How to keep cilantro for the winter and can it be frozen
Many summer residents practice preserving cilantro for the winter. This plant is valued for its beneficial properties on the body. It is used as a spicy seasoning for dishes. The second name for cilantro is coriander.
How to store cilantro seeds correctly?
To keep the seeds of the plant fresh as long as possible, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- umbrellas with seeds are collected on a dry sunny day;
- washed seeds are dried in a dry place out of reach of sunlight;
- the umbrellas are rubbed by hand, while the seeds are carefully separated;
- seeds are poured into a special container, glass containers are best;
- cilantro seeds are stored in a dry, well-ventilated place for no longer than 4 years.
Preparation methods for the winter
There are several ways to save cilantro for use in the winter. It all depends on individual preferences.
Fresh coriander is not suitable for long-term storage in the refrigerator.
Therefore, using the plant all winter in its original form will not work. But there are other ways to preserve not only the rich taste and aroma of greens, but also the beneficial substances in its composition.
Drying
This is one of the most popular ways. If you follow all the recommendations when drying coriander, then its crushed leaves will delight with taste and aroma all winter. Dried cilantro is used as a seasoning for hot dishes, making sauces for meat.
Consider the correct algorithm for drying cilantro:
- leaves with stems are torn off in dry, sunny weather;
- washed and cleaned of damaged parts;
- dry well.
Since cilantro has a pungent smell, it will be better to grind it before drying. The smell in this case will become softer. Finely chopped greens are laid out on a clean baking sheet and placed in a dry, well-ventilated area. The sun's rays should not hit the greenery.
After the greens are ready, they are transferred into a glass container, which is tightly closed with a lid. You can also use ceramic dishes. Store greens in a cool dry place, but not more than 1 year. At the same time, it retains useful properties, taste and aroma.
In this form, cilantro is used as a seasoning for baking bread, added to sauces and meat dishes.
Freezing
The question of whether it is possible to freeze cilantro for the winter interests many of its lovers. Frozen cilantro has a much shorter shelf life than dried cilantro. Nevertheless, this method allows you to keep all the nutrients in its composition. In addition, this method of preparation leaves the aroma and taste intact.The easiest way is to freeze it in a bag.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- greens are washed, damaged areas are removed;
- laid out on a towel or thick fabric until completely dry;
- packages are prepared (cellophane or hermetic);
- it is better to cut the branches of the plant, this will simplify their further use;
- greens are placed in a bag and sent to the freezer.
Salting
Salted cilantro also retains the flavor and all the beneficial elements.
The recipe for its preparation is very simple:
- greens are washed with cool water and dried;
- laid out in a glass container and covered with salt (for 1 kg of grass - 250 g of salt);
- squeeze the cilantro until juice forms, then close it tightly with a lid and place in the refrigerator;
- after the contents in the jar have settled a little, you can add a little more greenery to it.
In this form, cilantro is stored for up to 10 months. When adding salted cilantro to dishes, it is important to reduce the amount of salt in them, otherwise the food will turn out to be salty.
Canning
The preservation method is less popular than freezing or drying, however, it is no less interesting. For this, fresh cilantro is taken, washed and ground in a blender with the addition of 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tbsp. l. olive oil. The resulting mixture is poured into glass jars and closed with plastic lids, after which it is sent to the refrigerator for storage. This way of storing cilantro allows you to use it as a seasoning for meat. Also, pickled cilantro is perfect as a seasoning for spaghetti and other dishes.
Preservation in marinade
Many cilantro lovers prefer to keep it marinated. For this you will need:
- a pinch of salt;
- 300 ml of water;
- 1 tbsp. l. 9% vinegar;
- vegetable oil.
The water is brought to a boil, after which salt and vinegar are added to it. Pre-washed and chopped greens are laid out in glass jars. It is not necessary to tamp it strongly. Then the cilantro is poured with marinade, and after it cools down a little, 1 tbsp is added to each jar. l. vegetable oil. Banks are closed with plastic lids and sent to storage in the basement or refrigerator.
In oil
Many summer residents prefer to freeze cilantro, pre-treating it with vegetable oil. The greens are cut into small pieces (no more than 3 cm), poured into a blender. Vegetable oil is added in proportions of 80 ml of oil to 50 g of herbs. Everything is mixed until a green puree state is formed. Next, ice molds are filled with the contents and placed in the freezer. After the contents freeze, it is transferred to special freezer bags and stored for no more than 2 months.
Note! When placing molds with herbs in the freezer, make sure that they are on a flat surface. Otherwise, the contents of the molds will spill.
Frozen in butter
Another way to freeze cilantro. But instead of vegetable oil, butter is used.
Pour 3 tbsp into a dry bowl. l. cilantro, after which 100 g of chopped room temperature butter is added to it (it should not be melted). The contents of the plate are well mixed, garlic, pepper, salt and lemon juice can be added if desired. The resulting mixture is transferred to parchment paper and placed in the refrigerator until hardened. The contents are then transferred to storage in the freezer. To do this, it must be folded into an airtight bag.
Useful properties of cilantro in winter
Our ancestors also extracted a lot of useful properties from coriander. The use of cilantro in winter will increase the body's resistance to colds, strengthen the immune system, and improve the general condition of the body.But the beneficial properties of greens do not end there.
The value of cilantro is determined by the following factors:
- has an antiseptic effect, eliminates inflammation in the oral cavity and bleeding gums;
- normalizes the hormonal background of women, relieves pain during the menstrual period, improves reproductive function;
- reduces the level of glucose and bad cholesterol in the blood;
- remove excess fluid from the body, preventing swelling;
- improves the functioning of the nervous system;
- has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and liver.
Scientists have proven that regular consumption of cilantro increases immunity, has a healing and calming effect on the body.
How many years have I been freezing and I can note that there are no regrets about this decision. But in the refrigerator there is always one can say fresh cilantro with a full set of vitamins.