Can you freeze fresh coriander?

[MiserySand]

Grew lots of coriander plants for the first time and someone said you could freeze the leaves in ice cube trays - duly did so, along with a few bunches of stalk+leaves in a sandwich bag.

Got them out to use and they quickly defrosted into yucky dark green sludge - was I doing something wrong (not sure DH sealed the freezer bags) or are they one of those things you can't properly freeze?

Bumpity bump

I’ve frozen it before in ice cube trays but mixed it with butter and it was ok. Think you can freeze in olive too.

Yes, coriander, tarragon and thyme turn into sludge if you freeze them in water. Usually, the recommendation is that you mix the herbs with butter which preserves them a bit longer in the freezer. I’m not sure if you’re planning to use the coriander for stir fries, in which case butter might not be appropriate. You could make flavoured oil instead.

You can buy frozen coriander so you should be able to just put it in a bag and freeze it alone.

I chop finely and put into a box in the freezer. It seems to freeze like snowflakes rather than as blocks of ice. You can then pinch/scoop whatever you want out, or tip the whole lot into your recipe.

On the occasion I’ve put a whole bunch in the freezer (lazy...) I just quickly whip out the bits I need and chop immediately so it almost breaks, rather than slices, thereby avoiding the defrosted slime phase.

Yup, I’m Indian and freeze it all the time. I cut it up (stalks and all) and put it in a plastic container, then scoop out as much as I need with a spoon.

It does turn into dark green sludge on defrosting, and it doesn’t look nice but is perfectly okay for cooking, though not as good as fresh. I usually add it to the pot frozen and let it defrost in there.

You do need to use slightly more frozen coriander than you would use fresh, but it’s handy to have, and it’s a good way to preserve it if you won’t get through it all.

Also, if you are going to have lots of surplus herbs and veg I’d recommend a food dehydrator. I’ve got lots of dried stuff which is great for soups, casseroles and curries.

You can buy frozen coriander so you should be able to just put it in a bag and freeze it alone.

That's what I thought!

Thanks for the tips. I'll try adding it straight from frozen. I love fresh though!

Yes, but you need to put it straight into whatever you're cooking, without defrosting first.