Bolted Cilantro

[jhapka]

Cilantro is my favorite herb. It’s also the one I don’t grow at home because it bolts so fast. However, this year our local Walmart (we have few options) seems to only have bundles of cilantro that have bolted. It is so bitter and nasty. Anybody else having this issue or is this just part of the deal trying to find produce in northern MN?

[Spacecase]

Try growing the calypso variant. It is the slowest to bolt. I have had success with it in Florida.

[jhapka]

Thanks for the tip on the specific variety

[Mosca]

I was watching a Jacques Pepìn video where he freezes cilantro, then uses it from the freezer as needed. I bought a bunch, and that’s what I’ve been doing with it. It works fine that way.

Method is at about 2:50

[Mark V]

Thanks for this! I assume this will work with anything that the stem tastes like the leaf, I only know of cilantro like this. I know you can freeze leaves from herbs but never do because of the hassle, and I don't want to process or coat everything in olive oil.

[fzxdoc]

Do you freeze the stems only or the leaves as well?

Kathryn

[Mosca]

fzxdoc I freeze the whole thing. I suspect Pepìn uses more cilantro than I do. The leaves turn dark, but taste fine.

I use it mostly in guacamole. I’m the only one in the family who doesn’t think it tastes soapy. And, I used to think it tasted soapy, but somewhere along the line that changed. Which I think is strange, but also gives me hope for fish some day (but time is running out on that one).

[texastweeter]

Have you tried slow bolting cilantro?

[jhapka]

No but I need to try something. Maybe that in a small raised bed closer to the house for easier harvest

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

It's been hot this year... I planted mine too late and only got to harvest one time

[jhapka]

Feel your pain. Coriander too soon

[mrteddyprincess]

I gave up on growing cilantro last year because of the bolting issue. I still have access to $0.99 bundles of good cilantro at the grocery year round (knock on wood/cross my fingers). Sorry you're having that problem finding it in the grocery store!

[IowaGirl]

To add my second to Mosca's comment, here's a nice tutorial; look for "Herbal cigars" --

https://www.agardenforthehouse.com/how-i-freeze-a-years-supply-of-herbs/

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

ooooh I like some of the ideas there

[fzxdoc]

What a great article. Thanks!

Kathryn

[DavidNorcross]

Tough to grow. Cant stand hot weather. Try later in the year depending upon your zone. I would also try growing in containers so you can get it out of the heat.

[Donw]

I can’t seem to grow cilantro outside no matter what I try but in my hydroponic trays, in a controlled environment, it goes gangbusters. I would suggest indoors in a pot under grow lights.

[WayneT]

Ahhh, so that’s what it’s called when it flowers sooner than you wish. 🤔 I’m glad there’s a special term for that frustration. We do however let it go to seed then harvest the coriander. Removing the stems from coriander, one of my least favorite tasks.

[mnavarre]

Let it dry out completely, then put in a paper bag and shake the living crap out of it. The vast majority of the seeds fall right off.

[mnavarre]

As an alternative you can grow Culantro, AKA Sawtooth Corriander or chado bene. It's actually a warm weather herb from Central America. It's flavor is very similar to cilantro, a bit stronger and more minty, but pretty close. It also doesn't trigger the gene that makes some people perceive cilantro as a soapy flavor. You should be able to find it fresh in most Asian markets, especially ones that are more Southeast Asian. It's also used in Caribbean cooking.