Coriander or cilantro? That depends on where you live, which part of the plant you eat
Where you live may determine whether you say coriander or cilantro (or Chinese parsley or dhania), when referring to this popular herb and spice. Internationally, coriander is the name for the leaves and stalks (the herb) of the plant as well as the seeds (the spice), but in the U.S., the leaves are called cilantro, the Spanish name for coriander, and the seeds are known as coriander.
The folklore
Coriander dates back thousands of years and was used by ancient Greek and Roman physicians to treat digestive issues and cramping and in China and India for medicinal and culinary purposes. Both coriander and cilantro pack unique flavor and a nutrient punch that we enjoy today in traditional as well as trending dishes with international flair, from curries and salsas to pickles and pesto.
The facts
Coriander and cilantro, both from the Coriandrum
plant, are members of the Apiaceae family, along with parsley and fennel. The herb and the spice are distinctly different in flavor – the leaves are bold and citrusy, the seeds warm and nutty – so the two cannot be used interchangeably in recipes. It contains a host of powerful plant compounds, as well as trace amounts of iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. A quartercup serving of cilantro delivers 16% of the daily value (based on 2,000 calories/day) of vitamin K, important for bone health and wound healing.
The findings
Historically, coriander has been used as a medicine. According to a study published in a 2018 issue of the journal Food Research International, compounds in
In the United States, “cilantro” is usually the name for the leaves of this plant. Elsewhere it’s often called coriander.
coriander have health-promoting and protecting activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory. The major compound, linalool (responsible for its aroma and taste) shows antibacterial potential.
The finer points
Fresh cilantro leaves are available year-round. Choose those that are deep green, perky and aromatic. Refrigerate upright in a container filled with a couple inches of water, leaves covered with a plastic bag where it can last up to a month. Coriander seeds are best when ground at home, as the ground spice loses flavor quickly. Store at room temperature up to a year. Toss loosely chopped cilantro leaves into rice dishes, slaws, pasta salads, eggs – anything that needs a fun boost of bold, fresh flavor. Utilize coriander seeds in dry rubs, hummus, curries, stews and pickling.
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