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Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum
Other Names: Coriander seed herb, common coriander, Chinese parsley, cilantro
Coriander belongs to the Umbelliferae family, the same as parsley and carrots. The name Coriandrum is from the Greek koriandron. Its native habitat is southern Europe and Asia Minor but nowadays, coriander is cultivated everywhere and can now be found growing as weeds. A coriander plant can grow up to 3 feet and have a spread of about 9 inches. The leaves are bipinnate (or feathery looking) and the plant itself has a strong scent. Coriander flowers grow in umbels and the petals are like rays and are light mauve in color, the stems are hollow. The flowers bloom from mid to late summer.
Coriander seeds are unpleasant in taste and smell before they are ripe or mature, therefor fresh seeds are never used. Drying of the seed further removes the unpleasant odors. The round tiny seeds actually grow more fragrant the longer it is kept. The seeds which actually are the fruits, contain an essential oil called coriander oil or coriandrol which consists mainly of linool. The plant is usually cultivated for its roots, leafy shoots and seeds. Planting of the seeds in colder countries take place when the weather starts to get warm, after the danger of frost is gone.
In the East, coriander is often used as a condiment. It is one of the ingredients in curry powder. The leaves are used in soups and salads. In the West, the seeds are used to flavor liquors, in baked goods, in sausages, jams, vegetable dishes and stews.
When the name cilantro or Chinese parsley is used, it refers to the leaves of the plant; and when the name coriander is used, it is used in reference to the seeds. The taste of coriander has been described as a warm citrusy flavor with a hint of sage, while cilantro has the same flavors only milder and more earthy.
Medicinal uses: Coriander has been used for hundreds of years, maybe longer to treat stomach disorders and intestinal complaints. The Romans used the seeds and leaves to preserve meats. Apparently researches say that this herb contains antioxidants which prevent meats from going bad. It does this by killing insect larvae, fungi and bacteria which suggests that coriander can work as an antiseptic. Results from some studies have shown that coriander may also have anti-inflammatory properties. Powdered coriander seeds can be applied to minor cuts that have been first washed with soap and water.
To make coriander tea: Use one teaspoon of dried cilantro or crushed seeds, per cup of boiling water. So to make three cups of coriander tea, use three teaspoons of dried cilantro or crushed seeds and three cups of hot boiling water. Sip this tea three times a day before and after meals to aid in digestion. A week version of this tea may be given to toddlers two years old and younger to sooth colic. But before doing so, please seek the advice of a physician.
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