Difference between revisions of "Freeze Cilantro"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Preparing Cilantro for Freezing === | === Preparing Cilantro for Freezing === | ||
| − | #Choose fresh cilantro. Cilantro will wilt a little when you freeze it, so it is important to buy cilantro that is fresh. Look for crisp, bright green leaves. Avoid anything that looks wilted, crushed, or yellowed.<ref>Taste of Home, [http://www.tasteofhome.com/cooking-tips/ask-our-dietician/freezing-cilantro Freezing Cilantro]</ref> | + | #Choose fresh cilantro. Cilantro will wilt a little when you freeze it, so it is important to buy cilantro that is fresh. Look for crisp, bright green leaves. Avoid anything that looks wilted, crushed, or yellowed.<ref name="rf1">Taste of Home, [http://www.tasteofhome.com/cooking-tips/ask-our-dietician/freezing-cilantro Freezing Cilantro]</ref> |
#Rinse the cilantro in a bowl of water. Hold the cilantro by the stems and swish it in a bowl of cool water. Keep doing this until the water becomes dirty. Repeat the process with fresh water each time until the water is clear. You may need to two to three water changes | #Rinse the cilantro in a bowl of water. Hold the cilantro by the stems and swish it in a bowl of cool water. Keep doing this until the water becomes dirty. Repeat the process with fresh water each time until the water is clear. You may need to two to three water changes | ||
#Shake the water off the cilantro. Hold it by the stems, and give it a few, good shakes. It might be a good idea to do this over a sink, so that your kitchen does not become all wet. | #Shake the water off the cilantro. Hold it by the stems, and give it a few, good shakes. It might be a good idea to do this over a sink, so that your kitchen does not become all wet. | ||
| − | #Pat the cilantro dry with a few paper towels. Place a few paper towels down on a flat surface, then set the cilantro down on top of them. Cover the cilantro with another paper towel and gently press down on it. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture. Keep doing this with fresh, dry paper towels until there is no water left.<ref>Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/prepare-cilantro How to Prepare Cilantro]</ref> | + | #Pat the cilantro dry with a few paper towels. Place a few paper towels down on a flat surface, then set the cilantro down on top of them. Cover the cilantro with another paper towel and gently press down on it. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture. Keep doing this with fresh, dry paper towels until there is no water left.<ref name="rf2">Real Simple, [http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/prepare-cilantro How to Prepare Cilantro]</ref> |
| − | #Consider blanching the cilantro. You can do this by dipping the cilantro into a pot of boiling water for 15 to 30 seconds, then dunking them under ice cold water for a few more seconds. Do not leave the cilantro in the hot water for more than 30 seconds, and be sure to dry it off well. Blanching the cilantro will help preserve the vibrant color.<ref>Chatelaine, [http://www.chatelaine.com/recipes/chatelainekitchen/best-tip-to-keep-fresh-chopped-herbs-green-not-black/ How to Keep Your Herbs Green and Fresh]</ref> | + | #Consider blanching the cilantro. You can do this by dipping the cilantro into a pot of boiling water for 15 to 30 seconds, then dunking them under ice cold water for a few more seconds. Do not leave the cilantro in the hot water for more than 30 seconds, and be sure to dry it off well. Blanching the cilantro will help preserve the vibrant color.<ref name="rf3">Chatelaine, [http://www.chatelaine.com/recipes/chatelainekitchen/best-tip-to-keep-fresh-chopped-herbs-green-not-black/ How to Keep Your Herbs Green and Fresh]</ref> |
=== Freezing Cilantro in a Bag === | === Freezing Cilantro in a Bag === | ||
#Decide if you want to freeze the cilantro whole, or just freeze the leaves. If you want to freeze just the leaves, you will need to pinch them off, and discard the stems. You can also freeze the cilantro whole, and break off a few leaves whenever you need them. | #Decide if you want to freeze the cilantro whole, or just freeze the leaves. If you want to freeze just the leaves, you will need to pinch them off, and discard the stems. You can also freeze the cilantro whole, and break off a few leaves whenever you need them. | ||
| − | #Consider tossing the cilantro with some olive oil. This will protect the delicate herb from the cold and keep it from going mushy.<ref>The Kitchn, [http://www.thekitchn.com/why-freezing-is-the-best-way-to-preserve-cilantro-221279 Why Freezing Is the Best Way to Preserve Cilantro]</ref> Simply place the herb into a bowl and toss it with a teaspoon to a tablespoon of olive oil. How much olive oil you use will depend on how much cilantro you are freezing; the more cilantro you have, the more oil you will need. | + | #Consider tossing the cilantro with some olive oil. This will protect the delicate herb from the cold and keep it from going mushy.<ref name="rf4">The Kitchn, [http://www.thekitchn.com/why-freezing-is-the-best-way-to-preserve-cilantro-221279 Why Freezing Is the Best Way to Preserve Cilantro]</ref> Simply place the herb into a bowl and toss it with a teaspoon to a tablespoon of olive oil. How much olive oil you use will depend on how much cilantro you are freezing; the more cilantro you have, the more oil you will need. |
#Place the cilantro into a re-sealable freezer bag. Try to keep the cilantro spread out evenly in the bag. If you are using whole cilantro, try to keep the stems and leaves as straight as possible. You may need to use more than one bag. | #Place the cilantro into a re-sealable freezer bag. Try to keep the cilantro spread out evenly in the bag. If you are using whole cilantro, try to keep the stems and leaves as straight as possible. You may need to use more than one bag. | ||
#* If you do not have any freezer bags, use regular re-sealable bags instead, one inside the other. | #* If you do not have any freezer bags, use regular re-sealable bags instead, one inside the other. | ||
#Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Zip the bag close part way, then gently press down on the bag with your hands until it is flat. Close the bag the rest of the way. Be careful not to crush the cilantro. | #Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Zip the bag close part way, then gently press down on the bag with your hands until it is flat. Close the bag the rest of the way. Be careful not to crush the cilantro. | ||
| − | #Use a permanent marker to write the date on the bag. If you are storing other types of herbs in the freezer, it might be a good idea to write down "Cilantro" on the bag as well.<ref>Food.com, [http://www.food.com/recipe/freezing-herbs-basil-rosemary-thyme-oregano-cilantro-parsl-422240 Freezing Herbs]</ref> | + | #Use a permanent marker to write the date on the bag. If you are storing other types of herbs in the freezer, it might be a good idea to write down "Cilantro" on the bag as well.<ref name="rf5">Food.com, [http://www.food.com/recipe/freezing-herbs-basil-rosemary-thyme-oregano-cilantro-parsl-422240 Freezing Herbs]</ref> |
#Place the bagged cilantro into the freezer. Try to place it so that the herbs are laying down flat and straight. | #Place the bagged cilantro into the freezer. Try to place it so that the herbs are laying down flat and straight. | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
#Chop the cilantro up coarsely. Lay the cilantro down on a cutting board and chop it up into inch (2.54 centimeter) long pieces. You can include the stems, or leave them out. This does not have to look neat, as you will be chopping the cilantro up further in a blender. | #Chop the cilantro up coarsely. Lay the cilantro down on a cutting board and chop it up into inch (2.54 centimeter) long pieces. You can include the stems, or leave them out. This does not have to look neat, as you will be chopping the cilantro up further in a blender. | ||
#Put the cilantro into a blender. If you do not have a blender, you can use a food processor instead. | #Put the cilantro into a blender. If you do not have a blender, you can use a food processor instead. | ||
| − | #Pour 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) of olive oil per cup (50 grams) of chopped cilantro. If you want a more intense cilantro flavor, increase the cilantro to 2 cups (100 grams).<ref>Better Homes and Gardens, [http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/food-storage-safety/freezing-herbs/ Freezing Herbs]</ref> Also, if the strong flavor of olive oil bothers you, try using another cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable. | + | #Pour 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) of olive oil per cup (50 grams) of chopped cilantro. If you want a more intense cilantro flavor, increase the cilantro to 2 cups (100 grams).<ref name="rf6">Better Homes and Gardens, [http://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/food-storage-safety/freezing-herbs/ Freezing Herbs]</ref> Also, if the strong flavor of olive oil bothers you, try using another cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable. |
#Turn the blender on and pulse for a few seconds. Make sure that the lid is secure and that there are no leaks. Keep blending until the oil turns green and the cilantro has broken up into smaller pieces. Do not blend it for too long; you still want to see bits of the herb. | #Turn the blender on and pulse for a few seconds. Make sure that the lid is secure and that there are no leaks. Keep blending until the oil turns green and the cilantro has broken up into smaller pieces. Do not blend it for too long; you still want to see bits of the herb. | ||
#Spoon the puree into an ice cube tray. Fill each well about 3/4 of the way. Do not fill it all the way; the puree will expand when it freezes. | #Spoon the puree into an ice cube tray. Fill each well about 3/4 of the way. Do not fill it all the way; the puree will expand when it freezes. | ||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
#Chop op some cilantro and toss it into a bowl. You will need about 1 to 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro per stick of butter. | #Chop op some cilantro and toss it into a bowl. You will need about 1 to 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro per stick of butter. | ||
#Add in one stick softened, room temperature butter. It might help to cut the butter into smaller pieces. | #Add in one stick softened, room temperature butter. It might help to cut the butter into smaller pieces. | ||
| − | #Consider adding in a few other ingredients. You can leave the cilantro butter as is, or you can add in a few other ingredients to make even tastier. Here are some ideas to get you started:<ref>Good Life Eats, [http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/07/herbed-compound-butters-cilantro-lime-compound-butter.html Herbed Compound Butters]</ref> | + | #Consider adding in a few other ingredients. You can leave the cilantro butter as is, or you can add in a few other ingredients to make even tastier. Here are some ideas to get you started:<ref name="rf7">Good Life Eats, [http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/07/herbed-compound-butters-cilantro-lime-compound-butter.html Herbed Compound Butters]</ref> |
#* 1 clove garlic, minced | #* 1 clove garlic, minced | ||
#* Salt and pepper, to taste | #* Salt and pepper, to taste | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
=== Using Frozen Cilantro === | === Using Frozen Cilantro === | ||
| − | #Use frozen cilantro in cilantro chutney or as a guacamole starter. If you froze cilantro just on its own, without any butter or oil, you can break off a few leaves, and add it to guacamole or cilantro chutney. You do not need to defrost it.<ref | + | #Use frozen cilantro in cilantro chutney or as a guacamole starter. If you froze cilantro just on its own, without any butter or oil, you can break off a few leaves, and add it to guacamole or cilantro chutney. You do not need to defrost it.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Use cilantro frozen in oil to season soups, sauces, and other cooked dishes. You can also use it in salad dressings. Because it already contains oil, you will need to adjust your recipe and use less oil. A single cube of frozen cilantro will contain about a tablespoon of oil. | #Use cilantro frozen in oil to season soups, sauces, and other cooked dishes. You can also use it in salad dressings. Because it already contains oil, you will need to adjust your recipe and use less oil. A single cube of frozen cilantro will contain about a tablespoon of oil. | ||
| − | #Thaw frozen cilantro butter to room temperature before using it. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes for it to thaw.<ref | + | #Thaw frozen cilantro butter to room temperature before using it. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes for it to thaw.<ref name="rf7" /> Once it thaws, you can spread it on bread or crackers. |
| − | #Avoid using frozen cilantro in salads and salsas. Once frozen, cilantro loses some of its crispness. When it becomes defrosted, it will appear wilted and mushy. This may detract from the appearance (and texture) of salsa and salad.<ref | + | #Avoid using frozen cilantro in salads and salsas. Once frozen, cilantro loses some of its crispness. When it becomes defrosted, it will appear wilted and mushy. This may detract from the appearance (and texture) of salsa and salad.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Consider using fresh cilantro as garnish instead of frozen. Once frozen cilantro starts to thaw, it will begin to look wilted and mushy. If you need to garnish something, consider using fresh cilantro instead. | #Consider using fresh cilantro as garnish instead of frozen. Once frozen cilantro starts to thaw, it will begin to look wilted and mushy. If you need to garnish something, consider using fresh cilantro instead. | ||
#Know by when to use your frozen cilantro. Frozen cilantro won't last forever, although it will certainly last longer than fresh cilantro. Here are some guidelines as to by when you should use your cilantro: | #Know by when to use your frozen cilantro. Frozen cilantro won't last forever, although it will certainly last longer than fresh cilantro. Here are some guidelines as to by when you should use your cilantro: | ||
| Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
* If you have the time, make salsa with the cilantro already in it. The salsa will freeze better than the cilantro alone. | * If you have the time, make salsa with the cilantro already in it. The salsa will freeze better than the cilantro alone. | ||
* If you need to dry herbs after washing, dish drying racks are excellent; make sure the rack is clean, then simply lay out the herbs on the rack and leave to dry. If a little sun comes through the window to warm things up faster, so much the better. | * If you need to dry herbs after washing, dish drying racks are excellent; make sure the rack is clean, then simply lay out the herbs on the rack and leave to dry. If a little sun comes through the window to warm things up faster, so much the better. | ||
| − | * If you only need to freeze a small amount, just place some chopped up cilantro into an ice cube well, and cover it with olive oil.<ref>Serious Eats, [http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/how-to-freeze-herbs-for-long-term-storage.html Freeze Fresh Herbs for Long-Term Storage]</ref> | + | * If you only need to freeze a small amount, just place some chopped up cilantro into an ice cube well, and cover it with olive oil.<ref name="rf8">Serious Eats, [http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/how-to-freeze-herbs-for-long-term-storage.html Freeze Fresh Herbs for Long-Term Storage]</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
| Line 90: | Line 90: | ||
* Re-sealable freezer bag. | * Re-sealable freezer bag. | ||
| − | === Freezing Cilantro in Butter<ref | + | === Freezing Cilantro in Butter<ref name="rf7" /> === |
* Bow | * Bow | ||
* Spoon or spatula | * Spoon or spatula | ||
