Bert Swope
Coriander and cilantro are two distinct parts of the same plant: cilantro refers to its leaves, while coriander refers to its seeds.
Cilantro leaves have a refreshing lemon-citrus taste with subtle pepper notes. Best enjoyed fresh, it can be added to soups, sauces, and salads alike for an added kick of flavor.
Herb or Spice
Herb and spice are two words often used interchangeably in English, yet their definitions can be somewhat vague. Herbs refer to leafy plants such as basil, tarragon, or thyme; spices refer to seeds – either whole or ground – found either within plants.
Herbs often work best in combination with spices, as herbs tend to enhance spices’ flavors while adding their unique touch. That is why many recipes call for a combination of both herbs and spices – such as cilantro, parsley, dill herb mix, or ground cumin, coriander, and peppercorns.
Cilantro is a widely beloved herb, often featured in Mexican cuisine. It can be chopped and used for making guacamole, salsas, and seasoned rice dishes.
Drying and powdering turmeric adds an exciting flair to soups, stews, and dips. It is commonly used in Indian curries as well as Thai and Vietnamese cooking.
Cilantro leaves are most often used in recipes, but you can also use their stems. Stems are tender and have a stronger, more intense flavor than leaves but lack as much citrusy aroma.
Another way to utilize cilantro leaves is by toasting them, which adds a rich, nutty aroma to your dish. Alternatively, you can grind them up into powder for an intense burst of cilantro flavor.
Coriander is an adaptable spice, great for seasoning and adding zest to a variety of dishes like curries, sausages, and pickles. It can also be ground into powder form and added to soups, stocks, or pickling brine.
If you’re searching for an herb or spice to add flair to your next dish, cilantro, and coriander are two must-try ingredients you won’t regret adding. They’ll bring your meal to life and provide a truly memorable taste sensation.
Cilantro can be purchased in the grocery store’s produce section or grown at home by planting coriander seed (also known as sativum). Just make sure you plant it in an optimal spot to get a maximum harvest each week.
Bring your meals to life
Cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley, is an herb used in soups, stews, salads, and salsas. It plays an essential role in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cooking styles.
It has a refreshing citrus taste with subtle undertones of sage and ginger, making it an ideal addition to any dish. Plus, this versatile ingredient is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamins A, C and K.
Keri Gans, R.D. and founder of The Small Change Diet and Shape Advisory Board explain that all parts of cilantro plants are edible – its leaves, stems, and flowers can be used in dishes such as sauces, dips, and smoothies.
To get the optimal flavor from cilantro, select a bunch with vibrant green hues and pliable stems. Make sure they remain upright when held, not wilting or drying out.
If you don’t plan to use the cilantro immediately, store it in a cool place in the fridge. When ready, take out and submerge in ice water for 5 minutes before using; this will rehydrate and keep your herb fresh for some time.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in knowing that cilantro is also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like Vitamin C, A, folic acid, riboflavin, magnesium, and calcium. Studies have even found evidence to link cilantro to heart disease prevention, improved digestion, and decreased cancer and diabetes risks.
The cilantro plant thrives in a variety of conditions and can be grown outdoors, indoors or in containers. For optimal growth, temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. This hardy perennial can be grown from seed or cuttings and will thrive even during cold weather conditions.
Growing cilantro is an easy process. All that’s necessary to get started is a sunny spot with a regular water supply and ample room for weeding.
Cilantro is a staple in South American and Asian cuisines, used to make various dishes such as salads, salsas, rice dishes, stir-fries or soups. It can be dried or cooked and used either as an ingredient or garnish.
How To Use Cilantro And Coriander
Coriander is an herb commonly used in soups, salads, curries, and other dishes. It contains numerous beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and antibacterial properties and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Cilantro is an herb widely grown worldwide, used in cuisines from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia for thousands of years. You can find fresh cilantro leaves and dried coriander seeds at most markets.
Cilantro is commonly used as a spice or herb, adding flavor and vibrancy to meals.
Fresh cilantro can be added to salsas, guacamole, and other Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. It’s also commonly used in seasoned rice dishes, soups, and stews.
When purchasing fresh cilantro, look for leaves that are tender and fragrant. Avoid wilted bunches with yellowing leaves.
Rinse the leaves thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit. It may take a couple of washings to fully eliminate all particles. Transfer the leaves to a strainer or shake them vigorously to drain away the excess liquid.
If you don’t want to wash the cilantro before using it, wrap it in a damp paper towel or cloth and store in a plastic bag before refrigerating. Doing this will prevent the cilantro from drying out and make it easier for you to use.
Once you’ve chopped and stored your cilantro, it can remain upright in the refrigerator for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze it by cutting up the leaves and keeping them in a freezer-safe container.
Cilantro leaves are an excellent way to add flavor to a dish and can be chopped for salads or stirred into soups and sauces. Pulverize them for use in salsas, hummus or enchiladas.
Using cilantro (leaves, foliage, and stems)
- Salads (use leaves)
- Stews and sauces (use leaves)
- Soups (use stems and/or leaves)
Using coriander (seeds)
- Sauces (curries, etc.)
- Flavoring meat
Using cilantro (Root)
- Asian seasoning pastes with garlic, salt, and green peppercorns
- Cilantro roots are often combined vegetables and roots like carrots, scallion, tomato paste, coconut milk, citrus, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, Chile peppers
- Cilantro roots are commonly used in meats like chicken, lamb, and goat.
Cilantro And Food Culture Combinations
Cilantro and coriander (seeds) are used in several food cuisines, including:
- Chinese Cuisine
- Star anise, coriander (seeds), fennel, garlic, ginger, and pepper
- Indian Cuisine
- Cayenne, cardamom, coriander (seeds), cumin, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, mint, saffron, and turmeric
- Mexico
- Cilantro (herb, not seeds), cumin, garlic, and oregano
- Thai Cuisine
- Anis, basil, coriander (seeds), lemongrass, and mint
Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are an excellent way to add a subtle yet irresistible taste to your dishes. Use them whole, or grind them up for rubs and marinades. Plus, you can pair them with other spices in various recipes for even greater variety!
Coriander is a widely used ingredient in Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and North African dishes. It can be added to soups, stews, and roasted vegetables, even in pickles and sauces.
This herb is a must-have in any kitchen and can be found in ethnic markets and grocery stores across America. It’s an enduring garden plant that thrives best when exposed to full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
If you want to try growing coriander yourself, start with some seeds from your local supermarket or garden store. Sow the seeds in rows a few inches apart and thin them out to 12″ apart once they have leaves. Ensure your plants get enough water and control weeds to survive heat, cold, and frosts.
Coriander seeds not only add flavor and texture to food but they’re also packed with Vitamin C and dietary fiber. These beneficial nutrients improve skin health, promote proper digestion, and lower cholesterol levels.
Coriander seed has a pleasant and slightly citrusy flavor that makes it easy to incorporate into your meals. You can use it in dishes like curry and chicken rubs and as an alternative spice in some recipes.
Coriander seeds are an excellent source of linalool, a phytochemical with numerous health benefits. Studies have demonstrated that consuming linalool may help lower blood pressure and lipid levels.
These seeds are an excellent addition to various dishes, particularly when mixed with other herbs and spices like cinnamon, fennel, and cumin. When combined together they create an irresistibly fragrant blend known as dukkah.
Coriander seeds can be more challenging to chew than cilantro leaves, as they have typically been ground into powder. That makes them popular in spice blends and rubs on meats.