Stop Throwing Away Cilantro: the Freezing Mistake That Turns Herbs to Slime

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Water on the outside of the leaf accelerates freezer damage faster than internal fluid. Rinsing cilantro and placing it straight into cold storage guarantees a dense, icy clump that is impossible to portion. Thorough surface drying is non-negotiable.

Start by washing the stems in cold water to dislodge grit, then cut away the bottom half-inch of roots or soiled stems. Place the bundle into a salad spinner lined with unbleached paper towels. Spin the batch through at least two cycles, emptying standing water between spins. Spread the sprigs across a clean cotton tea towel or dry paper towels, allowing residual dampness to evaporate for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.

Leaves must feel dry to the touch before moving forward. Any moisture left behind glazes the exterior, creating freezer burn and speeding decay once sealed inside airtight freezer bags.