Coriander

What is Coriander?

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is an herb native to western Asia, northern Africa, and southern Europe. It is most commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. The leaves, stems, and seeds of the coriander plant are all used for their distinct aroma and flavor. It is an aromatic annual plant, typically reaching a height of 30-50 cm. This plant grows best in full sun and requires well-draining soil.

Where is Coriander Generally Used?

Coriander is mainly used as a culinary herb in a variety of dishes in many different parts of the world. It is used to enhance the flavor of soups, salads, curries, and stews. The leaves are also used as a garnish for many dishes. The seeds are also widely used as a flavoring agent and are often ground into a powder and used to add a distinctive flavor to a variety of dishes.

Where is Coriander Found?

Coriander is mainly cultivated in warm regions of the world such as North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Coriander is also grown as an ornamental plant in some places. It can be found fresh in the produce section of most grocery stores. The dried, powdered version of coriander is also widely used and sold in many grocery stores.

What are the Health Benefits of Coriander?

Coriander has been studied for its potential health benefits, such as:

- Increasing dietary fibre intake

- Protecting against food-borne illnesses

- Improving digestion

- Lowering cholesterol levels

- Helping with diabetes management

- Possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial properties

Interesting Facts about Coriander

- Coriander has been used as a culinary herb for centuries.

- Coriander has been shown to have antifungal effects, making it helpful for a variety of skin conditions.

- In India, coriander is known as dhania, and it’s one of the ingredients that go into making garam masala.

List of Other Similar Ingredients

- Parsley

- Dill

- Cumin

- Fenugreek

- Mustard

- Basil