You can still eat cilantro that has bolted. In fact, bolted cilantro is still edible and can even have some health benefits. However, it’s important to note that bolted cilantro may have a more bitter taste compared to fresh, non-bolted cilantro.
When cilantro bolts, it means that it has started to produce flowers and go to seed. This usually happens when the weather gets too hot, causing the plant to shift its energy towards reproduction rather than leaf growth. The stems of bolted cilantro become long and leggy, and the leaves may become smaller and less abundant.
While the flowers of cilantro are often considered attractive, cutting them off won’t do much to prevent bolting or improve the taste of the leaves. Once cilantro has bolted, it is difficult to reverse the process. Instead of trying to prevent bolting, it’s better to focus on growing cilantro during cooler months or providing some shade to reduce heat stress.
Although the taste of bolted cilantro may be more bitter, it can still be used in cooking. Some people even enjoy the slightly stronger flavor of bolted cilantro. It can be used in various dishes, such as salads, salsas, soups, and stir-fries. The leaves can be chopped and added as a garnish or mixed into dishes for added flavor.
If you find the bitterness of bolted cilantro to be too overpowering, you can try blanching the leaves briefly in boiling water and then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to cool. This can help to mellow out the bitterness and make the leaves more palatable.
Additionally, bolted cilantro can be used in other ways beyond culinary applications. Some people use the leaves in herbal teas for its potential health benefits. Cilantro is believed to have detoxifying properties and can aid in digestion. Adding a leaf or two of bolted cilantro to your tea can provide a unique flavor profile and potential health benefits.
While bolted cilantro may have a more bitter taste compared to non-bolted cilantro, it is still perfectly edible. Cutting off the flowers won’t prevent bolting or improve the taste of the leaves, so it’s best to let the plant go to seed. Whether you choose to use bolted cilantro in cooking or explore its potential health benefits in herbal teas, it can still be a valuable addition to your culinary and wellness endeavors.
