Can You Freeze Cilantro?
Yes - and there are multiple ways to do it.
Cilantro is a great herb to use in multiple recipes and flavor profiles. But what do you do when you have extra cilantro left? Freeze it, of course.
Cilantro can be frozen for later use, but there can be some differences that occur due to freezing your cilantro.
“There will be a color change of this fresh product, as the bright green pigment, chlorophyll, will turn to a darker, more muted green color,” registered dietitian Genny Komar tells Southern Living. “Most importantly though, the great cilantro flavor will still be there.”
Here’s everything to know about freezing cilantro for future use, including steps to prepare it for the freezer and how it can be used.
Meet Our Expert
Genny Komar, MS, RDn, LD., Registered Dietitian & Assistant Professor, College of Food, Innovation & Technology, Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte Campus
Can You Freeze Cilantro?
Yes, cilantro can be easily frozen and used in future recipes. The first – and most important – step is making sure you have prepped the cilantro properly for the freezer.
How To Freeze Cilantro
The first and most basic step is to make sure the cilantro is clean. “Like with any fresh produce, wash the cilantro in clean water to remove any dirt or sand, and keep doing this until the water runs clear,” Komar advises.
Once the herb has been thoroughly rinsed, separate the individual stems, and lay them flat on a dry towel or a couple paper towels. “Try to keep them separate and not overlapping,” Komar says.
When the cilantro stems are laid out, allow them to air dry or gently pat dry with another towel or paper towel, making sure there is no water remaining on the herb.
Once the leaves have been removed, there are two options to freeze: whole leaves or chopped.
Think about the most common preparations you use cilantro for and store them accordingly,” Komar says.
How To Freeze Whole Cilantro
Once the cilantro has been dried, take the stems and place in a freezer container, such as a silicone reusable bag or a plastic sealed container. The cilantro can be stored this way for up to a month in the freezer.
How To Freeze Chopped Cilantro
The more convenient – and most compact – way of storing cilantro is to chop the leaves, portion them into ice cube trays, and then add either water, stock, or olive oil to fill the remaining space in the trays.
“Freezing them in cubes allows for quick use in sauces or food preparation, and ease of use as they are already chopped,” Komar says.
Related: How To Store Cilantro
How To Use Frozen Cilantro
Frozen cilantro can be used almost exactly like fresh cilantro, especially when stored whole in the freezer. Frozen cilantro is great in freshly made salsas, sauces, soups, stews and curries.
"There is little need to wait for the cilantro to thaw, as it can be cut or plucked or used whole from frozen," Komar says.
If cilantro is frozen chopped using the ice cube tray method, it may require some thawing if used in fresh, uncooked preparations. Both versions can be used in hot cooking methods almost immediately out of the refrigerator.
"The only caution would be to observe the color of the herb, and if it is not a desirable color prior to cooking or use, be cautious in using it as it may lend an unfavorable visual appeal if it is a main focus in a recipe," Komar says.
Related: 30 Cilantro Recipes That Are Fresh, Fast, And Full Of Flavor
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