Ever wondered, Can You Freeze Cilantro? If you’ve got leftover cilantro, freezing is a great way to keep it fresh! As a busy mom, I hate wasting herbs, so freezing them helps save time and reduce waste. In this post, I’ll show you how to freeze cilantro while keeping its vibrant flavor and aroma intact. Whether you chop it up or freeze it in ice cube trays with a little olive oil, you’ll always have cilantro ready for those last-minute meals!

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Can You Freeze Cilantro?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro to preserve its fresh flavor for future use. While cilantro, or the coriander plant, is known for its bright taste, it tends to wilt quickly if not stored properly. Freezing cilantro is a great way to extend its shelf life and reduce food waste.
How To Freeze Fresh Cilantro
Prep the Cilantro Leaves
Start by washing the fresh cilantro thoroughly in cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat it dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Excess water can cause ice crystals to form, which may affect the texture of the cilantro when thawed.

Choose a Freezing Method
Ice Cube Tray Method: Chop the cilantro finely and place it in an ice cube tray. Cover with olive oil or water and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cilantro cubes into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. This method works well for soups, stews, and sauces, where you can drop a cube directly into the dish.
Whole or Chopped Cilantro: Lay the chopped cilantro on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel, spreading it out to prevent clumping. Flash-freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. For whole leaves, store cilantro in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to maintain its fresh flavor.
Tips For Freezing Cilantro
Freeze Fresh Cilantro Quickly: Freezing cilantro immediately after buying or harvesting from the coriander plant will help maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Use Olive Oil: Adding olive oil when freezing cilantro in an ice cube trays helps preserve the herbs’ bright taste and prevents freezer burn.
Avoid Freezing Dried Cilantro: While freezing works well for fresh cilantro, dried cilantro should be stored in a cool, dark place rather than frozen.

How To Use Frozen Cilantro
Frozen cilantro is versatile and can be easily incorporated into many dishes. While it may not have the exact same texture as fresh cilantro, it still brings a burst of flavor to your cooking. Simply take out the desired amount of frozen cilantro and add it directly to your dish without thawing.
Add frozen cilantro cubes to soups or stews for a fresh flavor boost.
Mix frozen cilantro into homemade salsa or pico de gallo for added color and taste.
Use in curries or stir-fries where cilantro is cooked into the dish.
Blend into smoothies or sauces for a vibrant green hue and flavor.
Sprinkle over roasted vegetables or meats as a finishing touch during cooking.

How to Use Cilantro and Olive Oil in Your Recipes
Cilantro and olive oil make a fresh, flavorful combo. Blend them into a paste to use as a marinade, drizzle on veggies, or as a salad dressing base. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays to use later in soups, stews, or sauces. You can also sauté it with garlic and onions for stir-fries or pasta. These frozen cubes are an easy way to add a herby boost to your dishes anytime!
Can You Freeze Fresh Cilantro For Longer Periods?
Yes, you can freeze fresh cilantro for up to 6 months. However, for the best flavor, it’s recommended to use it within 3 months.
Can You Keep Cilantro Fresh In The Fridge?
Yes, you can keep cilantro fresh in the fridge. Place the cilantro stems in a jar with a little water, like a bouquet. Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and store it in the fridge. This can keep the cilantro fresh for up to two weeks.
FAQ’S
Freezing cilantro can slightly alter its texture, but it generally retains its fresh flavor, especially if frozen with olive oil.
A vacuum-sealed plastic bag or zip-top freezer bag makes an effective storage container for frozen cilantro. Keep your freezer temperature at zero degrees Fahrenheit for the best results. Store frozen cilantro for up to six months before defrosting and using it in a recipe.
This freezing method creates small cubes, ideal for popping into soups or stews to add a burst of cilantro’s unique, fresh flavor.
For long-term storage, tender herbs like mint, parsley, and cilantro can be removed from their stems and frozen in ice cubes trays. Pack the ice cube trays with chopped or whole-leaf herbs, cover them with water and pop them into the freezer.
Enjoy Freezing Cilantro!
Freezing cilantro is a simple and effective way to keep this fresh herb on hand for all your culinary needs. Whether you’re preparing pico de gallo, soups, or sauces, frozen cilantro can help you enjoy its vibrant taste year-round!