{"id":294,"date":"2020-07-04T18:53:46","date_gmt":"2020-07-04T18:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/?p=294"},"modified":"2020-12-21T18:44:04","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T18:44:04","slug":"freeze-cilantro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/freeze-cilantro\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Freeze Cilantro"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What dish does cilantro make you think of? It might be the Californian in me, but I immediately dream of a plate of street tacos topped with this flavorful herb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While cilantro is my go-to garnish for tacos and a key ingredient in homemade pico de gallo, over the years it\u2019s become a favorite for all kinds of dishes. I use it to top salads, mix it into rice, add it to spring rolls, eggs, shrimp dishes, homemade hummus, pesto, the list goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of its versatility, I almost always have cilantro on hand, but as you all know it wilts after a few days in the fridge. So how do you preserve cilantro longer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"cilantro<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can You Freeze Cilantro?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can freeze cilantro! Frozen cilantro works well if you\u2019d like to add the flavor to cooked or blended dishes like soups, smoothies, or chutneys. It does not work well as a garnish, so make sure you buy fresh cilantro if you\u2019d like to use it to top a dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Freeze Cilantro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prepping Your Cilantro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before freezing your cilantro, rinse your cilantro with water and then pat it dry with paper towels making sure it’s clean and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"washed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s especially important that the cilantro is dry if you\u2019re using the freezer bag method, as you don\u2019t want ice crystals to stick to the leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"drying<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Method 1: Ice Cube Trays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Preserving cilantro in frozen water or oil helps to keep its green color. You can freeze it in measurements you typically use (like a tablespoon) and quickly add it to your dish. Cilantro ice cubes should be added near the end of cooking so that you don\u2019t overcook the herb and lose its flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"blended<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
  1. Chop up cilantro or blend it in a food processor.<\/li>
  2. Add water or olive oil to create a puree. The exact proportion is up to you, but the puree should be thick. I tend to use 1.2 parts cilantro to 1 part liquid. Or in other words 90g cilantro and 70g of oil.<\/li>
  3. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze.\u00a0<\/li>
  4. Transfer cilantro cubes to a freezer bag and label with the date.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"cubes<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Cilantro frozen in water is a great addition to soups, stews, and other cooked dishes that don’t require oil. Cilantro frozen in olive oil can be used to roast vegetables or potatoes and in dressings and sauces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Method 2: Freezer Bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"cilantro<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019d rather keep the leave intact or don\u2019t want to spend the extra time chopping and freezing the cilantro, you can simply store it in a freezer bag. When cilantro is frozen like this, it loses its bright green color \u2014 don\u2019t be alarmed if it turns a dull green. It will still maintain its flavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Place clean and dry cilantro in an airtight freezer bag. You can separate the leaves from the stems if you only use the leaves when cooking.<\/li>
    2. Squeeze out the air and seal.<\/li>
    3. Place in the freezer and label with the date.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Using Frozen Cilantro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Frozen cilantro maintains its flavor fairly well, but it won\u2019t maintain its fresh, crisp texture. When cooking with frozen cilantro, keep these things in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n