Coriander
Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, is a fragrant flowering plant belonging to the parsley family, commonly used to flavor a variety of dishes. The plant features distinctive leaves, referred to as cilantro, and seeds, which are often dried and ground into a spice. Coriander has origins tracing back to at least 5000 BCE, with historical mentions in the Bible and findings in Egyptian tombs, underscoring its long-standing significance in culinary and medicinal practices across cultures. The plant grows upright, typically between 12 to 36 inches tall, and produces small flowers that attract pollinators like honeybees.
Coriander is a versatile ingredient, popular in European cooking and Asian curries, and is used in a variety of preparations from pickles to salsas. Nutritionally, cilantro provides vitamins A, C, and K, and is considered beneficial for digestive health, with some cultures using it in teas for ailments like bloating and nausea. However, it’s important to note that coriander may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. For optimal freshness, cilantro can be stored in the refrigerator, either in a sealed bag or upright in water. Overall, coriander serves as both a flavorful addition to meals and a traditional remedy in various cultural practices.
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Coriander
Coriander is a plant used to flavor foods. The flowering plant is fragrant and the leaves add pungent flavor. Traditionally, the seeds and spice powder made from them are called coriander, while the leaves and stems are called cilantro. The plant is sometimes called Chinese parsley. The seeds have a flavor reminiscent of lemon and are popular in European cooking and Asian curries.
The plant's scientific name is Coriandrum sativum. It is a member of the parsley family, and is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region or southern Europe. Seeds found in Egyptian tombs are testament to its ancient origins, which stretch to at least 5000 BCE, and coriander is mentioned in the Bible and other early works. Coriander arrived in North America during the seventeenth century when colonists settled in Massachusetts.
Overview
Coriander is an annual grown from seed and can be grown in containers. It prefers loamy soil and bright sunlight. It earned its name from its fragrance, which is like a stinkbug.
The thin-stemmed plant grows upright to between 12 and 36 inches (30 to 91 centimeters) tall and up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) wide. The small flowers, which attract honeybees, range from white to reddish in color. The seeds grow in 1/4-inch (0.64-centimeter) bunches. The plant flowers in hot weather, a condition called bolt that causes the flavor of the leaves and stems to become milder.
Coriander is often sold in bunches in supermarkets. Fresh coriander should show no signs of wilting and have bright green leaves and stems. It may be kept in a sealed bag and refrigerated for several days, or placed stem-down in a glass of water, covered, and refrigerated. The water should be changed every two days; the cilantro may remain fresh for up to two weeks. The seeds that are ground into powder for coriander spice are often large varieties grown in tropical and subtropical countries.
Coriander is commonly used to flavor curries and salsas. The seeds are frequently used when pickling foods and in salad dressings, chili sauces, sausages, and guacamole. The leaves are also used as a garnish. Chopped root is an ingredient in some Thai curries, and the minced or crushed roots may be used in place of garlic in recipes.
A 1/4-cup serving of cilantro contains 5 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, 2 percent of vitamin C, and 16 percent of vitamin K. It is a good source of thiamin and zinc and contains less than one calorie.
Ancient Egyptian and Greek physicians prescribed coriander for men who were seeking to enhance sexual performance. They also believed it was useful as a weight-loss aid. In many cultures, it is consumed in a tea for medical purposes, such as treatment of digestive distress, bloating, diarrhea in children, and nausea. Some nursing mothers drink cilantro tea to relieve colic in their infants and increase milk flow. Aromatherapy oils are made from the crushed seeds and may be inhaled with steam. Some medical studies indicate a combination of coriander, lemon balm, and spearmint may relieve discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Contact with the plant may cause skin irritation. Some people who consume coriander may experience an allergic reaction and even increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Bibliography
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Henderson, Jayme. "Why Freezing Is the Best Way to Preserve Cilantro." The Kitchn, 4 Aug. 2016, www.thekitchn.com/why-freezing-is-the-best-way-to-preserve-cilantro-221279. Accessed 2 June 2017.
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Walliser, Jessica. "The Secret to Getting the Best Cilantro Crop Ever." Hobby Farms, 8 Sept. 2016, www.hobbyfarms.com/the-secret-to-getting-the-best-cilantro-crop-ever/. Accessed 2 June 2017.