Can You Freeze Cilantro?

Cilantro can be a controversial herb. It seems to stir up strong feelings as people either love it or hate it, but for many it is an essential ingredient in foods such as guacamole. Whether it's to watch the game or for a summer picnic, guacamole is an essential. So how do you prevent your cilantro from spoiling, so it's always available when you're craving some guac? Freeze it.

Cilantro is not a cooking herb, but rather a flavor you add on at the end to finish your culinary creation (via The Kitchn). Unfortunately, unlike many herbs, you cannot preserve it by drying.

How the cilantro is going to be used is the first consideration when deciding the best freezing method. Are you going to use it as an ingredient in cooking, such as in a sauce or guacamole, or in a soup or stew?

Whichever way you plan to use it, The Spruce Eats has come up with a method to help you freeze it. To begin, the cilantro should be clean and dry. They suggest using a salad spinner and then drying it by placing the cilantro in layers of paper towels. Use your hands to lightly press the towels, helping them to absorb any water left after spinning.

Okay, now that the cilantro is ready, let the freezing process begin.

If you plan to use the cilantro to flavor a sauce or make guacamole, you will want it as close to fresh as possible. Remove the leaves from the cilantro and put them in a double freezer bag. Use your hands to press the bag to get out as much air as possible before pressing the seal to close it. Congratulations, you have frozen cilantro! When you want to use the cilantro, remember that the freezing process causes it to lose much of the color so it won't look as green as fresh cilantro.

Cilantro to be used in soup or stews can be frozen in small cubes. An ice cube tray works great for this. Use a food processor or blender to puree the cilantro. Make sure to use water or olive oil to give it some moisture. Pour the puree into the squares of the ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Once the cilantro is frozen, place it in a covered container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. The frozen squares will last for up to six months.