jar with an inch of water and drape a loose plastic bag over the leaves, refreshing the water every day or two. Alternatively, roll the sprigs in a damp paper towel, slip them into a perforated bag, and keep them in the crisper drawer.

Freezing & preserving

Watercress does not store long term with its raw texture intact. For freezing, blanch it briefly in boiling water, cool in ice water, drain, and pack into freezer bags; it will soften and is best reserved for cooked uses like soups and purees. Drying is not recommended because the flavor and texture fade badly. Watercress is a low-acid vegetable, so do not can it on its own in a water-bath canner; for any home canning use only tested USDA or NCHFP recipes, and remember that low-acid vegetables require pressure canning.

Tips

Wash watercress only just before you use it, then spin or shake it dry, since surface water speeds spoilage in storage. Wilted sprigs will often perk back up after a 10 to 15 minute soak in ice water.

General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.