Calling Freezer Experts: Is this a good idea/bad idea?

[LilacMama]

I just got a freezer and I'm full of ideas for how to use it. I do lack some experience however. I had this idea today....would it work?

Blend together a large mixture of fresh cilantro, onion, scallions, jalopeno, lime. Divide into 4 ounce servings and freeze. Add to Mexican-style dishes (rice, guacamole, any Mexican food) when needed. Time and money saved by not having to buy all those things every single time I need them.

Would those things freeze well together and then stay flavorful in the freezer?

Good idea/bad idea?

I was thinking about doing this for pesto also. Any other ideas?

[Fujiko]

I'm not sure if the cilantro, scallions or the lime will freeze well. You should be okay with the onion and jalepeno.

Don't know about the pesto. We've never had it.

[cristeen]

The onions, scallions and jalapenos will lose some of their bite in the freezing process. But if you're talking about making a puree similar to pesto, it would work just fine. Whole leaf cilantro does not freeze well though - it's a tender herb and like parsley, dill and a few other turns to mush. But in a puree it would work fine.

[luv-my-boys]

I make something very similar well I thing exactly that. I LOVE cilantro in our dishes but its hard to get sometimes and I hate it going to waste because it dosent last long in our fridge. I blend it all in the chopper (like a pesto) and freeze it in ice cube trays when they are frozen I pop out into a ziplock bag and toss in as needed. I dont usually try for a very spicy since the boys eat from it so I usually add more *heat* to our own individual servings. I still do add a little fresh onion though for texture.

[LilacMama]

After exhaustive internet search, I have discovered the term and concept I was thinking of: Sofrito! Thanks mamas for your great ideas! Here's what I found:

http://www.daisymartinez.com/recipes/QuartetSofrito.htm

[ollyoxenfree]

I've frozen pesto, but omitted the parmesan until defrosted. It isn't as good as freshly made - I think it's the olive oil - but it works.

Try freezing in ice cube trays, so you can defrost small portions as you need them.

[HappyMommy2]

I do this with onions. Cut them once, and then freeze. That way, they are easy to throw in any dish. I think onions freeze really well.

[mamadelbosque]

I made tons of pesto a year and half ago and froze it in ice cube trays - its still wonderful a year and half later