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Yes, you can freeze cilantro in water, and it’s actually one of the best ways to keep those fresh, herbaceous flavors locked in for months.
If you’ve ever wondered “can you freeze cilantro in water?” the answer is a resounding yes, and the process is simpler than you might think.
Freezing cilantro in water helps preserve its color, aroma, and taste far better than just tossing it in a plastic bag and hoping for the best.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to freeze cilantro in water, why it works so well, and a few tips to make sure your frozen cilantro stays as fresh as the day you bought it.
Why Freezing Cilantro in Water Works So Well
You can freeze cilantro in water because water acts as a protective shield against freezer burn and oxidation.
When you submerge cilantro in water before freezing, you create an airtight barrier that keeps air away from the delicate leaves.
Air is the enemy of fresh herbs in the freezer, causing them to dry out, turn brown, and lose that bright, citrusy punch.
By freezing cilantro in water, you basically give each leaf its own little ice capsule that preserves it beautifully.
1. Water Prevents Freezer Burn
Freezer burn happens when cold, dry air pulls moisture out of food, leaving it leathery and flavorless.
When you freeze cilantro in water, the liquid surrounds the leaves completely, so there’s no exposed surface for that dry air to attack.
This means your cilantro stays green and tender instead of turning into a sad, wilted mess.
2. It Keeps the Flavor Fresh
Cilantro’s essential oils are what give it that distinct, fresh taste, and those oils can evaporate or degrade when exposed to air.
Freezing cilantro in water traps those oils right where they belong.
When you thaw it later, you’ll notice the flavor is much closer to fresh than if you had frozen it dry.
3. It’s Perfect for Cooking and Blending
One of the best things about freezing cilantro in water is that the resulting ice cubes are ready to use.
You can drop them straight into soups, stews, curries, or smoothies without even thawing.
The heat from the dish melts the water and releases the cilantro, so you get all that fresh flavor with zero prep.
How to Freeze Cilantro in Water Step by Step
Learning how to freeze cilantro in water is a breeze, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
Here’s the simple method I use every time I have a big bunch of cilantro that’s about to go bad.
1. Wash and Dry the Cilantro
Start by giving your cilantro a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
Then gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
You don’t need them bone-dry, but too much extra water can dilute the flavor when you freeze cilantro in water.
2. Chop the Cilantro
You can leave the leaves whole or give them a rough chop, depending on how you plan to use them.
Chopping makes it easier to pack them into ice cube trays and ensures you get a good amount in every cube.
If you’re freezing cilantro in water for soups, a rough chop is perfect.
3. Fill Ice Cube Trays with Cilantro and Water
Place a pinch or two of chopped cilantro into each compartment of a standard ice cube tray.
Then fill each slot with fresh, cold water until the cilantro is completely covered.
This is the heart of freezing cilantro in water—making sure every leaf is submerged.
4. Freeze Until Solid
Pop the trays into your freezer and let them freeze overnight or for at least 4 to 6 hours.
Once the cubes are completely solid, you’ve successfully frozen cilantro in water.
5. Transfer Cubes to a Freezer Bag
After the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for long-term storage.
This saves space and lets you grab just one or two cubes whenever you need them.
Label the bag with the date so you know how long they’ve been in there.
Tips for Perfectly Frozen Cilantro in Water
Even though freezing cilantro in water is simple, a few small tricks can make a big difference.
1. Use Fresh Cilantro, Not Wilting Cilantro
The fresher your cilantro is when you freeze it, the better it will taste when you thaw it.
If the leaves are already yellowing or slimy, freezing cilantro in water won’t magically revive them.
2. Add a Little Olive Oil for Savory Dishes
If you’re freezing cilantro in water to use in cooked dishes, you can substitute a bit of olive oil for the water.
This adds richness and works especially well for cilantro you plan to sauté or blend into sauces.
3. Don’t Thaw Before Using in Hot Dishes
When you’ve frozen cilantro in water, those cubes are best dropped directly into hot food.
Thawing them on the counter can make the leaves mushy, which isn’t ideal for garnishes.
But for cooking, straight-from-the-freezer is the way to go.
4. Use Within 3 to 6 Months
While freezing cilantro in water keeps it safe indefinitely, the flavor is best within 3 to 6 months.
After that, it’s still usable, but the taste might fade a bit.
So, Can You Freeze Cilantro in Water?
You can absolutely freeze cilantro in water, and it’s one of the most reliable ways to keep this delicate herb on hand.
The water protects the leaves from freezer burn, preserves that bright flavor, and gives you convenient little cubes you can toss into any dish.
Just wash, chop, submerge in ice cube trays, freeze, and store—and you’ll never have to toss out a sad, wilted bunch of cilantro again.
Give freezing cilantro in water a try the next time you have more cilantro than you can use, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.