Can You Freeze Cilantro?

Not only can you freeze cilantro, but it's pretty easy too. While it is very different in flavor, the preservation process is not unlike that of fresh mint leaves. In fact, you use pretty much the same techniques for both.

Want to learn all the ways you can freeze cilantro, including those delicious flavor bombs? Keep reading!

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Can You Freeze Cilantro?

Yes, you can freeze cilantro, easily. It can be frozen as whole stalks, chopped, or as ice cube flavor bombs; chopped cilantro frozen in pods of water, oil, butter, or homemade pesto.

Thawing is as simple as leaving a sprig on the counter while you cook or sticking it in the fridge for a few hours. You can use frozen cilantro in the same manner you would normally use it other than garnish. It will become soggy once defrosted so it's texture and visual appeal will suffer. It stays at peak freshness for 6 months but can keep for up to a year.

Cilantro is one of the best herbs to freeze. It will retain the majority of its flavor throughout being frozen and will only suffer in texture and how it looks. The best thing about it is the method of making frozen ice cube flavor bombs.

Freezing Stats

Blanched	yes, if whole; 15-30 seconds
Prep Style	minced in ice cubes chopped whole leaf
Time To Freeze	2 to 4 hours in most cases
Time to Thaw	N/A
Uses	anything you would normally use cilantro for except garnish
Freezer Life	best in first 6 months up to 12 months

Why should you freeze it?

Obviously, freezing cilantro will make sure it lasts much longer than if you were to leave it on the counter or in the fridge. As we mentioned already, the frozen flavor bombs will actually help you save time cooking later on. Just toss the appropriate amount of whatever seasoning you need in a flavor bomb cube and then add those to your recipe when cooking.

Frozen Vs Non-frozen

Freezer Life	Shelf Life/Fridge Life
6 to 12 months	3 to 4 days

Supplies

You are going to need the following supplies:

• fresh cilantro (from garden or store bought)
• cookie sheet (for flash freezing)
• blender or food processor (for chopping)
• ice cube trays (for mint cubes)
• Freezer bags
• Sharpie or marker
• Freezer
• knife
• vacuum sealer

How To Freeze Cilantro

As we mentioned above, we have several methods you can use to freeze cilantro. Each method will need you to start out doing the same couple of things. Before starting you should:

• wash your cilantro in a colander in the sink
• label all of your freezer bags with the contents, freeze date, and use by date
• gather any other supplies you will need while the cilantro dries completely

Without Blanching

Ice cubes aka Flavor Bombs

These are done pretty much the same way you freeze jam or freeze honey in ice cube trays.

1. After cleaning, place your cilantro, stalk and all, into a food processor with a bit of oil or water
2. Use the manual or pulse setting to chop everything up into small bit
3. Now, scoop about a tablespoon of the chopped cilantro into the reservoirs of an ice cube tray or...
   • use your chopped cilantro to make cilantro pesto.
4. Then fill the reservoirs with water, oil, butter, or pesto. Make sure to leave about ¼ of the pod empty to allow room for expansion.
5. Stick the trays in the freezer for about 2 to 4 hours so they can freeze.
6. Pop the cubes out of the tray and put them into a pre-labeled freezer bag for long term storage.

How to thaw: When you're ready to use your flavor bombs you can either put them directly into the dish you are preparing or leave in a small dish in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Need to get all your food preserved easily? Check out the Ultimate Guide To Freezing Food so that you can fill your freezer without in minimal time.

With Blanching

The following methods need to be blanched prior to preservation. Blanching is a very common step needed when freezing foods.

You can also blanch prior to making the flavor bombs above, but it is not necessary. If you have never done it before or you want a refresher, here is how to blanch cilantro.

1. Set a pot of water to boil on the stove
2. Fill a large mixing bowl with ice water
3. Place your cilantro in a colander that will fit in the pot of water
4. Once the pot of water is at a rolling boil lower the colander into the boiling water for 20-30 seconds.
5. After 20-30 seconds, take the cilantro out of the boiling water and immediately put it into the ice bath

Vacuum Seal

1. Trim the cilantro down into pieces that will easily fit into the vacuum bag.
2. Blanch according to the directions above
3. Pat dry the cilantro with paper towels. You want to make sure there is as little moisture as possible when sealing and freezing.
4. After dry, place the cilantro in the vacuum bag.
5. Follow the directions for your specific model of vacuum sealer
6. Once sealed, you can put the bags in the freezer where they will keep for up to a year

How to thaw: Follow the same thaw and use instructions from the Ice cube method above.

Flash Freezing

How to thaw: Follow the same thaw and use instructions from the Ice cube method above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the more common questions about freezing cilantro.

Q1. How long will it last?

Frozen cilantro will last in it's various frozen forms between 6 and 12 months. The first 6 months it will be the freshest with degrading quality over the remaining 6.

Q2. Can I refreeze it?

No, it is not recommended. Cilantro will not hold up very well and will suffer a steep decline in quality if refrozen.