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Yes, you can freeze cilantro and mint, and both herbs hold up surprisingly well when you follow a few simple steps.
Knowing how to freeze cilantro and mint properly means you can enjoy that fresh, vibrant flavor anytime you need it.
Whether you’re tossing together a salsa, whipping up a mojito, or garnishing a curry, having frozen cilantro and mint on hand is a total game changer.
In this post, we’ll walk through whether you can freeze cilantro and mint, the best methods for each herb, and the mistakes to avoid so your herbs stay flavorful for months.
Let’s get into it.
Can You Freeze Cilantro and Mint? Here’s Why You Can
You can freeze cilantro and mint, and here’s why it works so well.
1. Freezing Preserves Flavor Compounds
Both cilantro and mint contain delicate volatile oils that give them their signature taste.
When you freeze cilantro and mint, those oils are preserved, so you still get that bright, fresh flavor when you use them later.
This is exactly why freezing cilantro and mint is one of the easiest ways to avoid wasting herbs that would otherwise wilt in your fridge.
2. It Halts Spoilage Quickly
Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint spoil fast, often within a few days.
Freezing stops that clock almost immediately.
When you freeze cilantro and mint right after harvesting or buying them, you lock in freshness instead of watching them turn to slime in the crisper drawer.
3. You Save Money and Reduce Waste
Buying fresh cilantro and mint every week gets pricey, especially if half the bunch goes bad.
When you freeze cilantro and mint, you buy once, freeze the surplus, and use it as needed.
This habit alone can cut your grocery bill while keeping your kitchen stocked for soups, stews, smoothies, and sauces.
4. It Works for Both Tender Herbs
Not all herbs freeze beautifully, but cilantro and mint are both tender-leaved herbs that respond well to freezing.
Wondering if you can freeze cilantro and mint together?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro and mint in the same batch if you’re using them for similar dishes, though keeping them separate gives you more flexibility.
Best Ways to Freeze Cilantro and Mint
Let’s cover the best methods to freeze cilantro and mint so they keep their flavor and color.
1. The Ice Cube Tray Method
This is the most popular way to freeze cilantro and mint.
Chop your herbs, pack them into ice cube trays, and cover with water, olive oil, or broth.
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in freezer bags.
When you freeze cilantro and mint this way, the cubes drop straight into soups, stews, and sauces without any thawing needed.
2. Flash Freezing on a Sheet Pan
If you want loose, free-flowing herbs, flash freezing is the way to go.
Spread dry, chopped cilantro and mint on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour.
Then transfer them to freezer bags.
This method works best when you plan to freeze cilantro and mint for garnishes or recipes where texture matters less.
3. Freezing Whole Leaves or Sprigs
You can also freeze cilantro and mint whole.
Just wash, dry thoroughly, and seal the sprigs in freezer bags with the air pressed out.
When you freeze cilantro and mint whole, you can grab a sprig later for teas, cocktails, or infused water.
4. Using a Vacuum Sealer
If you have a vacuum sealer, use it.
It removes air and prevents freezer burn, which is the main enemy when you freeze cilantro and mint.
Sealed properly, your herbs can last up to six months without losing quality.
Tips to Keep Frozen Cilantro and Mint Fresh
A few smart habits make a big difference when you freeze cilantro and mint.
1. Dry the Leaves Well
Excess moisture leads to clumping and freezer burn.
Pat cilantro and mint completely dry before you freeze them.
2. Label and Date Your Bags
When you freeze cilantro and mint, always write the date on the bag.
This helps you use the oldest batches first and avoid mystery herbs lingering for years.
3. Use Within Three to Six Months
Frozen cilantro and mint are best within three to six months.
After that, flavor fades, even if they’re still safe to eat.
4. Skip the Fridge for Thawing
Don’t thaw frozen cilantro and mint on the counter or in the fridge.
Toss them straight into hot dishes, or blend them while still frozen for sauces and smoothies.
So, Can You Freeze Cilantro and Mint?
Yes, you can freeze cilantro and mint, and it’s one of the smartest ways to keep these herbs on hand without waste.
Whether you choose the ice cube tray method, flash freezing, or vacuum sealing, you can freeze cilantro and mint successfully with minimal effort.
Just remember to dry them well, label your bags, and use them within a few months for the best flavor.
Now that you know you can freeze cilantro and mint, go ahead and stock up next time you spot a good deal.
Your future soups, salsas, and mojitos will thank you.