Can You Freeze Cilantro?

How to Freeze Cilantro

1. Wash and dry thoroughly.
2. Chop leaves and tender stems.
3. Pack chopped cilantro into ice cube tray wells, filling about 2/3 full.
4. Cover with olive oil or water.
5. Freeze until solid, then pop out cubes and transfer to a freezer bag.
6. Alternatively, freeze whole stems flat in a freezer bag (leaves can be crumbled off frozen).

Texture Changes After Freezing

Cilantro loses its fresh, crisp texture completely after freezing. The leaves become dark and limp. The flavor is preserved reasonably well, especially when frozen in oil. Frozen cilantro is best used in cooked dishes, salsas, and sauces where fresh texture is not important.

How to Thaw Cilantro

Drop frozen cubes directly into cooking. No thawing needed. For uncooked uses like salsa, thaw in the refrigerator and drain excess liquid.

Can You Refreeze Cilantro?

Refreezing is not recommended. Quality and texture degrade significantly with repeated freezing and thawing.

Best Uses After Freezing

After freezing and thawing, cilantro works best in: curry, salsa, soup, stew, rice dishes, marinades, dressings.

The Bottom Line

Cilantro can be frozen for 3–6 months when packaged properly. The key is removing as much air as possible and using freezer-safe containers or bags. While texture may change slightly after thawing, frozen cilantro works well in cooked dishes and recipes.