How To Freeze Cilantro And Basil

You can freeze cilantro and basil to keep them fresh for months, but each herb needs a slightly different approach.
 
Freezing cilantro and basil is one of the easiest ways to avoid tossing out wilted bunches you bought with good intentions.
 
The key is knowing how to prep each herb before it hits the freezer.
 
Cilantro holds up well with a simple chop-and-freeze method, while basil benefits from a little oil or blanching to protect its flavor and color.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to freeze cilantro and basil step by step so you can enjoy that fresh taste long after grocery day.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Freeze Cilantro

Freezing cilantro is straightforward, and there are a few methods depending on how you plan to use it later.
 
Here’s how to freeze cilantro so it keeps its bright, citrusy punch.
 

1. Wash and Dry the Leaves Thoroughly

Start by rinsing your cilantro under cool water to remove dirt and grit.
 
Then pat the leaves completely dry with paper towels or spin them in a salad spinner.
 
Excess moisture leads to ice crystals, which turn your cilantro into a mushy mess once thawed.
 
Dry cilantro freezes far better and holds its texture longer.
 

2. Chop the Cilantro and Freeze in Bags

Once dry, chop the cilantro as finely or coarsely as you like.
 
Spread the chopped leaves on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for about an hour.
 
This flash-freeze step keeps the pieces from clumping together.
 
Then transfer the frozen cilantro into freezer-safe bags, squeeze out the air, and seal.
 
This method of freezing cilantro works great for soups, stews, and sauces where you don’t need perfect leaf shape.
 

3. Freeze Cilantro in Ice Cube Trays

Another popular way to freeze cilantro is with ice cube trays.
 
Pack chopped cilantro into each compartment, then top with water, olive oil, or broth.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a zip-top bag.
 
When you’re ready to cook, just drop a cube straight into your pan.
 
This is a smart trick for freezing cilantro because the liquid protects the herb from freezer burn.
 

How to Freeze Basil

Freezing basil requires a bit more care because it bruises easily and turns black when exposed to cold air too long.
 
Here’s how to freeze basil without losing that sweet, peppery flavor.
 

1. Blanch the Leaves First

Blanching is the best way to freeze basil if you want to preserve its vibrant green color.
 
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then dunk the basil leaves in for just 15 to 20 seconds.
 
Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
 
Drain, pat dry, and freeze the leaves on a tray before bagging them.
 
This step deactivates the enzymes that cause basil to brown, so your frozen basil stays green and fresh-looking.
 

2. Freeze Basil in Olive Oil

If you’re freezing basil for pesto or pasta dishes, olive oil is your best friend.
 
Chop the basil and pack it into ice cube trays, then cover each cube with olive oil.
 
Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
 
When you freeze basil this way, the oil locks in the flavor and prevents the leaves from oxidizing.
 
Toss a cube into a hot skillet and you’ve got instant flavor for sauces and sautés.
 

3. Make Pesto Before Freezing Basil

Another option for freezing basil is to blend it into pesto first.
 
Combine basil with garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil, then freeze the mixture in small containers.
 
This is arguably the tastiest way to freeze basil because you’re prepping a full ingredient for future meals.
 
Just thaw what you need and stir it into pasta, sandwiches, or dressings.
 

Tips for Freezing Cilantro and Basil Together

If you want to freeze cilantro and basil at the same time, keep a few things in mind.
 
Label your bags with the herb name and date so you’re not guessing later.
 
Use them within six months for the best flavor, though they’ll stay safe much longer.
 
Remember that frozen herbs work best in cooked dishes rather than as fresh garnishes.
 
And always squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
 
Learning how to freeze cilantro and basil properly means less waste and more flavor in your kitchen all year round.
 

So, Can You Freeze Cilantro and Basil?

You can freeze cilantro and basil, and doing so is a simple way to preserve these herbs for months.
 
Freezing cilantro works best with the chop-and-freeze or ice cube tray method, while freezing basil benefits from blanching or packing it in olive oil.
 
Both herbs lose their crisp texture once frozen, so plan to use them in cooked recipes rather than raw salads.
 
With these methods for how to freeze cilantro and basil, you’ll never let another bunch go to waste.
 
Happy freezing.