How To Freeze Cilantro And Basil

You can freeze cilantro and basil to keep them fresh for months, but each herb needs slightly different handling.
 
Cilantro holds up beautifully when frozen, while basil is a bit more delicate and can turn black if you just toss it in the freezer.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to freeze cilantro and basil without losing flavor or ending up with a mushy mess, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to freeze cilantro and basil step by step, including the best methods for each one.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Freeze Cilantro

Freezing cilantro is one of the easiest ways to preserve that bright, citrusy flavor for later.
 
Cilantro freezes well because it keeps its color and taste when prepped properly.
 
Here’s how to freeze cilantro so it stays vibrant and ready to use.
 

1. Wash and Dry the Cilantro

Start by rinsing your cilantro under cool water to remove dirt and grit.
 
Then pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or spin it in a salad spinner.
 
You want the leaves as dry as possible before freezing.
 
Excess water can lead to ice crystals and freezer burn.
 

2. Chop the Leaves and Stems

Chop the cilantro however you like it, whether that’s finely minced or roughly chopped.
 
You can include the tender stems too since they pack plenty of flavor.
 
Chopping beforehand means you can grab a handful straight from the freezer when you need it.
 

3. Freeze in Ice Cube Trays or Bags

You have two solid options here.
 
For ice cube trays, pack chopped cilantro into each slot, then top with water or olive oil.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag.
 
For the bag method, spread the chopped cilantro on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
 
This keeps the pieces from clumping together.
 

How to Freeze Basil

Basil is trickier to freeze than cilantro because it bruises easily and turns black when exposed to cold air.
 
But you can still freeze basil successfully with the right approach.
 
Here’s how to freeze basil without ending up with sad, dark leaves.
 

1. Blanch the Basil First

Blanching is the secret to keeping basil green in the freezer.
 
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then drop the basil leaves in for just 15 to 20 seconds.
 
Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
 
Drain and pat dry before freezing.
 

2. Freeze Basil in Oil or Puree

Another great way to freeze basil is to blend it with olive oil.
 
Just pulse the leaves with enough oil to make a paste, then spoon it into ice cube trays.
 
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag.
 
This method works perfectly for pesto or tossing into sauces later.
 

3. Store in Airtight Containers

Whether you blanch or puree your basil, airtight storage is key.
 
Squeeze out as much air as possible from freezer bags, or use containers designed for freezing.
 
Label everything with the date so you know how long it’s been sitting there.
 
Basil and cilantro both keep well for about six months in the freezer.
 

Tips for Freezing Cilantro and Basil Together

If you want to freeze cilantro and basil at the same time, keep them separate.
 
Their textures and best freezing methods differ, so mixing them can lead to uneven results.
 
Freeze cilantro using the bag or water cube method, and freeze basil using the blanch or oil method.
 
You can also freeze cilantro and basil in pre-portioned amounts.
 
That way, you only thaw what you need for a recipe.
 
Remember, frozen herbs work best in cooked dishes like soups, stews, and sauces.
 
They lose their crisp texture, so they’re not ideal for fresh garnishes.
 

So, Can You Freeze Cilantro and Basil?

You can freeze cilantro and basil, and doing so is a smart way to avoid wasting leftover herbs.
 
Cilantro freezes easily and keeps its flavor, while basil needs a little extra care like blanching or pureeing with oil.
 
If you follow these methods for how to freeze cilantro and basil, you’ll have fresh-tasting herbs ready whenever a recipe calls for them.
 
So go ahead and freeze that extra bunch instead of letting it wilt in the fridge.