Introduction

Cilantro is a popular herb that adds a burst of flavor and freshness to a variety of dishes, from salsas to soups. When you have an abundance of cilantro, freezing it is an excellent way to preserve the herb’s crisp taste and bright green color. With these five methods, you can easily retain the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro for later use.

1. Whole Leaves Method

One of the simplest ways to freeze cilantro is by preserving its whole leaves. To do this:

– Rinse your fresh cilantro and gently pat it dry with a paper towel.

– Separate the leaves from the stems.

– Spread the leaves out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

– Place the baking sheet in the freezer for several hours or until the leaves are frozen solid.

– Transfer the frozen leaves into a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

– Label and date the container, then store it in your freezer.

2. Chopped Leaves Method

If you prefer using chopped cilantro, follow these steps:

– Rinse and pat dry your fresh cilantro.

– Finely chop the leaves (you can also chop the stems if you desire).

– Spread the chopped cilantro on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

– Freeze until solid before transferring it to an airtight container or resealable bag.

– Label, date, and store in your freezer.

3. Ice Cube Method

The ice cube method ensures perfectly portioned cilantro for recipes that call for smaller amounts:

– Prepare your fresh cilantro by rinsing, drying and chopping it into fine pieces.

– Fill each compartment of an ice cube tray with equal amounts of chopped cilantro.

– Top off each section with water or olive oil, covering all the cilantro.

– Freeze the tray until solid, then pop out the cilantro cubes and store them in a resealable bag or airtight container.

– Label, date, and store in your freezer.

4. Pesto Method

Transform your fresh cilantro into pesto:

– Combine 2 cups of packed cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves and 1/2 cup olive oil in a food processor or blender.

– Blend until smooth.

– Divide the pesto into small portions (use an ice cube tray for uniform portions) and freeze them.

– Transfer the frozen pesto cubes into a resealable bag or airtight container.

– Label, date, and store in your freezer.

5. Vacuum-Sealed Method

Vacuum-sealing provides an optimal storage solution for preserving cilantro:

– Prepare your fresh cilantro by rinsing, patting it dry and removing leaves from stems.

– Place the leaves in a vacuum-sealer bag.

– Use your vacuum-sealing machine to remove air from the bag and seal it tightly.

– Label, date, and store flat in your freezer.

Conclusion

Freezing cilantro using any of these methods allows you to enjoy its bright flavors year-round. No matter which method you choose, you’ll have preserved cilantro ready to enhance your favorite dishes at a moment’s notice.