Cilantro is one of those herbs that sparks strong opinions—loved for its fresh, citrusy brightness or, for some, an unexpected soapy note. If you fall into the first camp, dried cilantro is a convenient way to keep that unmistakable flavor on hand, ready to sprinkle into dishes when fresh leaves aren’t available.
Our dried cilantro is made from carefully harvested leaves, gently dehydrated to preserve their characteristic aroma and green vibrancy. While it won’t match the punch of fresh cilantro in a raw garnish, it holds its own in cooked dishes, where its herbal, slightly peppery notes infuse soups, stews, and sauces. Think of it as a pantry-friendly boost for salsas, curries, and marinades—anywhere you’d like a hint of that fresh-green character without worrying about wilting bunches in the fridge.
To get the most out of dried cilantro, rehydrate it briefly in liquid or add it to your dish toward the end of cooking. It pairs beautifully with lime, garlic, and cumin, making it a natural fit for Latin American, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Fresh cilantro has a more vibrant and intense aromatic quality due to its high volatile oil content. That’s why dried cilantro won’t deliver the same bright, punchy flavor, especially when used as a garnish.
Dried cilantro has a milder, more concentrated herbaceous flavor but loses some of the fresh citrusy top notes. When used in cooked dishes, though, it holds up better than fresh since the drying process removes moisture that can mute flavors during cooking.