Cilantro, or Coriandrum sativum, is a fresh herb widely used in Latin American and Asian cuisines. It has a unique flavor with citrusy, peppery and pungent notes, with prominent stems sprouting very delicate leaves. Cilantro - the herb - also goes by the name of 'Chinese Parsley', and simply 'fresh coriander'. When shopping in the produce section, it bears a familiar leaf shape to Italian Flat Leaf Parsley. Cilantro, if left to seed in the garden, will produce flowers (inflorescence) resulting in tiny pods called coriander seeds.
Two different types of coriander fruits can be grown: microcarp (smaller pods grown in more temperate areas) and macrocarp (larger pods grown in hotter regions). Coriander is used in both seasoning blends, such as pickling, brining and curry spices, and on its own. Cilantro is typically used in fresh dishes to keep its full flavor and green coloring as the herb wilts quickly. If used in cooking, it is used in the last stages of cooking.
Growing Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro likes areas of the garden that aren't too hot so growing it in pots is a good choice where the plant can be moved if needed, or planting in the spring or autumn months when the temperatures are more temperate. It is an annual plant that grows to about 12 to 18 inches tall. If left to flower, the cilantro flowers will be anywhere from pink in color to all-white. If you are growing cilantro and you don't want it to go to seed, as soon as you see a flower snip it off to encourage more leaf growth.
Purchasing and Keeping Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro wilts easily and tends to be very 'stemmy': little leaves on a lot of stem. Look for bunches that are fresh, not wilted, and free of decay. Once it is brought home, keep it in the produce bin for up to a week and a half once it is rinsed, patted dry and placed in a breathable zipper bag. Another way to keep it is to place the cleaned cilantro bunch in a cup of water in an area free of frost and in a place where it won't be tipped, and change the water as it clouds to keep it clear. Snip as needed. If using it right away, rinse off once you bring it home, pat dry and chop up to use the entire head in stir fries, salads, sauces and guacamole.
Growing Coriander and Harvesting the Seeds
Growing coriander is easy: just let your cilantro go to flower. The resulting flowers will produce seed pods and when they are dried. To remove the seeds, just gather the snipped stalks of dried cilantro seed (coriander) and rub by hand or place on a tilted board and rub gently to allow the round coriander seeds to roll down into a bowl or plate.
Using Coriander Seed
Coriander seeds are used whole by themselves, or in a combination with other spices for pickling and brining foods. Ground coriander is used for mixed curry seasoning, flavoring sausages and meats, and used in baking.
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